The Swan Inn is our local pub, old and rickety, full of friendly locals, the occasional dog and old battered chairs and tables. The Swan is also a fantastic place to go out for dinner. You weren’t expecting that were you? My brother works behind the bar so I know the staff well and remember how good the food was a few years back when head chef Nicola was in the kitchen. She’s recently returned and the food is better than ever! Last week, Mummy Bites and I headed down there for dinner. The menu changes frequently and there is a large specials board to choose from too.
After gobbing the delicious and freshly made olive bread, I started with the caramelised shallot and melted Cornish brie pot with toasted ciabatta and a watercress salad. It was gorgeous and the funny thing is that we were talking to my brother and he told us that it came around by accident. Rich gooey brie on top of soft caramelised shallots with crusty bread to dip – pure cheesy heaven. Mum went for the black pudding and poached egg salad from the specials board. It was served with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, a perfect taste of spring.
For my main I chose Pan-fried seabass with pancetta and button mushroom risotto. Mum went for the chicken breast griddled with hot chorizo butterbean and cherry tomato. My sea bass was cooked beautifully and the risotto was full of flavour. I’m not sure that they went together but both elements were delicious. Mums chicken was moist and the chorizo butterbean stew complimented it well. I love anything with chorizo in so was more than happy to hover up what she couldn’t finish! (It takes work maintaining this pot belly you know!)
We were too full for puddings on this occasion but the cheese board looked particularly good with local cheeses and home made chutney on it. Karen tried her best to convince us but we thought we’d quit whilst we were ahead! Plus, I was cycling home that night so couldn’t be too full or I’d fall off my bike! For two courses and a couple of glasses of wine we paid around £43.00 not including tip.
Nicola is doing a fantastic job with the food at the Swan. Its Leicestershire’s hidden gem! Don’t be put off by fact that you’re walking into a small local pub – her food is a notch above anything you can call pub-grub around Mountsorrel. As an aside, they have a great lunchtime menu too – the ploughmans is filling and traditional and their wedges are a must!
Over and out!