The Swan Inn, Little Chart

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#10 of 179 Restaurants in AshfordBar, British, ££ - £££

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The Swan Inn, Little Chart

Review

At a glance

Closes in 36 min

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Website

+44 1233 840011Improve this listing

About

A quaint countryside pub restaurant offering freshly cooked food sourced locally wether your popping in for a light lunch or dinner a warm welcome awaits you. Enjoy the riverside gardens with a drink from the bar and let the children enjoy the play area our children's menu is extremely popular to. We welcome dogs and have doggie ice cream all year round. Our team look forward to welcoming you

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Healthy

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Dog Friendly

Family style

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Live Music

Mastercard

Non-smoking restaurants

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Visa

Wine and Beer

Location

The Street Little Chart, Ashford, Kent, Ashford TN27 0QB England

Parking Available

Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?

Yes

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Hours

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Closes in 36 min

Sunday

12:00 - 21:00

Monday

12:00 - 21:00

Tuesday

11:30 - 21:00

Wednesday

11:30 - 21:00

Thursday

11:30 - 22:30

Friday

11:30 - 23:00

Saturday

12:00 - 23:00

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4.5

395 reviews

Excellent

287

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

clara cluck

York168 contributions

Fabulous seasonal menu !

Jul 2023 • couples

A gem of a pub in the Kent countryside with lovely riverside beer garden and children's play area. Always given a warm welcome by friendly landlady and staff. Had lunch and tried the new Summer menu which is very varied with something to suit everyone. We started with the Garlic Prawns in an Asian chilli sauce and the Thai duck in Little gem boats, both were beautifully presented and were delicious . Our main courses were equally delicious and again beautifully presented. The mussels were plentiful with a fabulous broth and the Rump steak salad with the Kentish Blue cheese was huge ! So full we couldn't manage dessert but had a look at the menu and there was a good choice of puddings and ice creams. This new Summer menu is very reasonably priced and there is a good choice of beers, cider,spirits and wine. Have already booked a table for our next visit. Well done everybody !

Written 13 July 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah Birks

Thank you very much for your kind review it makes all the hard work that everyone puts in even more rewarding and I have passed your kind words on to all the staff. We look forward to seeing you in August

Written 14 July 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

clara cluck

York168 contributions

Lovely, friendly pub !

Jan 2023 • friends

Visited this charming country pub for lunch , we were given a very warm welcome and shown to our tables ( we were a party of 13 , so had 3 tables !). Our drinks orders were taken promptly and brought to the tables . The menu was varied and very reasonably priced , given the number in our party and the fact that all meals are freshly prepared the service was excellent. The meals for our table were all nicely presented and piping hot and the portion size was very generous . Special mention to the curry , the fish and chips and the vegetarian burger - all delicious !! Would certainly go back.

Written 18 January 2023

sarah

Thank you for your lovely review we are all pleased that you enjoyed your lunch with us. Hopefully we will see you again soon

Written 19 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jules

95 contributions

Lovely dinner, excellent food and warm and cosy atmosphere

Mar 2025 • couples

We had a wonderful dinner at The Swan. A very warm welcome for us and our two dogs. The menu was concise and interesting with a selection of scallop dishes for the daily specials. We chose from the ‘burger bar’ menu and really enjoyed the perfectly cooked food, it tasted delicious! I especially enjoyed my mushroom and feta burger with a spiced tomato mayo. A good selection of wines too, including some locally produced drinks. We’d highly recommend a visit and we hope to visit again!

Written 2 March 2025

lorna Sage

Thank you for your lovely review 😊 We look forward to seeing you soon

Written 3 March 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Suep

London1 contribution

Outstanding food and service

Jan 2023 • family

What a hidden gem. Called in on the off chance as we drove past with two very hungry children. We were quickly seated by our lovely server Georgian. She gave us outstanding service, nothing was too much trouble and both our two usually shy boys loved her. She was so patient with them both even when they were constantly waving and trying to talk to her every time she walked past our table(sorry about that!)Hats off to the chef as well who we were told is only 25!! He made lots of accommodations for our family and even made our children a special pudding to share. We only had room for sides but the garlic bread was the best I’ve ever had, not your typical bought in rubbish you usually find.Wish we had room for more as all the food coming out looked and smelled sensational. Will certainly be returning to sample more of the lovely menu.It’s not very often you turn up to a bustling pub on a Saterday afternoon with no booking and two small children and are made to feel so welcome. Well done to everyone on the swan team, Thank-you and you will be seeing us soon.

Written 22 January 2023

sarah

Thank you for your very kind review. We are all very pleased that you had a lovely afternoon with us. I have passed on your comments to Georgia who as you can understand is a valuable member of the team. We look forward to seeing you again

Written 23 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

scraggyaggie

Gillingham63 contributions

Beautiful food. Very clean but the wine was quite expensive.

May 2021 • family

A beautiful pub and extremely clean. Covid regulations were adhered to with guests having to sign in when using the restaurant. We were made to feel very welcome and the staff accomodated us in the restaurant despite not booking earlier. The food was excellent quality, was hot tasty and plenty of it The only thing which would put us off visiting n the future is the price of the alcohol for which we were charged £19 for a bottle of wine which I feel excessive. At the end of the day we should have checked the price prior to ordering but was not provided with the wine menu as we had ordered a bottle in the garden area and in our wildest dreams would not have imagined it to be so expensive this side of London. The staff did apologise for the cost of the wine when my husband paid but perhaps in the future patrons should be made aware prior to ordering or given a wine menu. Such a shame.

Written 23 May 2021

annsmith316

Hi I’m really pleased you enjoyed your visit but somewhat curious on your comment regarding the price of the wine? As I wasn’t there which wine did you order? I think you will find all of our wine is comparable to other establishments and we have never had a complaint of overpricing Should you return please come and say hello and I will make sure a wine menu is given to you prior to ordering. Regards Ann

Written 25 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christina T

London9 contributions

Excellent food

Oct 2022 • family

We booked a late Sunday lunch , much needed after a long family walk across from Pluckley with our dogs as an autumn treat. We were greeted by a very polite friendly barman who welcomed us in..we were not rushed to order We chose the Sunday lunch , fish n chips and chicken burger..The food came out lovely and hot, with an array of seasonal vegetables, the cauliflower cheese was so lovely and cheesy an everything was cooked to perfection and was generous in helping..The lady who served us was so friendly and attentive. She paid attention to our dogs with treats and water… I will definitely be coming back and would thoroughly recommend The Swan

Written 1 November 2022

sarah

Thank you very much for your kind review. We are all pleased you enjoyed the food and your afternoon with us. We look forward to welcoming you and your dogs again

Written 1 November 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Luke G

1 contribution

Great service and food. Highly recommend.

Jul 2023 • family

Lovely family meal. Great service and excellent food in a lovely village. Chicken fajitas went down a treat. Perfect portion sizes. The pulled pork loaded chips and home made chocolate brownie were sublime. Food and drink well priced and the waitress Jess was very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend.

Written 28 July 2023

Sarah Birks

Thank you for your very kind review and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your evening with us. I will pass your comments to all the staff especially Jess

Written 2 August 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nicola p

Kent4 contributions

Right place right time

Jun 2022 • family

We stopped in on the off chance this afternoon. Even though they were very busy, they were very accommodating and did us 2 Sunday dinners ( roast beef) the food was absolutely delicious and lots of it too!! You can also order extras and we had the cauliflower cheese which was amazing. Really lovely surroundings ( we sat outside) special thankyou to the gentleman and young lady who squeezed us in and were so nice to us! Excellent service, excellent food and great value for money!!

Written 26 June 2022

Ruth G

Whitstable6 contributions

Great welcome after a long walk!

Dec 2024 • couples

Stopped for lunch after a very long walk. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food was great. Fish and chips were perfect. My hubby had a burger which he said was very tasty and home made and my friend had the risotto which she enjoyed too. All at a very reasonsable price. 100 per cent recommend.

Written 28 December 2024

lorna Sage

Thank you for visiting us we look forward to seeing you all again soon 😀

Written 29 December 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TWDB

Appledore39 contributions

Our First Visit - We May Not return

Sept 2020 • none

We had learned that a newish Swing Band were scheduled to play, so we booked a table for dinner. We were unaware until we arrived that the venue was operating under temporary conditions, apparently due to a vehicle planting itself in one of the walls of the main building. Added to which the complication of the Coronavirus Pandemic social distancing measures. The dining area was in a marquee. The bar was operating from a mobile wagon. The stage was a temporary but suitable facility. Tables were also placed outside. Upon arrival it was unclear how diners were to be seated but having waited at the entrance for a while we were told to stand outside near the temporary bar and register at which point we would be seated. Having stood at the appointed spot for some, considering whether we should find another restaurant, a member of staff guided us to the table inside the marquee. Our table for two was located in the pathway of staff and anyone else be they diners or patrons who had seats outside, heading to and from the temporary toilets or the temporary bar. The floor shook constantly and the table bounced, as staff rushed from place to place. It was somewhat reminiscent of a ship in a stormy sea. We were provided with a wine list and reduced menu, although the choice was reasonable under the circumstances. Our drinks and food orders were eventually taken. Service was reasonably prompt. The quality of the food was surprisingly good.. The high spot of the visit was the Swing Band - Betty Baker and The Swing Tones. A great singer, with a terrific range and a first class group of musicians in support. We could be attracted back, but will almost certainly wait until the main facilities are back in action, unless meanwhile the Swing Band return and we would then opt for a table in the outside area.

Written 15 September 2020

annsmith316

Frankly I’m absolutely amazed at your review!!! Limited menu? We serve Sunday lunch on Sunday!! I’m sorry our wedding marquee isn’t up to your standards but it’s the best we have to replace our beautiful pub!!! Your review is so patronising it’s unbelievable As for the food being surprisingly good we serve 200 covers most sundays so why surprise? Also we had have a track and trace system which means you must sign in which obviously delays matters and as for social distancing all of our tables are more than two metres apart!!! I’m truly sorry the marquee floor has a spring to it. Let me assure you we don’t need your custom and should you choose to return you will not be welcome Ann

Written 15 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David P

Charing25 contributions

Disappointed!

Apr 2022 • none

We used to love to come here for lunch, unfortunately they no longer serve lunch. Now you are offered a full meal or you can choose from a variety of not very good starters. Such a shame. The pub's ploughman's or any of their baguettes were legendary (particularly the steak with onions) and it's so sad that a proper pub lunch is not now available. When questioned on this the answer given was "there's only one person on the kitchen and he (or she) doesn't have time to make sandwiches". Still with a bit of luck the Wheel will be open soon. The stars are for the beer and chips.

Written 12 May 2022

sarah

Thank you for your review. I am sorry that the menu was not what you were expecting. We pride ourselves on over 90% of our menu being made and cooked on site. There is a wide selection of homemade starters and many of our customers share them as an alternative to a sandwich. Our menu changes regularly and is always updated on our website, as summer is now fast approaching a selection of salads and sandwiches will be added to allow for the warmer weather. To give a 3 rating because we didn’t have your choice of sandwich is very harsh as you did not try any of the alternatives for which we have received great reviews.

Written 15 May 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Navigator560904

6 contributions

Lovely dog friendly country pub with delicious food

Feb 2022 • none

We had a wonderful Valentines Day set menu meal this evening. The chilli prawn starter was the right side of fiery and served in a delicious bitterly sauce. The steak was cooked to perfection and the pork tenderloin was delicious. We were so well fed we had no room left to explore the dessert and cheese menu. Sarah, provided a table in the bar, where she and her are team are always happy to welcome dogs and provide treats and water bowls. A lovely country pub serving a selection of ales and a warm welcome.

Written 14 February 2022

ellielouiseatkins

Ashford25 contributions

Wow!!

Oct 2022 • family

Wow!! I have struggled to find a good Sunday roast local to us until we found The Swan! The best roast dinner I’ve had in ages. Couldn’t fault it, crispy roast potatoes, succulent chicken breast, (they also offer 4 meats) an amazing selection of roast vegetables and thick tasty gravy! 10/10. I came with my family and then my boyfriends family a couple weeks later and no one could complain about a thing. Service was spot on, we were served by Corina who couldn’t have done more to make our visit enjoyable. If you want a spot on roast dinner, visit The Swan!

Written 2 November 2022

sarah

Thanks for your great review we always look forward to seeing you and your family. I will make sure all your kind words are passed onto the staff

Written 2 November 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Harleyvrod

21 contributions

Great Sunday lunch , tasty hot and 5 star service . New chef , tenants and great food .

Oct 2021 • couples

An exceptional Sunday lunch , beef for me turkey for my wife , beautifully cooked , served hot and generous helpings , followed by apple crumble cooked to perfection . No pre cooked , fast food at the Swan , new chef is way ahead of the game . Coupled with a friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices … Makes this a 5 star experience

Written 31 October 2021

Suandgang

Ashford10 contributions

Birthday lunch with girlfriends

Jul 2020 • none

This was 17 July 2020, a very hot day so we sat outside. All seemed ok on arrival, and they took our details for track and trace. The most dreadful slow service then followed, even getting our drinks was a long wait. The waiter (who i think was a "local" helping out, was clueless, mind you, the two woman were not much better. When the food eventually arrived, 2 pizzas and 1 ploughmans, there was no plates, no cutlery and we was not getting any either. There was 5 of us and only 4 napkins. the pizzas were served in takeaway boxes. It gets worse - the food was inedible. The pizzas were both burnt. The 1 small baguette (the type you buy in Lidl and warm in the oven) was so hard it would of broke our teeth. The whole ploughmans was just disgusting. We ate none of it and a few slices of the burnt pizza just because we was starving. When the bill came out we made our complaint (no one came out to check if food ok). They took such a small amount off the bill it was insulting. They were not apologetic either. Without doubt this is the worst pub we (there was 5 of us from Ashford) have even been to. We all eat out a lot and all agreed this is one place to never return. There was no excuse, it was not busy, and other pubs have and are managing well since reopening. I cannot express enough how bad this experience was. And its a shame they didn't care by trying to put it right, apologizing and offering a full refund.

Written 21 August 2020