Swan Inn, Barnby Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“It's Fine Fish Resturant”
Written on: 24/03/2013
To all those people who have complained of poor service and that the food was off. All I can say is that you were either very unlucky or chose a busy weekend or your expectations are that of someone who dines in the Savoy and looks down on this fine eating resturant for ordinery people. For me I have been to the Barnby Swan on many occassions and can only praise the staff for their efficiency. I can honestly say that the food has always been of the highest standard as the owners have direct... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Service is not on the menu”
Written on: 29/08/2012 by speedyfreak
The Swan Inn is a Pub that does grub, I’ve eaten here in the past and the unique draw was good a quality fish menu. We were greeted at the bar and handed menus also spotting a large chalk board array of specials. Too much info but not a great choice. The waitress was inattentive throughout the meal and appeared untrained almost rude. There were six in my party; I had the Skate wing, my wife son and father in law the cod, mother in law the place and son crab. The skate cod and plaice... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“poor visit”
Written on: 02/08/2012 by pkmsigns (1 review written)
we go annually during my father in laws visit, this year Aug 2012, we were very VERY disappointed, 1: dead fly in wine glass as we were seated. 2: tables so sticky that you could not easily lift anything off it. 3: adjacent wall filthy 4: one of our starters had a dead fly ON THE TOAST as it was served ! 5: another starter … salmon nuggets … were half the size of previous visits AND 3 of the five smelt off…they were returned & knocked off bill. 6: main course t-bone steak did not taste... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Been twice, been well fed and I'm well satisfied”
Written on: 17/04/2012 by AndyClarke (1 review written)
Gound some of the reviews on this site from early 2011 rather daunting. i can only assume that the pub kitchen went through a bad period at that time as both the occasions I've visited The Swan in the last 6 months, I couldn't praise the food or the service highly enough. My second visit was lunchtime on 16/4/12 and, although the restaurant was fairly quiet, I found the service very friendly and attentive. The only fault I can think of is that the bread was a bit late arriving at the table... (read more)
★★★★★
“lovely place, takes some finding!”
Written on: 12/09/2011 by cozameleg (1 review written)
this restaurant was recommended by a colleague who lives in the vicinity. We booked a table for lunch and, once we found the place, we were very pleased we made the effort. The beer was excellent, staff attentive, food was very good value for money and there was an embarrassment of choice. We declined the chips and potatoes and still had trouble finishing the portions. The fish was of high quality and cooked to perfection. It appeared many customers are regular visitors; clientèle ranged... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Great Fish Restaurant”
Written on: 18/08/2011
This was our first time and we went for lunch. Great quality fresh fish cooked to perfection. Never had better. We had the seabass and the dover soles. Service was attentive and relaxed. (read more)
★★★★★
“This was my first visit to The Swan and I was very...”
Written on: 14/05/2011
This was my first visit to The Swan and I was very impressed. Excellent food, great service and a very enjoyable evening. (read more)
★★★★★
“ 05/05/11 ”
Written on: 04/05/2011
05/05/11
We have to day taken some friends for lunch and had an excellent fish meal served by very pleasent staff at a reasonable cost in comefortable surroundings.
(read more)
★★★★★
“Friendly staff and great fishy menu+ nice dessert....”
Written on: 02/05/2011
Friendly staff and great fishy menu+ nice dessert. Food cooked to perfection.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“THE BARNBY SWAN! FISH RESTUARANT! ”
Written on: 28/03/2011
THE BARNBY SWAN! FISH RESTUARANT!
Been many a times however woon't be returning! The service was friendly however very slow of waiting over an hour and an half for our food, which was not up to scratch and has not been a few times before. Though the staff were friendly and made you welcome it was clear that they were struggling to cope and not happy as they were exstremly under staffed thus service was negatively reflected. Although company was good the food and service was a let down hence...
(read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 49 Reviews
★★★★★
“Really good, 18 of us for a family 85th birthday...”
Written on: 27/03/2011 by gillrackham (1 review written)
Really good, 18 of us for a family 85th birthday party. We have been coming to The Swan for many years and were not disappointed. The fish was superb and very good size! wonderful chips!The staff were helpful and friendly, a couple of minor mistakes with order but was put right promptly and efficiently.
Thank you we will come again.
(read more)
★★★★★
“Had not heard a bad word against this restaurant until...”
Written on: 20/03/2011
Had not heard a bad word against this restaurant until recently. Husband has been a couple of times and so have friends who have always spoken very highly of the food and service. We ignored the reviews and had a meal with friends last Saturday evening and glad we did as it was lovely, service extremely good, quick and professional considering it was very busy. Will definately recommend to friends and family. (read more)
★★★★★
“We booked this meal about 2 weeks ago,after having 2...”
Written on: 19/03/2011
We booked this meal about 2 weeks ago,after having 2 or 3 lovely meals here before.Friday March 18th , The night of the meal, just logged on to see what the reviews were like and after reading most of them were very worried that we were in for a bad night....How wrong we were and all those negative reviews that had been written...We had a drink served by a very polite well dressed barman(in his dickie bow tie.could of been Adrian Chiles son)looked just like a young version of him!!After... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i have been using the barnby swan for 12 years now and...”
Written on: 11/02/2011
i have been using the barnby swan for 12 years now and it has rapidly gone in quality and service, our last meal which was on the 03 02 11 was a disaster, mussel starter uneatable chips burned yet still undercooked peas cold,[ have been using this place for over 12 years but after 5 very bad meals iam calling it a day, (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Table was booked for 8pm but we were forgotten! Had...”
Written on: 08/02/2011
Table was booked for 8pm but we were forgotten! Had to remind staff we were waiting for our table. Eventually was seated at 9pm. Starters were fine although we did have to ask for bread which was not met with much enthusiasm! One of the main courses was returned because this was cold so one of our party ate on their own! When ordering dessert, we were advised that this might not be available. However the dessert did materialise! When ordering drinks, we had to wait a good ten minutes... (read more)
★★★★☆
“We have eaten at The Swan many times over the past...”
Written on: 07/02/2011
We have eaten at The Swan many times over the past twelve years and have only once been disappointed. I wonder who the people are who have written such damning reviews of both staff and food. I cannot beieve that thay are talking about the same restaurant. We have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful, even when under pressure; and although we have our favourite dishes, all those we have tried have been very good. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Recommended by friends, food was truly terrible, won't...”
Written on: 23/01/2011
Recommended by friends, food was truly terrible, won't be returning. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“What a disappointment. This used to be a lovely...”
Written on: 07/01/2011
What a disappointment. This used to be a lovely restaurant - not any more. Staff surly and more interested in what is happenning with their facebook - text messages and conversations with each other. Main meals took ages to arrive after starters fish with cheese sauce looked lovely but the cheese completely overpowered the fish. Scraped sauce away and could see why the fish was tasteless even when salt added. Will not go back again (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“We have visited the Swan Inn on a number of occasions,...”
Written on: 06/01/2011
We have visited the Swan Inn on a number of occasions, this and the last visit was unimpressive. The staff were rude, unenthusiastic and on a number of occasions ignored us. When seated at the table, the waitress came back over to place cutlery and advise two of the dishes were unavailable, when asked whether we could have bread for the table her response was "i'll get to that in a minute" followed by a roll of the eyes. The special board did not reflect what was actually available, several... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Used to be a good place to eat.Not any more has really...”
Written on: 03/01/2011
Used to be a good place to eat.Not any more has really deteriorated thought it was bad enough the time before last ,but thought it might be a one off ...its got worse.Bad service ,starter plates left for over 20 minutes after finishing while waitresses had a chat, suppose to be a renowned sea food resturant and was asked to order meals a week in advance as it was a large party ,4 of the meals ordered were unobtainable this is from a resturant 4 miles from the fish docks!Cold soup ,fish meals... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 49 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Recommended by my sisters who ate here a few months...”
Written on: 21/09/2010
Recommended by my sisters who ate here a few months ago. Booked table for 3 last Friday for lunch. First impression, beautiful flowers, though can't eat t flowers, but wished we had. Drinks before hand, my coffee stewed did not drink it. Shown to table, order take, food arrived quite promptly.I ordered crab topped with cheese, which fell off in one hard lump crab had seen better days, vegetables cold, fatty chips. One friends ordered the sole, which was dry, overcooked or warmed up, again... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“First time visitor on recommendation from local...”
Written on: 20/09/2010 by AJR1305 (1 review written)
First time visitor on recommendation from local people. Booked a couple of weeks in advance for a Saturday meal. Arrived 7.30pm for 7.45pm meal. Very welcoming from the outside. Into main bar area which was busy and felt cramped. Had to wait at the bar for over 5 minutes before I was even acknowledged. Presented with a menu and a chalk board of specials. All in all a huge range of fish and shellfish dishes.
Table was in far corner of busy restaurant. We were actually forgotten and had to go...
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Lobster starter was very chewy - a beautiful piece of...”
Written on: 25/02/2010
Lobster starter was very chewy - a beautiful piece of Turbot was cooked to perfection but ruined by eggy floury goo from cooking and a luke warm so called sauce with further floury taste and lots of prawns. Batter on cod was also under cooked (staff didn't ask how meal was so we didn't tell them)
Very disappointed won't be going back
(read more)
★★★★★
“Always enjoy my meals here when I go with my parents.”
Written on: 16/02/2010
Always enjoy my meals here when I go with my parents. (read more)
Chiplover's Comment
Written on: 12/01/2011
I found this review not helpful because...it gave no details!!
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★★★★★
“Great fish meals...always cooked perfectly. ”
Written on: 16/02/2010
Great fish meals...always cooked perfectly.
Staff are friendly and accomodating.
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“We thought we'd try the Swan having heard good reviews...”
Written on: 01/12/2009
We thought we'd try the Swan having heard good reviews of it. However, we were not made to feel welcome in the restaurant, with distinctly unfriendly service. My fish - which was a simple battered fish, was overcooked and dry and the presentation was old fashioned and uninspiring. The service was slow and the meal was not good value. We will not be returning or recommending this as a place to eat to friends. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Very disapointing. I wish I had read some of the other...”
Written on: 16/11/2009
Very disapointing. I wish I had read some of the other reviews before I booked. I took a friend here for her 50th Birthday and will not be returning. The service apart from one waiter was poor and slow. Our food arrived 1.5 hours after we sat down. Apparently it was our fault because we had not ordered our meal in the bar, although we were not informed that you had to do this either when I booked or when we entered the restaurant. When I enquired about our meal the owner was rude and... (read more)
★★★★★
“I dont normally like to experiment with fish dishes...”
Written on: 29/10/2009
I dont normally like to experiment with fish dishes but my Lobster tails and Scallops were fantastic. I tried Dover Sole too and it was delicious. The landlord was a gent and we had a lovely time. Definately go ther again, Thanks Donnie ( Jayne ) Daphnes daughter;-) The decor was lovely and it was immaculate in cleanliness. The wine was superb too. Cannot fault anything at all. All cooked to percection I must add, thanks again xxx (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Have just come back from a Friday lunch at the Swan...”
Written on: 31/07/2009 by jerry61 (2 reviews written)
Have just come back from a Friday lunch at the Swan Inn, Barnby,it having been highly recommended by a few people. To start with, the setting itself was lovely and the service was very friendly and helpful. I do not doubt the quality of the fish itself but there is obviously a BIG difference between the original ingrediants and what happens to them after they have passed through the chef's hands!! I doubt that the chef has heard of "Less is more" and the words "old fashioned" and "heavy... (read more)
★★★★★
“Having been invited to a 60th Birthday Party about...”
Written on: 04/06/2009
Having been invited to a 60th Birthday Party about twelve years ago and been so impressed with this Swan Inn restaurant, whilst on holiday in Wroxham last September we made the journey and were NOT disappointed. We had not pre-booked but the food and service were first class, so much so that we booked again for the following week. Once again, we were not disappointed. (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 49 Reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
“I have to say I was excited when I heard of a good...”
Written on: 04/05/2009
I have to say I was excited when I heard of a good fish restaurant some twenty minutes from my front door. When told Swan Inn, Barnby was award winning and reasonably priced then even better! But how dissapointed I was. We went on Sunday evening for a 6:30pm booking, our order was taken at 6:45 and the waitress had no idea what gluten free meant and to be frank was quiet and disinterested. The main problem with the meal was though that they forgot a main course for my father, not only did... (read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“The Swan Inn is a fish restaurant so I thought I would...”
Written on: 28/04/2009
The Swan Inn is a fish restaurant so I thought I would play safe & have plaice & chips. It was probably the worst fish & chips I have had, soggy batter whereas the chips appeared to have been cooked three or four times over. The dessert which in name only was an 'apple pie' was mostly inedible. As this meal was a treat by someone complaining was not an option. This is the third time I have tried this restaurant (not by my own choice) and each time it has been bitterly disappointing. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i have been going to the Swan Inn for 10years and have...”
Written on: 23/02/2009 by stannard (1 review written)
i have been going to the Swan Inn for 10years and have recommended it to many people. I have to say the worst meal i have had in a long time. My husbands prawn cocktail my 8yr old could have presented better. His main dish worse still, torbay sole fillet cold watery like a boil in the bag. Some of my prawns dry and chewy. Ruined our wedding anniversary. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“our party of 14 thought the presentation of the tables...”
Written on: 20/12/2008 by j rushmere (1 review written)
our party of 14 thought the presentation of the tables and xmas crackers looked good and we thought we were in for a wonderful evening but!
we had booked our meals a week in advance so they knew what we wanted ....big mistake plates cold most of the fish seemed reheated the gilled soles were burnt all round the edges and were dry. the place was cold and we had to put our coats on to eat our meal. there were no lights in the only toilet just a candle to see with we complained about the meal...
(read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“This was our second visit to Swan Inn, Barnby. On our...”
Written on: 29/06/2008
This was our second visit to Swan Inn, Barnby. On our first visit the quality of presentation could not be faulted,and we were happy to recommend the establishment to others. On this occasion however, having raved about the establishment,and having invited my family to the meal,I was acutely embarrassed by the meal.indeed I returned my meal to kitchen,and a member of staff had the effrontery, to offer to warm the meal up. I can only guess that the establishment has changed hands, or kitchen... (read more)
★★★★★
“The service we experienced was beyond the normal call...”
Written on: 25/05/2008
The service we experienced was beyond the normal call of duty.
Having walked to the Swan from the nearby airfield 1 1/4 hour walk, the owner provided free transport back without being asked so to do.
(read more)
★★★★★
“My friends and myself had such a lovely meal. We are...”
Written on: 30/04/2008 by BetteB
My friends and myself had such a lovely meal. We are returning tomorrow. (read more)
★★★★★
“Don't know where 'food lover' ate, but seriously doubt...”
Written on: 22/03/2008 by fifi1964
Don't know where 'food lover' ate, but seriously doubt it was at the swan...Everybody is entitled to an opinion but sometimes it's best kept to oneself......The last time we ate there the food was excellent, fresh and well cooked, as always... service good... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“You got to LOVE fish to go here. Forget this place if...”
Written on: 17/03/2008
You got to LOVE fish to go here. Forget this place if someone in your party is veggie or has allergies. Staff were very disgruntled at having to accommodate my allergies (and rude) and I had to send my meal back several times until they got it correct. Salad to accompany meal unimaginative limp lettuce and if you had vegetables with your meal it seem to be peas, peas and more peas nothing else (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Very, very disappointing having had good experiences...”
Written on: 09/12/2007 by lloyd llewellyn (2 reviews written)
Very, very disappointing having had good experiences here in the past.Large portions of fresh food.
Ale was in good condition.
(read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 49 Reviews
★★★★★
“A brilliant experience. Excellent food with very good,...”
Written on: 16/10/2007 by Anthrotech (1 review written)
A brilliant experience. Excellent food with very good, friendly and attentive service. The Dover Sole was cooked to absolute perfection. I would go again most definitely. (read more)
★★★★★
“This was myself and my wifes first visit to The Swan...”
Written on: 01/08/2007 by yellowlisa
This was myself and my wifes first visit to The Swan in Barnby. As we parked the car, a local came along heading for the pub for his Sunday lunch time, and said "no chance of table today boy", but we decided to give it a go. The staff were brilliant! They found us a table in the bar, and the food was fantastic; as good as the reputation that I had heard of the restaurant. I had a grilled Sea Bass, which was fantastic! It was the first time I had eaten it, and it was worth the experience. M... (read more)
★★★★★
“Great atmosphere very friendly and charming staff.”
Written on: 06/07/2007 by leverton (1 review written)
Great atmosphere very friendly and charming staff. (read more)
★★★★☆
“The phone will ring and ring before you get a reply,...”
Written on: 25/06/2007 by escrivener (3 reviews written)
The phone will ring and ring before you get a reply, then sometimes you get hung up on if they are busy. You have to book at the Swan Inn in Barnby 4 - 6 weeks in advance for weekends, and they like to tell you that as well. (read more)
★★★★★
“I love eating at the Swan Inn, we're always made to...”
Written on: 26/03/2007 by littlebloom234
I love eating at the Swan Inn, we're always made to feel welcome and the friendly waiting staff are good at remembering familiar faces. They can always help find a dish that will please if we're having difficulty choosing.
The menu is varied and does have a vegetarian option, or steaks for people not so keen on fish.
You need to book 3-5 weeks in advance for a table on a Saturday night as they get very busy! You never feel rushed though as I have in other restaurants on busy nights.
(read more)
Chiplover's Response to 283332_littlebloom234's Review
Written on: 12/01/2011
I found this review not helpful because..i cant help feeling this was written by the owner !!!
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“Wonderful fish courses and something delicious fo rmy...”
Written on: 04/02/2006 by i77 (3 reviews written)
Wonderful fish courses and something delicious fo rmy vegetarian partner. The Swan Inn is a little gem in the Suffolk countryside. (read more)
★★★★★
“Barnby, Seafood, Swan Inn - This is a really lovely...”
Written on: 07/06/2005 by monkeygirl
Barnby, Seafood, Swan Inn - This is a really lovely little place, and the seafood is absolutely amazing. If you love a particular type of seafood, you can find it here!!! I had monkfish, which tasted lovely and fresh and was nicely cooked. A fellow diner had the lobster salad, which was stunning! Would definitely eat here again... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“What can I say? How the Swan Inn managed to win pub of...”
Written on: 20/05/2005 by Food Lover (1 review written)
What can I say? How the Swan Inn managed to win pub of the year and be a finalist three other times I do not know, has it changed hands recently? Nothing special at all, just a pub near the coast that sells seafood.
My advise find somewhere else to eat!
(read more)
★★★★★
“As you see The Barnby Swan from the main road between...”
Written on: 16/05/2005 by CBee6 (1 review written)
As you see The Barnby Swan from the main road between Lowestoft and Beccles, it is impossible to drive past without stopping at this pleasurably unique Freehouse. Merging what is an award-winning fish restaurant and pleasingly traditional country pub, The Barnby Swan offers a wide range of food and drink suitable for all occasions whether it be a buisness lunch, a romantic meal for two(complete with the finest fresh oysters!), a family celebration or just a refreshing drink thats needed on... (read more)
Food Lover's Response to CBee6's Review
Written on: 16/06/2005
Must be a different pub! Are you sure your talking about the same place?
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Eftguru's Response to CBee6's Review
Written on: 04/02/2008
Actually, you CAN'T see the Swan Inn from the main road. It is planted behind a very large garden centre and deep tall hedges.
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Chiplover's Response to CBee6's Review
Written on: 12/01/2011
I found this review not helpful because...so obviously written by an owner or relation of ! sooooo much info by a customer?? i think not!!! shame on you!
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As rated by real users
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Hexer123's Response to speedyfreak's Review
Written on: 28/09/2012
I think you will find it has changed, I ate there last week and had two small dover soles as did my sister, my aunt had the plaice, both were excellent, the plaice the fattest I had ever seen. This was served with home made chips in a bowl in the middle of the table together with a side salad which I must say left a lot to be desired but overall the food was excellent. They served fresh french stick at the table and the waitress service was really good. I would definately recommend it again.
Hexer 123