The Swan, West Malling
The Swan, West MallingLast week I visited West Malling to try out The Swan’s set lunch menu. Though the high street was bustling with activity and people out for the weekend, The Swan’s garden seating offered a calm escape and was a space of relaxation to enjoy our lunch in the sunshine. There was no need to worry about this Summer’s changeable weather either, as the restaurant offered plenty of outside seating under cover and out of the way of the winds.
We started the meal with some fresh oysters, which arrived with tabasco and a sweet vinegar with shallots. The oysters were delivered on ice and so remained cold and delicious, and paired amazingly well with the sharp but sweet vinegar. For starter we both chose the grilled sweetcorn and avocado salad, but other tasty options included smoked mackerel rillette or leek and courgette soup. The salad was a great option though, as it was coated in tasty dressing and the crunchy grilled corn went so well with the creamy avocado.
The main options were equally as tempting; corn-fed chicken, fish pie or courgette & pea risotto. I also noted that there was a vegan menu available with a great variety of options, and they handled our dietary requests really well too, as I can’t eat dairy. Though it was a tough decision we opted for the corn-fed chicken with a variety of vegetables and the fish pie which had a variety of prawns, and fish in a creamy sauce. I don’t normally eat much meat, but this grilled chicken was definitely worth it – it was succulent and coated in a thin gravy that smelled and tasted great. It also came with juicy green beans and new potatoes which are in season at the moment, so I’d definitely recommend!
If you’d like something sweet you can finish off the meal with a pistachio sponge or tiramisu with limoncello, or if sweet isn’t your thing the menu offers gorgonzola with chutney and crackers to end your meal.
Overall I’d definitely visit again for lunch soon and encourage you to try it out too – the set lunch menu is available Monday to Saturday 12:30-3pm, or visit for dinner Monday to Thursday 5-10pm. It’s important to note they also offer an extensive A la Carte menu if you’d like alternative options too!
35 Swan Street, West Malling, ME19 6JU