Crunchy, fluffy, buttery and the right shade of perfectly golden. The gravy was rich and glossy too but the star was those roasties. Soft and juicy, well-seasoned, loads of flavour and the cracking had the perfect crunch – there was even a spiced roasted pear hiding underneath. Main courses here at The Black Swan I have to say, were faultless. I could have perhaps done with a fourth bon-bon, but otherwise I had no complaints. Even better still, and incredibly mouth-watering was the blood orange & radicchio salad with three heavenly blue vinny bon bons and light citrus dressing. When simple is done well it’s often the most satisfying. While a relatively simple dish its construction of flavours and texture was expertly executed. First out was a smoked mackerel, pickled cucumber, apple, dill & creme fraiche medley.
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Not mind-blowing but solid full-flavoured offerings and incredibly fresh. Bliss.įood wise we got off to a good start. We settled in with some good bread, smoked butter and delicious glass of sweet & floral Gruner-Veltliner. The choice of wine here is what really sets this pub apart from most others with a selection of fine wines by the glass from the enomatic machine. No broken promises or over describing – they tell you exactly how it is and it doesn’t disappoint.
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The great thing about the menu here is that not only does it read very well, but it delivers on flavour. A roaring open fire as you walking in, the sultry smell of burning wood, soft fur furnishings, buzzy atmosphere and food to die for. The Black Swan in Ockham is the sort of place you dream is your local. An idyllic countryside pub with a very British menu utilising local and seasonal produce, a fantastic wine list and proper ales. A short 30 min train journey from Clapham Junction and only £7 lighter (return ticket) we arrived at The Black Swan Ockham. Time slows down, trains are quiet and the people are dare I say it – much more friendly. The city has gotten so busy over the last few years (and I’ve got a few years older) that escaping to the countryside, small village or just an out-of-the-way location has become increasingly exciting. There's lovely waterside trails, views of the historic Newark Priory and a splendid canalside pub to be found here.As a born and bred Londoner, getting out of London at the weekends has become rather frequent. Just to the west of the common you can visit the picturesque Pyrford Lock on the River Wey Navigation.
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Here you can explore 158 acres of 18th century landscaped parkland with waterside footpaths along the large Serpentine Lake and a number of peaceful woodland trails. On the other side of the common you will find Painshill Park.
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Wisley is second only to Kew Gardens on the list of the most visited paid entry gardens in the country. Park features include several ponds with fountains and a canal with water lilies. The route passes very close to the delightful Wisley Gardens. In the spring you can see bluebells in the woods and in the autumn lots of pretty heather. There's lots of interesting wildlife to look out for including the rare hobby bird. You then head through Wisley Common on more woodland trails before passing Cockrow Hill and returning to the car park. This circular walk starts from the Ockham Common car park and takes you past the lovely Bolder Mere where you can look out for various dragonflies. Explore over 800 acres of heathland and woodland on this walk in Surrey.