The Swan, Bampton, Devon
Bampton is one of those lovely Devon villages where you really feel the pace of life slow down, so it’s only fitting that it should have an equally lovely village pub. Swan into The Swan and you’ll find plenty of age-old character - think hefty ceiling beams, wooden floors, log burners to keep things nice and toasty on colder days. The ambience is warm and welcoming, as is the service.
The owners have stablished an excellent reputation for food, despite only having taken over the reins in 2022. There’s a big focus on what’s local and keeping pace with the seasons, so as well as working closely with regional suppliers they also go out foraging in the woods, fields and hedgerows around Bampton. The aim is to produce as much in house as they possibly can, using natural fermentation and pickling alongside making their own stocks, sauces, ice cream and Focaccia.
And oh boy, there are plenty of temptations on the sample menu! Bar snacks like Whipped cod’s roe with beer and rye crackers, Organic cure meats & pickles, and Padron peppers with sea salt and olive oil.
Starters? How about House salt cod fritter with Venn Farm basil cream, chilli, fennel & spring onion? Or Cheddar & cider rarebit with toasted sourdough and pickles?
Mains come in the form of Roasted local venison with Bolognese fritter, smoked beetroot ketchup, purple sprouting broccoli and Hay roast beets, or Grilled hake with BBQ leeks, mushroom cream, potato terrine, roast chicken & hazelnut dressing. Meat eaters should try the Fordmore Longhorn 10oz ribeye steak, served with skin on fries, bone marrow peppercorn, watercress & shallot salad. Keeping customers happy is key at The Swam, so most dishes can be adapted to suit dietary requirements.
Go for Sunday roast and you’re in for a treat. There’s a choice of Roast sirloin of beef, Beechridge farm free range chicken, Holsworth belly pork, or classic Fish & Chips (battered haddock loin, thick cut chips, peas & parsley, seaweed tartar sauce and lemon). Roasts come with all the trimmings and more – bone marrow gravy, beef fat roast potatoes, crushed swede with clotted cream and black pepper, Yorkshire pud, cauliflower and celeriac cheese with smoked butter bread crumb, seasonal buttered greens and glazed carrots. So that’s your day of rest sorted.
Oh, and let’s talk about desserts, shall we? Sweet tooths will be happily satisfied with Sticky date cake served with salted Miso sauce and vanilla ice cream, Strawberry Fool (marinated strawberries, almond sponge, vanilla cream and wild fennel crumble), or Caramelised white chocolate ganache with boozy cherries and pistachio & tonka granola.
Rock up early so you’ve got time for a house infusion of Pear vodka, Rhubarb & lemon thyme gin or Cacao rum; sip a cocktail or enjoy a leisurely pint of real ale.
If you’re thinking of going to The Swan to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, or just because you’re all down this way together staying at Hurstone, bear in mind that they have a private dining room to seat up to 20.
You might be lucky enough to catch one of the special events they host here – Steak Night every Wednesday, Small Plates on Thursdays, Wine Nights and Farmhouse Feasts.
Open Weds & Thurs 4-10pm, Fri & Sat 12-10pm, Sunday 12-5pm
Booking essential
T: 01398 328340
All information correct at the time of writing