THE BLACK SWAN HISTORICAL CHARM WITH MODERN DINING
After a short rest it was on to the main event, Katie was excited to try her choice of Loomswood Farm duck breast, served with Madeira sauce, Dauphinoise potatoes, wild mushrooms and green beans. The duck was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within. The Madeira sauce brought a luxurious richness, while the Dauphinoise potatoes were creamy and comforting, providing a perfect contrast to the earthy mushrooms.
Aj and myself both opted for Prime British chargrilled steaks, sourced from the award-winning family butcher Aubrey Allen. Aj’s 8oz rump steak was cooked exactly to his liking, with a satisfying char and a tenderness that melted in the mouth. Whilst my 7oz fillet proved equally impressive—succulent, full of flavour, and complemented by the chips, mixed leaf salad, and a juicy garlic tomato.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Henley-in-Arden, The Black Swan offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern dining, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed yet refined meal. My recent visit with my husband Aj and daughter Katie turned out to be a memorable culinary experience, from start to finish.
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We began with a selection of starters that set the tone for the meal. Aj opted for the cheese soufflé with Coastal Cheddar sauce, a dish that was light and airy, with a rich, sharp tang from the cheddar. It was a great introduction to the pub's ability to elevate traditional ingredients. My choice of crab and sweetcorn bites was equally impressive. The bites were packed with fresh crab, perfectly complemented by a tangy guacamole, brown crab mayonnaise, and a delicate apple & pear chutney, which added a lovely sweetness and depth. Katie, who has had her fair share of French onion soups, declared that the French onion soup with Gruyère and croutons was the best she’s ever tasted. The broth was deeply flavoured, rich with caramelized onions and a hearty, savoury depth, and the Gruyère on top was perfectly melted, adding a delightful creamy touch.
To finish off the evening, we indulged in some exquisite desserts. Katie’s Autumn still life was a true work of art, featuring chestnut & coffee parfait, meringue, frosted pecans, chocolate mousse, and a cocoa tuile. The combination of textures and flavours was exceptional—decadent, yet light. Aj’s chocolate feuilletine with dark chocolate sauce, praline anglaise, griottine cherries, and a crisp tuile was rich and indulgent, while my Bramley apple and blackberry crumble was a comforting, homely classic, served with smooth Normandy crème fraîche.
The Black Swan delivered on all fronts—exceptional food, attentive service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re after a cosy meal by the fire or a sunny afternoon in the garden, this charming pub truly has something for everyone, I am sure we will be back.
The Black Swan a Heartwood Inn 23 High St, Henley-in-Arden , B95 5AA
blackswanhenleyinarden.com
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
WINING & DINING THE BLACK SWAN
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