Go for drinks, bar staff are lovely and nice vibe in the pub but SKIP THE FOOD. Mac and cheese was ok. The roast is tasteless do not get it but regardless we stomached it. The thai green curry was inedible, not one fresh ingredient or vegetable in it, tasted like gravy.
Politely went to the bar to explain, we never usually say anything but we had to complain about the curry as it was that bad. The chef overheard then called my boyfriend over to the kitchen where he argued with him directly and refused to do anything. Very confused why we were speaking to the chef directly, this is something for front of house staff. He had to bargain for a drink WITH THE CHEF as compensation as a refund was refused despite not eating it. The most uncomfortable experience with customer service I have ever had. Complaints happen but it is how you respond which is important.
Our Go-To Pub – Always a Great Experience!
We’ve been coming to The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms many times now, and it never disappoints. The service is always friendly and professional, and the food is consistently delicious – you can tell they care about quality. It's got a lovely relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends.
We especially enjoy coming on Tuesdays for the quiz night – it's loads of fun and adds a great buzz to the evening. Whether it's a casual drink, a tasty meal, or just a chilled evening out, this place has become one of our favourites in London!
I’m literally sitting at their table writing this review because I genuinely don’t understand how this place has such high ratings. Maybe I was just unlucky today, or there’s a different chef working, but we came specifically to try their roast lunch/dinner after my boyfriend did a lot of research based on the glowing reviews.
The bar staff were friendly and the drinks were fine, but everything went downhill when the food arrived. The waiter brought out the dishes, but the plates were so hot it was obvious the food had been reheated—plates and all. Not only that, but the waiter didn’t even bother to warn us about the temperature, and I ended up burning my hand.
Now, about the roast beef… The meat was okay, but the gravy tasted like it came straight from a packet—one of those pre-made powder mixes, definitely not fresh. The roast potatoes were the biggest disappointment. They were soggy, bland, and clearly not freshly made—tasted like they’d been sitting around since at least the day before.
Overall, this was such a letdown. I would never come back here, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Our local pub and one of our favorite pubs in London.
Come here multiple times a week, food is great and the staff very friendly.
Would recommend to anyone,
4.9/5
Great pub with a variety of beers to suit everyone!
The fish and chips was enormous so really worth its price. On the other hand, the mushrooms with cheese were disappointing as there almost no mushrooms, I wouldn't recommend it.
The service was adequate, it's a self service so you have to go to the bar to order anything. The atmosphere is the classic one of a British pub. Bonus point for having a nice yard so you can sit outside when the weather is nice.