The Swan, Westerfield, Suffolk

...for many years has been the Swan at Westerfield, in a little village just to the North of Ipswich. This little pub, affectionately known locally as the 'Westerfield Swan' was managed by the same people for many years but has recently changed hands so it was with some trepidation that I set off to dine there recently. I always worry that somewhere under new ownership may not quite manage to be as good as it was previously.

Our party ...
...were seated in the main dining area on a rectangular table. The menu was extensive with the majority of main course dishes (apart from the steak) costing less than £10. Desserts were around £3.75 and tea of coffee costs £1.50 so it certainly wasn't expensive.

We made ourselves at home and made our selection whilst enjoying a bottle of house red wine at £9.25 a bottle. I chose the home made steak and ale pie at £7.50 which was served ... more

One of my favourite ways to while away an evening with friends is to go out for a meal and a chat. Some years ago a group of us formed a little dining club and every couple of weeks we like to go out to dine in a range of restaurants within easy travelling distance of Ipswich.

A favourite of ours for many years has been the Swan at Westerfield, in a little village just to the North of Ipswich. This little pub, affectionately known locally as the 'Westerfield Swan' was managed by the same people for many years but has recently changed hands so it was with some trepidation that I set off to dine there recently. I always worry that somewhere under new ownership may not quite manage to be as good as it was previously.

Our party consisted of a mixed group of 5 people and we were seated in the main dining area on a rectangular table. The menu was extensive with the majority of main course dishes (apart from the steak) costing less than £10. Desserts were around £3.75 and tea of coffee costs £1.50 so it certainly wasn't expensive.

We made ourselves at home and made our selection whilst enjoying a bottle of house red wine at £9.25 a bottle. I chose the home made steak and ale pie at £7.50 which was served with french fries and a range of fresh vegetables and I certainly got a good plateful - far more that I could actually manage but it was delicious. The pie was packed with tender chunks of meat in a tasty gravy, the puff pastry topping melted in the mouth and the chips were crisp and chunky - it was truly lovely. One of my fellow diners selected the home made fish pie which he said was wonderful. It was topped with cheese and also served with lots of fresh vegetables, he was quite delighted with his choice. Other selections were scampi and haddock, both served with chips and vegetables and the clean plates at the end paid testament to the diners views - and my less than clean plate was rather more related to the substantial helping I got! The menu of main courses and started covered two sides of A4 so believe me there was something to suit every taste.

I couldn't find space for a dessert but my fellow diners managed to do so and polished off a home made lemon meringue pie, coffee and walnut gateau and a dish of ice cream which two of them shared. We all finished with coffee (or tea) and were very happy to settle the modest bill at the end of the evening as we had such an enjoyable meal.

The restaurant has had some redecoration although not a complete make over - it was bright and comfortable and the service was excellent and friendly. We especially like the way the desserts are all available for viewing in a display cabinet near to the serving area so you can happily browse the food through the glass before you make your selection - no doubt this is a great way to increase sales. We were sorry they hadn't got any of the listed 'profitteripple' dessert as it sounded wonderful - maybe next time we will be lucky?

The restaurant serves great traditional British food , well cooked and presented at a reasonable price - it isn't the best gastronomic experience but it is a great place for a meal at a reasonable price and the service is good and very welcoming.

This pub also serves as a fish and chip chop for the village so you can buy fish and chips to take out early in the evening.

Would I recommend it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes I would - if you are on a budget and want a good meal out in pleasant surroundings. Just one word of warning though - because of several changes in level within the pub it is awkward for people with disabilities and whilst they do try to be accommodating if anyone in your party has trouble with steps you will find is very difficult.

Overall I think this is a great place for good honest food and honest prices. It has lost none of its appeal under its new management and we will certainly be going back to enjoy it again before too long. 

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