The Black Swan in Ockham, is one of – if not THE most famous pub – in Surrey. It featured as the ‘Slaughtered Lamb’ in the 1981 cult film ‘An American Werewolf in London’ entertaining audiences here and across the pond, grossing over $62million.
The Black Swan recently unveiled a beautifully refreshed new chapter, following a full £500K refurbishment that reimagined the venue inside and out revealing a fresh, revitalised space for relaxed dining and memorable moments.
The Black Swan is also a vibrant hub for events and parties. Stay tuned to Surrey Rocks monthly events calendar for full details.
Their curated calendar includes regular monthly Classic Car Meets (every second Sunday of the month), Live Music, a series of themed Tasting Experiences – from indulgent ‘Steak Nights’ and the best in 80’s and 90’s DJ’s at weekends and a ‘Prix Fixe Menu’ on Monday to Thursday between 12pm and 8pm. Choose 2 courses for £18 or 3 Courses for £22. What great value!
The Black Swan have also picked up awards in the ‘Best Gastropub’ category in the Surrey Awards three years in a row now.
SUBLIME STARTERS
From the minute we walked through the door on a Tuesday night, we were warmly greeted by the front of house team including Stephanie and Gabriel and shown to our seats in the stunning dining room, adorned with dark green and gold décor and booth style seating – both spacious and comfy. There are also cute alcoves in the Main Bar Area to dine and drink and large Al Fresco Dining Areas in their huge Garden, to enjoy on warmer days, complete with Table Tennis, a BBQ area and a fully-stocked Exterior Bar.
Stephanie surprised us with two of the most amazing cocktails: the new seasonal ‘Black Forest Martini’ made with Monkey 47 Sloe Gin, Spicy Red Berries and Passion Fruit Mix which was fresh and fruity and thankfully not too strong. Next, we had the pleasure of trying the more powerful but equally delicious ‘Tiramisu Martini’ made with Bumbu Cream Rum, Kahlua and Espresso dusted with Chocolate Powder. Thanks to bar manager (Angel!) Gabriel…. You truly wowed our tastebuds.
The new Black Swan Autumn/Winter 2026 Food Menu was amazing. There were so many delightful dishes to choose from (8 in the Starter Menu alone!) including the delectable ‘Winterdale Rarebit Crumpet, Caramelised Onions, Fried Burford Egg and Chutney’ or the ‘Roasted Betroot, Chicory and Poached Pear Salad’.
Our favourite on the night was the ‘Teriyaki Baby Back Ribs’ – the meat was so tender and marinated beautifully in the flavoursome Teriyaki – hitting all the right taste notes with sensational Asian flavours and garnished with sesame seeds and spring onion.
Next up, the ‘Chicken Liver Parfait, Balsamic Onions with Mandarin Marmalade’ on the Starter Menu looked so appetising and it tasted even better. It was sublime, fresh and full of flavour with thick cut toast to accompany. A must try dish, which was lapped up by all the diners – not a morsel of the succulent parfait was left on the plate.
MAGNIFICENT MAINS
The Black Swan dishes really do cater for all tastes; vegetarians and vegans, whilst also pushing for more healthy food choices as well as their mainstay ‘Fish & Chips’ and ‘Dry-Aged Double Cheeseburgers’ – they also have a wide and varied Steak Menu with 4 Choices and 3 accompanying sauce options.
We were able to sample two delicious Mains on this occasion, although it was hard to decide which ones, as there was so much on offer.
We eventually, after much deliberation, went for the Main Dish of ‘Pan-Fried Seabass, Sauteed Artichokes, Padron Peppers, New Potatoes, Samphire, Spinach, King Prawns and Garlic Butter’ which blew our taster away – succulent fish with crispy skin, tender extra-large King Prawns and the tastiest of Garlic Butter sauce. The flavours were superb and the vegetables were cooked perfectly al dente…..washed down with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc…. This was pure perfection, well done!
Next up was the ‘Steak Frites with Roasted Garlic Butter, Watercress, Fries and Pepper Sauce.’ The succulent steak was cooked perfectly medium rare as requested, sliced in bitesize pieces with a generous side portion of crispy fries. The whole dish was delicious and amazing value for only £25. A glass of Cote Du Rhone was recommended to accompany and highly appreciated, perfectly offsetting the rich steak flavours.
Also on the Mains Menu worth a mention is the new ‘Chicken and Parma Ham Schnitzel, Kaltbach Cheese, Caesar Salad and Fries’ or the ‘Slow Cooked Beef Rib and Chestnut Mushroom Pot Pie’ served with the creamiest of seasoned garlic mash and a side of charred cabbage.
DECADENT DESSERTS
As it came time for the Dessert Course, we really were full, but that didn’t stop us.
Who doesn’t love Dessert and at The Black Swan you have every discerning tastebud covered with the likes of ‘White Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake’ and the ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding, Butterscotch, Maple Pecans and Clotted Cream Ice-Cream’ which were both delicious.
A remarkable dish (which we are going to try next time) was the ‘Chocolate Jaffa Mousse Bombe, with Stracciatella’ where you have to crack the chocolate casing exterior of the dome shaped dessert with your spoon to reveal the creamy mousse interior. Sweet, rich and delicious chocolate served with a scoop of creamy Dulce De Leche on the side.
There is also a ‘Finn Cheese and Walnut Treacle Tart’ that looked sensational and an ‘Apple and Blueberry Crumble with Almond & Coconut Topping and plant based custard’ – next time – and there will definitely be one!
IN SUMMARY
A huge shout out to the amazing proprietor Barbie and all the staff at The Black Swan we thoroughly enjoyed our visit… you were all super friendly, food and service was on point – and the whole experience was perfect.
The new A/W 26 Black Swan renovation and the new food and drinks menu really is truly sensational.
Be sure to pay them a visit.
CONTACT
The Black Swan, Old Lane, Ockham, Surrey, KT11 1NG
01932 862364
www.blackswanockham.com
@blackswanockham
