Swan at the Globe

As it undoubtedly would have done in the days of the original Globe, the recreated Globe has become more than a theatre, offering a social setting right on the banks of the River Thames, where all and sundry can come to enjoy the sort of relaxation which suits their mood or disposition.

On the ground floor is The Swan bar where socialising and eating are the name of the game. The 36ft oak table, made from timber reclaimed from the 1987 storm, with 32 matching carved wooden stools, runs the length of the room, bringing to life the manner in which communal pleasure would have been taken in the days of England's greatest Bard. Upstairs the Brasserie offers a wide view of the river, or if you prefer it a view of Dante's inferno as presented by the open view into the kitchen. I jest of course, nor does everybody want to watch their steak going through the process.

A private Balcony Room invites scope for many uses where a bit of privacy is required, with exceptionally glamorous parties, brainstorming sessions, reunions and family occasions in mind. Some places, notably churches, have undercrofts, but here at The Swan they have an UnderGlobe where the larger parties can rock the night away. Whichever location floats your boat watch out for the care and attention displayed towards their cooking heritage, with ingredients sourced from local farmers, foragers and markets, with boutique wines to match, all of it very British and delicious.

The brasserie menu comes up with around 6 choices on each course, starting with, say, Cornish fish soup, roast pigeon with braised lentils, or potted shrimps and toast. Main courses offer Elwy Valley lamb with flageolet beans and thyme sauce, or a baked sea trout with tomato and mussel ragout. For the vegetarians expect to find a Jersualem artichoke and mushroom fricassée with magnificent herb dumplings. To accompany such appetising fare a choice of five side dishes include cauliflower cheese, Cashel Blue salad, or Savoy cabbage.

The plum and ginger crumble with custard or caramelised pineapple and mango with pina colada sauce makes for difficult choices, but there are others to offer a very acceptable compromise, such as Cambridge burnt cream or bitter chocolate tart.

The Chef's Menu runs from 12 to 2.30 pm and 6 to 7 pm, fixed price for two or three courses, starting with, shall we say, smoked sardines, capers and red onion salad, followed by grilled sea bream, with crushed potatoes and baked aubergine and pesto. What better to sign off with than a Bakewell tart and fresh cream.

In the Bar, apart from a steady flow of the draught Guinness, Tim Taylor's Landlord pale ale, Sicilian lemonade and all forms of coffee, food is also an important part of the scene. A supply of freshly baked cakes is on stream from 12pm-6pm and from 12pm-10pm smoked salmon, salt beef sandwiches, rolls, baguettes, pork pies and soup of the day are on offer from a generous menu.

The Swan Sharer menu is a pleasant little romantic touch, a platter of tasty nibbles including grilled chicken skewers, tomato and chilli as you gaze into each other's eyes. Wine to go with it makes it even better and an eclectic international list gives a pretty comprehensive choice, with a good selection by the glass at prices that will not spoil the evening. Check their Website for further details.

The Swan at the Globe is more than another hostelry, call it what you will. It is the reincarnation of a spirit that goes back over the centuries, lives next door in the form of a brave and successful attempt to recreate the theatre of Shakespeare by London's river, and blends with it to offer something quite unique.