Walkers' Bar at Macdonald Swan Hotel in South Lakeland

Have to say a big thank you to the guy on reception, who I think was the manager, for giving us a room with a great view of Helm Crag. He's a really friendly guy and was running around all night supporting the other staff. Breakfast was superb and the staff so relaxed and informal. Will be staying there again.

Beautiful location, lovely old building. BUT parking is very limited, beer selection could be better and most of it was off. The WORST thing was rude staff, who were dismissive, difficult and insisted on turning away our large table of people who wanted to eat in the gardens on a glorious sunny day because “we don’t serve food in the garden after 5”. I was told this when trying to order food at the bar at 4:53! They would not budge despite us pointing out the time. We were baffled by their apparent willingness to enforce arbitrary rules, which are not displayed anywhere for customers and turn away a significant amount of business!

We stayed at the Swan for 5 nights to 15 August 2021. Probably the best aspect was the cleanliness of the hotel generally and particularly the rooms which were spotless. Well done to the cleaning staff who were very competent and friendly!! Meals were good. We always took breakfast in the morning and were impressed with the spotless utensils, dining area and quick service. We had one evening meal there which was perfectly adequate. A very satisfactory stay overall at this historic old coaching inn which even has a chair from Wordsworth's old house. Wordsworth's old cottage is a mile distant and an easy walk.

Very nice, and helpful staff, we are here on our honeymoon and mentioned it when I booked on line, also mentioned it at reception as we booked in, there has been no congratulations to us at all.... just another punter. Dissapointed really especially at the very high costs of the room, it would have been nice for someone to just say, we hope you have a lovely honeymoon while staying with us. Would I stay here again..... probably not.

So we spotted this little gem on our way into Grasmere.Walked back to it and spent a couple of hours sat at the front watching the world go by enjoying fine wines and really god beers served by the most pleasant and attentive staff we have encountered for many years.Fantastic place lovely veiws and reasonably priced too.This establishment is well worth a visit and it won't be long before we return.Thanks to all the staff and well done keeping up the standard through these challenging times keep up the good work.Ian and Jayne.

Very friendly and welcoming. Just dropped in for some mid afternoon food before driving back to South Yorkshire. The soup we ordered was no longer the one on offer and we were able to get a taster of the replacement to see if it was still suitable for all in the party. Definitely visit again when back in the area.

After having been turned away from numerous other pubs for a Sunday lunch due to no spaces, we came across the Swan. Staff were super friendly and the atmosphere was very welcoming. We had a superb roast beef lunch and cheesecake and sticky toffeepudding for afters. Mountains of beef and it was melt in the mouth. Would definitely go again. Little overpriced but hey its the Lakes

We stopped here for a light bite at lunchtime and liked the setting, close to the Village centre. Food and service were fine, lovely freshly cooked huge onion rings! Soup of the day (£ 5.95) was hot and had lovely smooth texture, salad, chips and onion rings were £ 3.95 each. With 2 drinks our bill came to £23.35 - not too bad for Lake district prices.

Stopped for a quiet, late lunch during the half-term break. Fantastic garden with views to match. Service was okay overall, slight mix up with drinks being taken to the wrong table and would advise that staff have long hair tied back in the future. Food was tasty (beef burger and sandwich), although £8.95 for a cheese and pickle sandwich with a small portion of crisps and lettuce is ridiculous even for the Lakes. It really should, like the burger, come with chips or be at a lower price.

Friendly,caring staff. Nice rooms,ours with a fabulous view. Good food. Would have like to have seen outdoor bar finished and some sort of outdoor shelter to enable sitting in beer garden in inclement weather. Our 2nd visit and we will go back as it is handily placed and never too busy. A comfortable stay.