Join us for IWFS London’s first Christmas lunch, which is being held at The Swan, Hyde Park London. Enjoying a stunning position with views of Hyde Park from the upper and lower terraces, the Swan’s dining room on the first floor is a perfect venue at this time of the year.
Lovingly refurbished and re-opened in 2018, The Swan is a historic London pub that actually dates back several centuries. Records trace The Swan back to 1721 – the first date written in the licensed victualler’s register – but it’s widely believed to have been an inn for much longer.
A traditional coaching inn, The Swan is reputed to have been the final drinking place for the victims of the Gibbet at Tyburn Gallows – now known as Marble Arch. Notorious highwayman Claude Duval, active on the London to Uxbridge road, is also alleged to have had his final drink in our pub before being hanged at Tyburn in 1670.
Indeed, it has been suggested that the terms “one for the road” and “on the wagon” were first coined there. The local jailer would often draw up with the prisoner’s cage outside and request “one for the road” – a final beer for the prisoner. After the horses had pulled them away, men at the bar would say, ”he’s on the wagon” – alluding to the fact that the prisoner would never drink again …
The Swan’s celebrated chef Ariston Rebelo will be treating us to a glass of Prosecco, a hearty 3-course Christmas lunch accompanied by three glasses of Picpoul de Pinet or Malbec, followed by tea or coffee.
After lunch the more adventurous guests may want to visit the Winter Wonderland just across the road in Hyde Park.
We have more places than usual for this event so please feel free to bring your friends for a great pre-Christmas celebration.