Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156.jpg" alt="The Black Swan in Ockham." class="wp-image-65274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-156-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re a sucker for a slick country pub (guilty), then The Black Swan will be right up your street. Tucked away in the quietly lovely village of Ockham, it hits that sweet spot of feeling properly rural while being just minutes from the M25 near Cobham. Surrounded by greenery and with a warm, easy-going welcome, it’s the kind of place that works just as well for a spontaneous lunch as it does for a long, drawn-out Sunday session. And the best bit? It still feels a bit under the radar &#8211; like you&#8217;ve just stumbled up the perfect hidden gem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1.jpg" alt="The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-64533" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is a countryside pub done properly. Think rustic charm with a polished, grown-up edge. Inside, it’s all warm timbers, soft furnishings and a relaxed elegance that makes you want to stay a while. There’s a space for every mood, whether you’re after a cosy corner or something a little more buzzy.</p>



<p>Inside, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to settle into, while a palette of soft and dark greens, deep aubergine, smoky blues and ochre &#8211; teamed with velvet furnishings &#8211; gives the whole space a cosy, pulled-together feel. Just through the front door, you’re greeted by a big double-sided woodburning stove &#8211; a gorgeous welcome on a winter’s day, for sure.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4.jpg" alt="The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-64532" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Outside, though, is where it really shines. The garden wraps around the building and is, frankly, one of the prettiest pub gardens around. There’s a lovely sense of zoning too &#8211; a vine-covered pergola draped in wisteria and grapes gives serious summer-in-Europe vibes, while hedges create little pockets of space.</p>



<p>When I visited on a sunny bank holiday Sunday, Ibiza-style tunes were playing in one section &#8211; lively but not overwhelming. From our table, it was the perfect background buzz, but you could easily move closer (or further away) depending on your mood. Not your thing? There are quieter corners where it barely registers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50.jpeg" alt="A sharing platter at the Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-65270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-50-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The menu leans towards elevated British pub fare, with an inventive edge and a focus on quality local produce. There’s also a solid line-up of real ales and a well-curated international wine list.</p>



<p>We kicked things off with a sharing plate &#8211; hummus, charred Padrón peppers, sriracha sauce, giant corn and fried pizza bread &#8211; ideal for grazing with a glass of wine in the sunshine.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55.jpeg" alt="Sunday roasts at The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-65271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-55-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Then onto the main event: Sunday roast. Beef for me, lamb for him &#8211; both excellent. The Yorkshire puddings were spot on (tall, crisp and golden with just the right softness), the roast potatoes properly done, and the roasted carrots and beetroot full of flavour.</p>



<p>As a committed cauliflower cheese fan, I couldn’t resist ordering it on the side &#8211; and it didn’t disappoint. Rich, creamy and finished with a punchy cheese sauce, it was very much worth the extra.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74.jpeg" alt="Pistachio Tiramasu at The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-65273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Black-Swan-2026-AE-74-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Room for pudding? Not even a question really. We shared the pistachio tiramisu &#8211; rich enough to feel properly decadent, but not so much that you felt overdone afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<p>The Black Swan has a <a href="https://www.blackswanockham.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vibrant calendar of events</a> throughout the year. On Bank Holiday Sundays there&#8217;s a festival vibe with DJs spinning soul tunes from 1pm. There are also singles nights, jazz events and classic car shows. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3.jpg" alt="The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-64531" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Exterior-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Yes &#8211; children are very welcome, with a dedicated kids’ menu covering all the usual crowd-pleasers (cheeseburger and fries, chicken schnitzel). The large garden is also perfect for letting little ones burn off some energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Also yes. Dogs are welcome in the garden and courtyard, as well as in certain indoor areas including the bar and orangery (from 12–3pm, but not after 5pm).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>Step-free access on the ground floor, with accessible loos available. The large on-site car park also makes things nice and easy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29.jpeg" alt="Painshill, 18th century landscape garden in Cobham, Surrey." class="wp-image-65275" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Painshill-AE-May-2026-29-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Painshill is less than 10 minutes&#8217; drive from The Black Swan.</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’re making a day of it, <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/review-painshill-gardens-cobham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Painshill</a> is less than a 10-minute drive away &#8211; an 18th-century landscape garden known for its dramatic follies, crystal grotto and lakeside walks, and well worth a wander. </p>



<p>RHS Garden Wisley is also just down the road, while right on the doorstep you’ve got Ockham and Wisley Commons &#8211; over 800 acres of heathland and woodland that’s perfect for scenic strolls, birdwatching and a proper countryside reset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4.jpg" alt="The Black Swan in Ockham, Surrey." class="wp-image-64535" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/The-Black-Swan-Ockham-Interior-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Long, lazy lunches, sunny garden sessions, family get-togethers and relaxed Sunday roasts with friends.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Those after ultra-formal dining or a hushed, fine-dining atmosphere &#8211; this is laid-back and sociable (and all the better for it).</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Starters/small plates are from £9.20-£18.70 for a sharer. Lunch dishes are from £12-£14.50; mains/big plates are £18-£25. Puddings are £8-£9. Sunday roasts are £20-£25.50.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.blackswanockham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Swan</a>, Old Lane, Ockham, Cobham, KT11 1NG</em></strong></p>


Review: The Black Swan, Ockham

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