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The Swan & Firkin Pub is a quaint, well priced, family friendly, British themed pub, with a rooftop patio, at Kennedy and Bloor.
A look at the lounge from the bar at the Swan & Firkin Pub
The Swan & Firkin Pub is what a lovely, British themed pub needs: British paraphernalia, beer, pub fare, a comfy lounge, some more beer, and fish & chips. The Swan has all these things with a touch of class, and wonderful service.
Fun & British themed photos on the walls.
A union jack couch in the lounge.
British themed
Though there’s dozens of British themed pubs throughout Toronto, the Swan & Firkin is a bit more hip in it’s decor.
- Eclectic paintings and photos from the Queen, to Margaret Thatcher and Churchill.
- A Monty Python silly walk sketch wall, complete with hanging lights, with lampshades in the shape of Bowler hats.
- An entire wall of the staircase covered by an elaborate subway map of London, adorned with a giant Rolling Stones logo
- Blue glass on the 2nd floor patio with decals of Bowie, the Queen, and others.
- A Union Jack couch for reading, eating and drinking.
And there’s always a cocktail with Pimm’s, Guinness on tap, and ginger beer. Or, if you’re after something different, a tall can of Sam Adams.
The other subway wall of the stairwell.
Up to the second floor. A map of the London subway system.
View from the lounge. Far wall has Monty Python’s silly walk, and hanging Bowler hat lights.
Standard pub fare
Get the fish and chips.
The goto meal of any British pub: fish and chips. With beer, of course.
One of many, but unique.
The Firkin Pubs chain is a simple, quality pub franchise throughout the GTA and surrounding towns, comprised of almost two dozen locations. It has a standardized menu that changes every month, so you’ll be sure to get a quality cocktail or meal whichever you go to. Though, individual places are themed slightly different. It never has that “dive bar” feeling, and it always feels welcoming, even if they all don’t have a lounge atmosphere.
Sports
As with most pubs, you’ve got a whole bunch of LCD screens, showcasing every sports channel available. This is pretty standard.
Family Friendly
Maybe it’s just the locale, or the family room like atmosphere of the entrance, but there’s always families with kids and other groups hanging out there. I’ve had a few meals, brunch and dessert, while sitting in the lounge, just enjoying my time as it rained. Or, when having a nice relaxing evening before retiring. But there’s plenty of strollers and other such people coming in with their families. So be aware of the noise level, and don’t be surprised to say hello to a toddler, or pet a dog. Or, a bunch of loud, local sports fans (pretty standard for pubs.)
Upstairs Patio
The rooftop patio is a bit more private. It works in both the rain and sun, and provides a second bar. It’s a great place to have a more relaxed time with friends, overlook Bloor, have more private groups, or just enjoy the sunshine.
Part of the upstairs patio, looking toward the bar. Always a nice place to hang out for more privacy.
The view from on the patio, looking at the blue glass decals of Ziggy Stardust, and some other bloke on the right.
Cocktail List
I’m always curious what they have on the menu for their cocktail list, as they tend to switch it up every month. There’s always going to be something with bourbon, Pimms, and ginger beer, it seems. I recommend enjoying a sweet cocktail with a dessert, but that’s just my sweet tooth talking.
Shot from the end of the bar.
The ever rotating monthly cocktail list.
An Old Vanilla.
A Winston.
Location
The Swan & Firkin Pub is right across the street from Runnymede Station. Easy to get to.
[usrlist “Decor:9.0” “Food (pub fare):8.1” “Cocktails:7.2” “Noise Level:8.0” “Service: 8.5” “Price: 8.5”]