“For years I have dreamed of opening a pub but this is the first time it has been the right building in the right place. I love Esher!”
“This is a special year for me. We call it 20:25 – 20 years since I came to England and 25 since I became a chef. To start the year in this spectacular fashion is my best possible New Year present. Forget No Way José, I’m a Yes Way José!”
José and his team have spent weeks walking around Esher talking to as many local residents and visitors as possible to learn about the area and the people who live there to really understand what will work.
“We found amazing enthusiasm for a Spanish restaurant to come into Esher. So we will essentially be bringing a mixture of the best of my London restaurants as a basis for the food we will serve here.”
The Swan Inn will bring José’s family cooking values to Esher while maintaining a British Pub feel. The menu will include José tapas favourites to share, such as his unforgettable croquetas, tortilla and 100% 5J Jamón Ibérico. The a la carte menu will feature classic pub favourites that have been given a José twist alongside signature regional Spanish dishes using locally sourced produce.
Keeing with pub traditions, there will be a wide selection of real ales, draught beers and of course Estrella Damm on offer. Wines will predominantly be of Spanish origin with a small selection of European and English favourites to compliment the wine list.
Pizarro explains that he has a “wonderful” team in his London restaurants and he will be devoting a lot of his time to the Swan Inn. “This is my dream and I am going to pursue it. We are already looking for local people to join the brigade we will put together for Esher. Of course we seek the highest quality but we also want fun on both sides of the bar – customers and staff.”
The pub will offer breakfast, tapas, and an a la carte menu that includes some of Pizarro’s well-loved dishes, as well as a private dining room for celebrations. Al fresco dining will be available in the warmer months complete with an outside kitchen and food cooked over open fires. If diners fancy staying over, there are 5 cosy rooms in the converted barn next door for overnight stays.
“I am very excited for this next chapter,” says José. “There is not much else that is better than sitting infront of a roaring fireplace with local friends enjoying a pint, and I can’t wait to have that at The Swan.”
sources: http://www.essence-magazine.co.uk/blog/files/The-Swan-Inn-Pub.html
