Jose Pizarro The Swan Inn

Chef Jose Pizarro's first pub venture sits in the village of Claygate, bringing Spanish tapas to a classic English pub setting — and it works beautifully. Pizarro is one of London's most respected Spanish chefs, with Jose Pizarro in Bermondsey and Pizarro on Bermondsey Street already under his belt. The Swan Inn is different — it's a proper country pub with a Spanish kitchen, and the combination earned it a place on the Top 50 Gastropubs UK list. The Telegraph described it as having a 'buzzy vibe, fantastic service, mouth-watering tapas,' while Hardens goes further, calling it 'one of the best places to eat for miles around.' The menu moves between classic tapas — croquetas, jamón, tortilla — and more substantial plates that lean into seasonal British ingredients given the Pizarro treatment. Six boutique rooms upstairs make this a genuine overnight destination. Dog-friendly with outdoor seating, it stays rooted as a local despite the destination dining reputation. **Why it's an Editor's Pick:** A Top 50 gastropub with a Jose Pizarro kitchen, just 15 minutes from Kingston. The kind of place worth planning an evening around — and the boutique rooms mean you don't have to worry about getting home.