The White Swan and Cuckoo was built around 1850 in Gravel Lane before it was renamed Wapping Lane in the mid 1900’s.
Conveniently located in the heart of Wapping Lane a minute walk from Wapping Overground Station, close to the 100 and D3 bus stops and opposite Pizza Express.
It doesn’t have quite the history of Wapping’s oldest riverside pubs, but read on as the White Swan has a lot else to offer.
The White Swan and Cuckoo pub
Great food, a pool table, sports coverage, karaoke and a friendly welcome have made the White Swan and Cuckoo a hit with recent visitors.
Venture inside and you’ll find people from all backgrounds and ages. Often thought of as a “locals” pub, but the White Swan and Cuckoo is just as welcoming to visitors as its Wapping regulars and we find out how a first time visitor got on at Friday night karaoke.
The pub is L-shaped with a bar and large comfortable sofas at the front. A big screen shows major sporting events and there’s a covered seating area at the back.
Drinks and food
There’s a good range of drinks and prices are reasonable. Traditional cask ale and a wine list is also being introduced soon.
A variety of traditional and locally sourced food is served.
Described by our Wapping reviewer below as “real food, great value and highly recommended”.
Pool table
A pool table sits at the back of the pub and a friendly game is a good opportunity to meet people and have a chat. There are also some pretty decent pool players around if you happened to fancy a challenge.
Resident review of the White Swan and Cuckoo
Gillian, a volunteer at Hermitage Moorings who also runs Wapping’s Up Your Street (events service for seniors) tells us why the White Swan and Cuckoo is her absolute Wapping favourite.
Blustery winter days make one appreciate the White Swan and Cuckoo.
The place especially the loos are nice and clean. The welcome and attention is 5 star but most of all a cup of tea (none of those cheap tea-’dust’ bags but a proper brand) is a mere 50p. I know, 50p! In Wapping! In Anywhere.
My favourite haunt!
The food is piping hot and well-portioned. Not typical pub food but real meals. Fish ‘n’chips, peas £4.99 with a slice of the best bread in town from the reknowned baker up the Lane, crusty edged and spread with real butter. Now there’s comfort on a dull Winter’s day.
All pies and omelettes to sample yet but gradually getting through the menu. And with the promotion card, take a mate or a date and get a main course half price. Apple pie and custard a la school dinner only £2.50.
And I have just negotiated for volunteers (around 50 people) at Hermitage Moorings a free cuppa with the meal!!!!!!!!”
Real food, great value and highly recommended!
Oh yes, they sell great booze too.
Reviewed by: Gillian Amuir who runs Wapping’s Up Your Street the events for Wapping seniors and blogs at www.upyourstreet.wordpress.com
Friday night karaoke with Jimmy Batten
Retired boxer Jimmy Batten runs karaoke every Friday at the White Swan and Cuckoo.
You can make your own mind up about the singing, but it’s a well run night and the only karaoke we’re aware of in Wapping.
White Swan and Cuckoo pub and karaoke review
Non-resident Matt from nearby Greenwich went to the White Swan and Cuckcoo for the first time last Friday. You can see him singing in the photo above with Jimmy, but this is what he had to say about his visit:
My first time at the White Swan and Cuckoo last Friday and what a great night!
Living in Greenwich and originally from Yorkshire I wasn’t sure how welcome I’d be.
This is the friendliest pub in Wapping. I’ve drunk in them all! The atmosphere was warm and the regulars and staff were all really friendly.
The karaoke was great fun and Jimmy runs it like clockwork. There’s a huge choice of songs that I picked 5 from and even ended up singing a duet with Jimmy and a couple of the ladies.
Without doubt, a brilliant night out I’d thoroughly recommend!
Reviewed by: Matthew Tingle www.prismdecor.com
White Swan and Cuckoo events
Checkout the White Swan and Cuckoo Facebook Page for up to date details and find out about special events.
Biscuit the Cat
We have to give a mention to Biscuit who is often found sleeping at the side of the bar or prowling around the pub.
Even if you’ve never been inside the White Swan and Cuckoo there’s a good chance you’ve met Biscuit in Wapping Lane.
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