Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century, once a coaching house and mentioned by the diarist Samuel Pepys. An Irish-themed bar for many years, the pub was thoroughly refurbished and partly re-fitted as a traditional pub by Nicholson's, reopening in 2012. The refurb produced a light and airy first-floor restaurant with table service, and a ground floor bar considerably lightened and improved compared with the old Mucky Duck - a dark traditional market pub. It does get busy, as does any pub in Covent Garden, and background music may be little overpowering at times. TVs show muted rolling news or sports. The White Swan was formerly a Hoare and Co. house, controlled by the bankers of Fleet Street, of the Red Lion Brewery with a reputation for stout and sparkling ales in Lower Smithfield, that closed in 1934, and there's a magnificent mirror with their name at the entrance. Takeaway and delivery food options are also available. This venue has in the past been reported as selling a real cider by CAMRAs definition. Further updates welcome.