The Swan

Located in John Swan’s old engraving workshop, The Swan is an eatery and taproom with great vibes, local flavours, live gigs, fresh coffee, cosy nooks and a sunshine-laden outdoor seating area. Tucked away behind The Octagon on Bath Street, The Swan has a huge local following and you’ll soon understand why.

On the menu you’ll find that the classics are done right. Eggs benedict with house-smoked salmon, omelette with mushrooms, confit tomato, spinach and cheddar, or good old fashioned porridge fancied up a little with banana and date jam and ginger-infused maple syrup.

Breads, sauces, pickles, desserts and dukkah - nearly everything at The Swan is made on site by local chefs who love to forage (those walnuts on your Swan Platter were gathered from a giant tree in Clyde).

With an Allpress roastery located in Dunedin and experienced baristas, The Swan creates the perfect coffee every time. Towards the back of the café you’ll find a gas fire and an oversized leather couch accompanied by lush velvet chairs - it’s an ideal area for quiet contemplation or a coffee/wine catchup with friends.

The Swan isn’t just a café, though. On Fridays, the tap beers start pouring and the nighttime scene hits full throttle and on Saturdays there is often live music. As the sky goes dark The Swan keeps its laid back feel but offers evening fare; a wine list curated by local legend Paul Williams from Wine Freedom, brews from the ever-popular Garage Project and quite potentially the best espresso martinins in town. So pull up a chair, order a drink and stay awhile.