Tucked away in the quiet residential streets of exclusive Knightsbridge, the well-kept flower-adorned exterior of the Swag & Tails makes a charming first impression.

The interior doesn’t disappoint either. The informal but civilised bar is decked out with floorboards, wooden furniture and a fire, with cream walls packed with prints above the half-panelling. Behind it, the dining areas have a more contemporary edge, with mirrors, posters, prints and contemporary artwork on the walls, while the conservatory-style room beyond has a tiled floor.

The menu brings together some contemporary, if not trendy, culinary notions, from a starter of pan-seared foie gras with rhubarb jam, spiced red wine reduction and sherry vinegar caramel, to main courses of chargrilled loin of tuna with peppery coriander noodles, pak choi, roasted shitake mushrooms and a dressing of spring onions, sesame and soy, or ‘excellent-quality’ chicken breast stuffed with a vibrantly flavoured tarragon mousse served on a mixture of wilted green vegetables and bacon dauphinoise, and desserts of perhaps vanilla rice pudding with honey-glazed peaches and cherry sorbet. Those after something more traditional could opt for ribeye steak braised in red wine with tomatoes, shallots and mushrooms, and lighter dishes of a sirloin steak sandwich or a burger are also possibilities.

The wine list, arranged by grape variety, is a well-chosen selection, with nine, plus some dessert wines and a champagne, offered by the glass, including a white Menetou-Salon. Marston’s Pedigree and Wells Bombardier Premium Bitter are on draught.