Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century, once a coaching house and mentioned by the diarist Samuel Pepys. An Irish-theme bar for many years, the pub was thoroughly refurbished and partly re-fitted as a traditional pub by Nicholson's, opening in May 2012. There is now a light and airy 1st floor restaurant with table service, and the ground floor bar has been 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.