Where is everybody? The White Swan is the only gay pub for miles and suffers with its post-9pm only opening hours.

The Venue
Behind a discrete entrance with a blacked out door lies the White Swan. Part pub, part nightclub, inside is a decent sized space with a laminate bar in prime position. A small stage runs from one corner into the centre of the room (this must be where the amateur strip competition every Wednesday night takes place!) with a DJ booth behind. A VLT machine blinks along in the background. Thursday is Karaoke night; perhaps that pulls the punters in? Or their Sunday afternoon tea dance?

The Atmosphere
On a Tuesday evening at 10pm in the White Swan, don’t be surprised if you’re the only one in the pub. You'd think the bar staff would be happy to see you... Still, you can always watch TV together. It’s too dark to read and there are no windows to look out of so the choices are limited.

The Drink
San Miguel, Fosters, Kronenbourg, John Smith, Stella, Strongbow and Guinness on draught at the White Swan, priced for affordability. There are loads of bottled beers, alcopops and ciders plus a well-presented mix of spirits behind the bar.

The Last Word
This is a rough patch of London. It probably isn't easy to run a gay bar in Limehouse but maybe if they opened before 9pm there would be more of an after work crowd?

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