The Fat Swan
The Fat Swan
3.5
Full view
About
Come aboard The Fat Swan and enjoy a decadent boat cruise. We are a grand party boat that is a great venue for hosting an array of special events to be celebrated on the Thames. The Fat Swan is decked out with luxurious fixtures and fittings and she is ideal for those looking to celebrate in styleSUPPER CRUISES EITHER GET A GROUP PARTY TOGETHER OR BOOK INDIVIDUALLY. Relax aboard The Fat Swan on a three hour evening supper cruise. The experience of cruising on the Upper Thames and enjoying some of the finest local restaurants food.This is a must for every one. Sit back and enjoy an evening on the river, drink a glass of your favourite beverage and watch the world float past. Pick up is in Caversham around 7 pm and you are dropped back around 10 pm. We offer Indian, Chinese, Thai and Fish and Chips - all the meals are supplied from Reading's leading restaurants.
Similar Experiences
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
13 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
5
CurlywhirlyGodalming
Godalming95 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
We had a lovely time on The Fat Swan celebrating our Auntie's 90th Birthday Party. Not only did we have a delicous 3 course lunch but we enjoyed a cruise along the Thames in beautiful sunshine. The staff were very good and had provided everything we had asked for including a highchair. The skipper was very friendly and informative. He also turned his hand to photography so all the family could be in the pictures. We would certainly use them again.
Written April 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob S
Reading, England, United Kingdom1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Friends
We booked this boat in feburary for a surprise party in august. Initial response was good, with a tour of the boat provided. All seemed good, so we we paid £500 pound deposit.
As the party date approached we were unable to contact anyone at the company. We also tried the owners other company all to no avail. We tried facebook messages, voicemails and visiting the boat on several occasions. We have had absolutely no contact at all. Luckly we managed to find another venue at the very last moment.
As a result we have had to start a small claims proceedure.
I would seriously recommend avoiding anything to do with the fat swan.
As the party date approached we were unable to contact anyone at the company. We also tried the owners other company all to no avail. We tried facebook messages, voicemails and visiting the boat on several occasions. We have had absolutely no contact at all. Luckly we managed to find another venue at the very last moment.
As a result we have had to start a small claims proceedure.
I would seriously recommend avoiding anything to do with the fat swan.
Written August 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Another 1 review complaint...we have no idea who you are Rob you defiantly never had a party booked
Written September 2, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark N
Salisbury, UK3 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
My booking was cancelled in June and I have yet to receive my money back (paid in full). I have received no communication following this and will raise a dispute with my credit card company in order to attempt to reclaim my money.
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark you have replied to our email and openly admit in that email you never had a party booked
you are obviously some one with something to gain by putting reviews of this sort on here
Written July 30, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura P
Wokingham, UK2 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
I booked a surprise party with the fat swan earlier in the year for 13th July, I gave my deposit and didn't hear from him. So 2 weeks before the party I contacted owner Jon leeming to discuss plans no answer. I thought was strange but kept trying, I them came across these bad reviews the week of the party and then became very worried! So the next day I hounded him with emails texts and phone calls still nothing, lucky I knew someone that knew of him and i was able to get further contact details and I think this was the only reason he contacted me back and cancelled just 3 days before my party and gave me my deposit. I was very upset and angry with the appalling customer service provided this is not the way to run a business. You cannot ignore people and hope they go away they Need to be told whats going on and refunded their money sounds like to me there is more than meets the eye! Please be aware if you are thinking of booking would not recommend!!
Written July 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura you had a full refund on the day i spoke to you and you were offered an alternative venue
the only reason you are posting on here is because you know what a great truly unique venue The Fat Swan is, its excellent value and you missed it
your review doesn't say any thing about how good or bad a venue The Fat Swan is, its just you having a moan because you missed a great party and had to settle for second best
Written July 26, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara2574
Reading, UK1 contribution
May 2013 • Solo
I booked a 50th birthday party for my husband for the 3rd August and paid £300 deposit on the 29 May, and I have been trying in vain to get the owner of the Fat Swan to respond to my e-mails and phone messages,, I wanted to pay the remainder but after 2 weeks of trying to get a response; my husband and son have tried too, and it is all documented! I advised in my last e-mail I would consider HE had cancelled my trip if I had not heard anything from him by 19 July, The cut of date has come and gone and I have now advised him I intend to get my deposit back either by my bank as it was paid by visa, or I will take it small claims court. I feel there has been no professionalism in his customer service. I do not intend to let him keep my money and a small letter to Trading standards and rogue traders may even be the way forward.
Written July 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara it wasn't us who you canceled your party on the 3rd of august you did
normally if you cancel any thing you lose your deposit
we will refund your deposit and have never said we wouldn't
please read our terms and conditions on our site they are very clear
By posting damaging reviews which show no relevance to how good or bad a venue The Fat Swan is on sites like this doesn't inspire me into action
Written July 26, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelbugshannon
Oxford, UK9 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
I had posted on here previously regarding our 21st June booking which was cancelled on the day of the event (a separate event to Kerri G's review). Whilst we appreciate cancellations do occur we are still awaiting a refund and the communication has been very sporadic. I understand the owner was away from the office for a period of time but another week has passed since I was assured we would have our refund. Phone calls are not returned and since the weekend my emails are now bounced back marked as spam. As the company are updating their Facebook page and have refunded a third cancelled trip scheduled after ours (not one reviewed on here) then I am hoping this will be picked up and responded to. I removed my previous review at the request of the owner as he said he had not been in touch due to extenuating circumstances but assurances about refunding us last week have still not been met. Hoping to receive some more information very soon as having to debate this via TripAdvisor is not an ideal situation for anyone.
Written July 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
you review shows no relevance to how good or bad a venue The Fat Swan is
We offer great value for money and a river party experience that is second to none on the Thames
we are sorry we had to cancel your party and will give you a full refund but posting damaging reviews on here only slows that process down
Written July 30, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kenworthytravel
Reading, UK8 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Would love to give a big thumbs up to Sandy & Jon for a fantastic day out on the Thames on Sat.
Everything was spot on, very accommodating,nothing was to much trouble.Many Thanks, we will be back for sure.
Everything was spot on, very accommodating,nothing was to much trouble.Many Thanks, we will be back for sure.
Written August 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Karl i am really pleased you and Leigh had a great day
Written August 10, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanna B
Oxford, England, United Kingdom1 contribution
Jul 2013 • Friends
This is my 1st review
I had read reviews of this boat and was thinking about cancelling. We were so glad we didn't it was one of the best party's we have ever had and such great value the weather helped
We had glorious sunshine and the best afternoon tea ever the river was fantastic
I can only say ignore the other reviews and make your own mind up
We defiantly will be booking again
Thanks to the crew for a wonderful afternoon
I had read reviews of this boat and was thinking about cancelling. We were so glad we didn't it was one of the best party's we have ever had and such great value the weather helped
We had glorious sunshine and the best afternoon tea ever the river was fantastic
I can only say ignore the other reviews and make your own mind up
We defiantly will be booking again
Thanks to the crew for a wonderful afternoon
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for a real Review. it was a pleasure having you all aboard
Written July 30, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suki
2 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
An absolutely awesome dining experience. The food Michelin 5 star delivered with excellent service. Spices in food were spot on. Melt in the mouth naan and beautiful authentic Indian food at it's best. You don't know what your missing.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridgeman42
Fleet, UK2 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
Read the reviews and hoped everything would be OK. It was.
Jon greeted all of us and was very helpful to those a bit unsteady on their feet as we boarded for our afternoon trip. We had a very pleasant cruise up to Mapledurham Lock.
We had an excellent tea on the return journey. Lovely sandwiches followed by scones, jam and cream. There was also a choice of teas or coffee. I could not fault the occasion and as far as I aware our organiser had no problems booking or contacting the owner.
The only disappointment was the weather and you cannot blame Jon for that!
Excellent trip and good value for money.
Jon greeted all of us and was very helpful to those a bit unsteady on their feet as we boarded for our afternoon trip. We had a very pleasant cruise up to Mapledurham Lock.
We had an excellent tea on the return journey. Lovely sandwiches followed by scones, jam and cream. There was also a choice of teas or coffee. I could not fault the occasion and as far as I aware our organiser had no problems booking or contacting the owner.
The only disappointment was the weather and you cannot blame Jon for that!
Excellent trip and good value for money.
Written September 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nice Review Thank you ..
Written September 29, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Fat Swan - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
The Fat Swan Information
Excellent Reviews | 7 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 1 |
The Fat Swan Photos | 10 |