"The alley likely came into existence when the first Leadenhall Market, as a market for herbs, opened, with a long passage leading from the market to Gracechurch Street. The alley used to be longer and straighter, but the eastern half was cut off when a building was constructed on the site. That building was demolished in 2000, and archaeologists researched it for Roman remains in 2002."
"The pub is not old, well, not by London standards, as it can trace its origin back only to 1861, and the current building dates to 1898, which is confirmed by the date just above the second-floor windows. It has a classic "Olde London" appearance, with wood panelling and frosted glass, but the most notable feature is the Art Nouveau pub signs above the passage on both sides."
"Now, you might be wondering why they decided to name the pub The Swan Tavern when it's on Ship Tavern Passage. That's because the alley used to be longer and led to Lime Street, where there was another pub - the Ship Tavern. Sadly, the Ship Tavern finally closed in 2010 and is now a cheeky fried chicken outlet. May it be time for the Swan to turn into a Ship?"
A narrow alley beside Leadenhall Market originated as a long market passage to Gracechurch Street when the first Leadenhall Market opened as a herbs market. The eastern half was later cut off by construction; that building was demolished in 2000 and archaeologists investigated the site for Roman remains in 2002, with redevelopment not completed until 2015. The remaining curved space sits behind modern offices and now hosts only two traders: a barber and the Swan Tavern. The pub dates to 1861 with the present 1898 building, features wood panelling, frosted glass and notable Art Nouveau signs. A south-side building will be demolished and a new tower, including a new entrance, will be erected on the site.
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