Old Swan Barracks

Behind an austere stone 1896 facade (twinkling fairy lights fail to elevate the mood), the Old Swan Barracks are repackaged army accommodation, with long timber-panelled corridors, spartan rooms, basic bathrooms and generous communal areas. The bar opens at noon: happy hours, pool comps and sausage sizzles undermine the 'Dieu et mon droit' (God and my right) coat-of-arms motto.