please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Came here for a family meal in August 2011. We liked the interior decor and would come back here for a drink but not sure we'd eat here again. One or two dishes we had were nice but others disappointing; service not particularly impressive.
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Why oh why do we come back to this place when there is so many good places nearby to eat and drink. As always the food was very average and the service likewise. Spit chicken with lemon and garlic was a spit piece of chicken with a whole roasted garlic and half of a roasted lemon separate. Needless to say the chicken tasted neither of the lemon or garlic. My wife had the same with a "piri piri" sauce which turned out to be tomato puree witbh chilli seeds. At least the selection of beers and the setting is good, but god knows why so many people flock to this place...
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Debatable (as others have pointed out) as to whether this should be listed on BITE, as its more of a restaurant with a bar at the rear than a pub. Visited last Friday lunchtime - as i approached the bar there were at least 2 irate groups waiting to complain to the stressed staff about excessive delays waiting for their food. Although the beer was pretty good (had one of the draught ciders) - it was totally understaffed and many unhappy punters. Shame though - great location
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Visited this 'pub' on 2nd May. Plough now been turned into a pretentious would-be 'gastro pub'. The food is completely over-priced and does not live up to the expectation given by the elaborate menu. My 'gourmet' burger was greasy and was missing virtually all of the 'additions' promised on the menu. My son's smoked salmon pizza consisted of three thin shavings of courgette, a sprinkle of salad rocket and three of the tiniest pieces of smoked salmon I think I've ever seen - all served on a thin, dry base. The spit chicken with garlic and lemon mayo was simply a piece of chicken with a dollop of mayo, a roast bulb of garlic and a wedge of lemon. Pity the chef can't actually execute his own menu. Needless to say, I would never eat here again and would strongly recommend others not to do so. What a pity when this 'pub' is in such a pretty location.
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This used to be a decent pub, and was one that we were looking forward to drinking in after visiting Eagle Heights. It used to be a popular, family friendly pub that did meals and had a good atmosphere. It has been refurbished and has gone upmarket so it is now a restaurant with a bar area.
It is clean and tidy with excellent, if somewhat formal service. Two well kept beers (Harveys and Doom Bar), and very tasty crisps. No child seats, but a booster which our two year found a little small.
The bar felt more like a hotel lounge than a pub, but was OK.
We miss the old Plough. This place isn't bad, but it's not what we were expecting or looking for.
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Clearly Mr. or maybe Mrs.Bateman is an ignorant twat! The site may be called BEER in the evening, but it is a review of pubs and that, sadly, means these days the food is often more important to the pub remaining open than the BEER. Does Mr or Mrs Bateman not read other reviews where often the BEER is only briefly mentioned whilst the food gets a full review. Assuming Mr Bateman is a man maybe he should join the site beardedaleswillinglosersinthevening.com which he may find more appropriate.
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I suspect that prokarter is simply being brave enough to state what others have simply muttered to themselves. Well done!
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After dining at the Plough on Sunday 31st October 2010. I would like to relay the appalling experience that we were forced to endure. Firstly, the waitress was exemplary and attentive. However my daughter had an issue with the roast leg of lamb dish. She pointed out to the waitress in a quiet and apologetic manner that it was inedible. The manager came to the table and when this was pointed out his answer was that no one else had complained .We were then given a run down on how the lamb is boned and rolled and that there would be sinew and gristle in this cut of meat. My daughter pointed out that she could not even cut the meat. The reply was you could have asked for a sharper knife. We decided at that point to leave not bothering with sweet or coffee. We paid the bill and left a �5.00 tip to the waitress, as she had been very understanding. On the way out the Manager again approached us and was again completely indifferent to the fact that the lamb was inedible and his attitude had completely ruined our day, still he maintained his stance and then he patronisingly thanked us for our Feedback. Both my wife and myself eat out regularly and have never met a manager with such a lack of inter personal skills. We have eaten at the plough on many occasions being local and I think that is fair to say that we will not be coming back. I would like to point out that at no time did we ask for a refund. My daughter had a genuine problem with her main but that did not appear to count and she was made to feel foolish for bringing it to their attention. A thoroughly bad experience which if handled correctly could have been resolved easily. I have decided to post this as I have sent both the Plough and the holding company my comments but they have chosen to ignore me
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Anyone who uses the phrase "clam Mariniere " on a website entitled "BEER in the Evening" deserves a stern lecture comprising mainly of ultra violence.
Get back to "Sandwich in the Afternoon" ya big lassie.
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This place is a Friday regular for us with friends because of it's laid back atmoshphere, wide selection of drinks, and comfortable seats. We decided for the first time to eat here and have to admit to mixed feelings. The menu is quite varied and only slightly over priced, and you feel it so wants to be a gastro pub. However, the food is really hit and miss, and whilst my starter of scallops was fine, my wife chose mussels and clam Mariniere which was basically mussells and clams in water with bits of onion. She complained but didn't receive any refund, just an assurance that the chef would be informed! Both our mains were very good, and so was my wife's dessert, but I chose the cheeseboard which was a big mistake. 3 tiny pieces of cheese, a few oatbakes - no butter, 6 grapes and a few bits of celery all for �6.45. There are better places to eat in the area.
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We visited the Plough with reasonably high expectations after visting their web site and looking at the online menu. Our small party consisted of 4 adults and 2 babies (20 months & 5 months).
The drinks selection (lager) is pretty good, and they have aspall cider on tap.
We were quite underwhelmed by the service and the food. The staff are a little stand off-ish and they gave us the impression that we were a bit of an inconvenience to them.
The food is basically over priced. It was ok.....but no more than that, it is just expensive for what it is. The food just tasted a bit bland overall. The 'frites' are just regular pub chips and you don't get many, even with our steak.
They do not have a childrens menu at all so we just ordered a margerita pizza which at �8.00 is a bit of a rip off for what we got.
The cheesecake, my wife said, was excellent and nearly made up for the short comings of her rib-eye and particularly rubbish 'rissotto balls'
The espresso martini however, was excellent.
In conclusion I would recommend this pub for a quiet drink in a lovely setting but I wouldn't encourage anyone to eat there. There are much better places available for the same money.
T
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When I visited this pub a while ago I ordered a portion of chips and 2 coffees. The coffees were quite small and the chips amounted to about 10 chips in a small tub. This cost nearly �10.00!
I complained but did not get a refund from the pub.
Needless, won't go there again.
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Since I last rated this pub in Oct 08 it seems to have gone downhill which is why we now go to the nearby Five Bells. The drink selection is still very good but it's the staff that seem to be the problem. The Australian barman that had personality has gone to be replaced by sour faced staff who don't exactly rush to serve you.
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Rates itself as child friendly but isn't. There is only a small area of the pub where you can take them. And don't even think of taking a dog to the pub.
Overall they have an off hand attitude to customers. Take for example the weird dress code that isn't publicised. I saw two cyclists thrown out for wearing sleeveless t -shirts and someone shouted out at for daring to wear a hat at the bar.
The food is generally okayish. Chips are particularly good.
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Perhaps Spicyjen's review sums up what is wrong - it goes on about the food (and even the furniture) but doesn't tell us anything about the drink. That tends to confirm my suspicion that the place can no longer be regarded as a PUB, in the traditional sense.
If you just want a drink, wander over to the Five Bells instead.
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Got turned away on a thursday night, said it was over 21s only. Pity.
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This is a very good pub if you just want to relax and enjoy a drink with friends, but if you want to eat forget it unless you like paying well over the top. When we called in we ordered the Ham & chese melt which was around �7 but turned out to by a couple of pieces of dry toast wit a slice of ham and the minimum of melted cheese on top. Drinks are excellent if a little over priced.
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We go to the plough about once a month, we find the quality varied, when we first went there we always got a good selection of breads with balsamic and olive oil, now we are lucky if we get any bread, and only if we ask! if we do its only one type of bread.
but on the bright side the staff are friendly, especially Jamie,Etienne,Mark, Sarah and miss Huw and kyal I keep forgetting to try a cocktail but nobody asks me before I get a drink.
The food is good as pub food goes but is a little expensive but we don't mind if it's good
And we will go again, we like the setting and the chairs are comfortable downstairs but upstairs without cushions we don't stay for more than one course as the chairs are hard!
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We need pubs like this and I desperately want it to work but they need to review the food and pricing. We've had two good meals and two bad ones. It always been excellent at lunch time when less busy. It seems they can't cope with the busy times. Going on a day like Mothers Day was alway going to be risky.. Most places like this never keep real ale and to have Landlord and Harvey's is a draw for real alers like myself. Our christmas meal for 10 had 9 happy punters. Some of the starter work really well like the scallops and haddock - other don't like rissotto and chiken lasagne.. I've looked at most of the comments and would say that there are plenty of other 'traditional' pubs all within a few miles. This pub is trying for a niche maket but they are not there yet. Sort out the kitchen and keep the real ale in good nick and I'll give you another visit..
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Used to come here a lot and enjoyed the old decor, visited today for mother's day lunch and was disappointed. The refurb last year has taken away all the atmosphere, it feels like it's trying to be a trendy city pub and it just doesn't work. Food was mediocre at best and very highly priced. Location of course is lovely but it needs more than that to bring me back.
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It was my wifes birthday, so after our experience in Jan this year, we decided to go back again. It was a lovely sunny day, and I expected the Plough to be full. To my surprise the car park was less than half full. We headed to the restaurant area. There was only one couple sitting. A young waitress attended us, we were disappointed that our long term waitress Paula was on holiday, as she was one of the longest serving ladies there. She always has a cheerful disposition, and makes you feel very welcome. We did not order a starter, as there was nothing that tempted us, indeed the prices were off putting. My wife had a mackerel dish, I has a fillet steak, we ordered a bottle of red wine. I cannot complain about the food, it was good, but did not justify the outrageous cost! The staff must have been very bored, as we were distracted by the two waitresses flicking each others legs with rolled up tea towels, not quite up to the image the management would like to aspire to!
This was our second visit since the refurbishment, sadly our opinion has not changed. We will not be going back.
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I went to this pub yesterday as I have known it from the past and had heard it had been done up and I wanted to take a look. On arrival I had to wait a while to be served as there was only one guy on the bar. Eventually I asked for a pint of Landlord (real ale) only to be told it was "off" So no real ale available. While waiting I looked at the food price list and decided it was far too expensive for me, excessive would be a better word. The decor had no character/atmosphere in fact I didn't like it, too fake. I won't be going back there for a while I'll try one of the other pubs when passing next time.
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i love everything about this pub, the food is lovely and fresh and very nicely presented, good selection of beers on tap and good wine list, the staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome, the pub has a great atmosphere and is also in a lovely location right alongside a river. can't wait for summer to come along, this pub is going to be buzzing
anonymous - 4 Apr 2007 01:56 |
The refurb looks nice, although I would not say the same about the staff. I went there with a small group of friends a couple of weeks ago as we had heard about a nice relaxing bar (without loud 18 year-olds). Our group was asked for id at the bar, with our average age being 23. One of the group only had a provisional driving license, which the barman did not accept as id, and another of us didn't have any id on her. We were asked to leave as the age policy is over 21's, which is not displayed anywhere around the bar area. We were very disappointed and angry about the attitude of the staff and we shall not be going back there.
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I have been to the plough twice in the last three weeks and must say that i think it looks fantastic! the food is fresh vibrant and tasty and offers a wide choice for all. Although children are clearly not allowed in the bar area (something which i totally agree with) they are more than welcome in the restaurant and outside, my three children loved the food which i am happy to say did not include things like frozen nuggets and chips. Infact my five year old completely demolished a tapas selection and went on to eat a roast with lots of fresh veg. The second time that i visited was with a group of friends and i must say that i welcomed the absence of kids in the bar area, the atmosphere was relaxed and had a lovely buzz about it. The outside could have been a little more welcoming with some heaters but i suppose summer is on its way so perhaps it not at the top of their list yet. Really enjoyable experience and the river opposite will make this a must in the summer!
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I had not been in the Plough for a few years, and went in last week with my kids. The refurbishment looks good, and it is definitely different. However did not feel welcome at all, and immediately had a member of staff over to inform us that children were not welcome and we would have to go to the restaurant. The restaurant area is quite formal, and not comfortable at all. I think this place is fine for couples and summer evenings, but definitely a big no for families.
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My wife and I have been using the Plough for over twenty years. We generally lunch there every Monday. We went back after the new owners had completed the refurbishment. The decor was OK, as was the new furniture. One of our regular waitresses was there and was pleased to see us. Our first shock was the wine menu, mediocre wines at inflated prices. The starters were small and overpriced. I decided to order a fresh pizza margarita from the main menu. If you have been to Italy you must know what a real pizza margarita is like!. I don't call a soggy based burnt edged crust laced with strips of mozzarella cheese, interspersed with tomato paste, then topped with a few sliced cherry tomatoes a proper pizza. Any side dishes were small and exorbitant. I get the feeling that the new owners want to attract a new client base. As it is I don't think they will succed.
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Decor is very spankey, more of a bar than a pub. Food is very nice, well cooked and fresh. They do have Strapomen on tap, which is nice to see. Kid friendly I'm sure this referbe will be a boost for summer trade. would reccomend forthe fasionable types!
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Just for all interested, the Plough in Eynsford is under new ownership and following a �650 000 refurbishment will be reopened on Saturday the 27th of january. you will also be interested to know that all food will now be cooked to order Using fresh ingredients. two brand new open fire places have also been built with leather seating in the bar area and hosting a quality range of european lagers as well as traditional cask ales.
Look forward to seeing you all!!!!
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Very nice pub. Always a favourite of mine. The decor is adorned with farm machinery, pitch forks and the like, upstairs is a restaurant with slightly hyped up prices but well worth it.
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Great pub for a Summer's evening - it has everything... small children with fishing rods (it's right on the river), couples enjoying a romantic evening, squaddies (loads of them - not sure why, is there an Army base nearby?!), decent food (steak was tough-ish as were grilled mushroom). An element of stress about taking the "restaurant" menu 20 metres outside the door, but otherwise staff were v. nice, if a bit slow. Wine was v reasonable and ambiance excellent. Look out for the chocolate lab sticking his head over the roof (there's a private roof terrace). Good parking - but make sure you're driving a Merc SLK - everyone else was.
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Come here occasionally as I live in Reading but the best pub in Eynsford. Beautiful location and as Gareth said a sunny day spent on the bank is most pleasurable, most pleasurable. nice fireplaces on a cold winters night.
anonymous - 9 Feb 2005 16:48 |
Went here for Sunday lunch. Appalling service, food was very bad especially for the money they charge. Had Calf's liver that was tough and didn't taste good. Other half and turkey that was smoothered with Bisto. Vegetables were reheated in microwave and not for the first time I reckon, dry and shrivelled up. Will not be going back.. shame as the location is so nice.
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A nightmarishly packed carpark - but well worht the squeeze. The pub section is lovely, but the restaurant area outstrips it by far! Be aware - it is very likely you'll need to book for the restaurant regardless of time of day. The perfect place for a quick lunch (pub) or a pleasant formal dinner (restaurant). (I've never had any problems finding a good selection of meals there - even though I'm a picky vegetarian!)
Dawn Johnson - 3 Sep 2004 20:34 |
Lovely for a nice quiet drink by the river on a sunny afternoon, but a bit pricey for what it is. About a tenner for a roast dinner in a pub is too much. And the dinners on offer are not to every body's taste.
Vikki - 21 Nov 2003 14:05 |
A lovely quaint little pub, for a quaint little town - dare to drive through the river, or sheepishly drive over the little hump bridge - either way, it's not a bad spot for a good old country lunch.
Linsey Reeves - 18 Sep 2003 17:17 |
This has to be the best pub for a lazy summer afternoon. Situated next to a river just down from Eynsford ford. Nothing is better than resting on the river bank with a cold well drawn pint. FABULOUS, bring on the sun!!
Gareth Hunt - 26 Jun 2002 09:12 |
