The Plough, Coton

Two visits - two absolutely abysmal experiences. First, the play area in the back dishonestly suggests this establishment is family-friendly. The menu is geared strictly towards adult (so-called) lovers of faux gastro pub food (more on that in a bit). In a near-empty pub I was amazed to watch four staff members standing around watching my wife juggle two large drinks and olive trays while trying to push a pram back to our table in the garden. No tip there obviously - though they certainly expected one regardless. Secondly, while the beer selection is somewhat average, the prices are far from it - you'll need to visit a high-end pub in central London to see these rates. Thirdly, the food was not even mediocre. Sure this place has the prices of a top-end gastro pub - yet it lacks the innovation and flavor to compete with your average Greene King chain pub. Forty-eight quid later, I left wishing I'd spent my cash on a proper meal down the road at the Three Horseshoes in Madingly.

13 Aug 2009 14:19