Rating **** The Plough is a pub that does cracking food. I hate the term “gastro pub” but I think it does go some way to describe what they have in Aston Lane, Claverley. Don’t be misled however. This is a village pub where locals stop by for a pint and a natter and a game of darts.
Young mothers stroll in, park baby in his carrycot on a chair (and before all you starch-collared nannies get agitated, it was securely fastened) and tuck in to some home cooked, home-produced steak and mushrooms with ale and onions.
That is most definitely not all. Keith and Karen Horton are clearly intent on providing tasty, imaginative and innovative meals. The menu has been devised with care and flair and just about everything is cooked to order so don’t necessarily expect fast food.
You can get your pie and your pint of course but our evening visit revealed that you will get quality on your plate. The chalked up evening choices are priced from £7.50 to £15.50 - not the cheapest around but we found it was value for money.
At the moment the Plough is bedecked with colourful hanging baskets and troughs and World Cup soccer bunting (least said the better).
A sign outside proclaims: “Traditional pub with warm welcome guaranteed”, and so it proved.
The staff was attentive the moment we stepped through the door. Glasses of wine were promptly provided and although customers are asked to order food from the bar we were given the full waitress treatment.
From the choice of starters my attention was hooked by the deep fried whitebait with chilli dipping sauce (£4.75). It was good stuff and if you are squeamish the little swimmers were well-coated with breadcrumbs - so no sorrowful eyes looking at you.
Good stuff also for Libby whose pan-fried mushrooms with patŽ and Stilton topping (£4.50) was “well presented, not overcooked with a very rich flavour”. Some find Stilton overwhelming, but not treated like this.
A respectable wait and I was ready for the main billing. I’d ordered sizzler and I heard it coming. Sizzling stir-fried strips of beef steak with strips of vegetables in an oyster sauce and rice and garlic bread, all for £10.95. All the senses were assailed and it was very satisfying - lovely sight, lovely sound, lovely taste. I revelled in it.
The Plough emphasises its fish choices, brought in from Brixham, and as Libby is a fish lover it was not surprising she ordered the pan-fried fillet of sea bream with a lime and chilli olive oil (£10.50).
If the fish is fresh, and not over-cooked, it is difficult to go wrong and this offering pressed all the right buttons as far as my wife was concerned. She reported the dressing was nicely balanced and the price included a side dish of nice crunchy vegetables - new potatoes, broccoli, French beans, carrots and courgettes.
If there had been room for desserts I would definitely have tried the chocolate fudge cake (£3.95) with Libby leaning towards the fresh strawberries and cream.
As it was we were replete, and the food bill only just topped £30, with drinks extra.
A very enjoyable and relaxing evening - we were strangers in the pub but you never would have guessed.
It seems that to survive these days village pubs have to play to their strengths and attract trippers and travellers, as well as the locals.
If you are feeling peckish during the day the Plough has a rather extensive lunchtime menu, ranging from Karen’s home-made soup of the day at £2.95, to Keith’s chilli con carne, rice, salad and garlic bread at £6.95 while not forgetting a range of sandwiches and snacks.
Food is served at lunch times Tuesday to Sunday, and evening Tuesday to Saturday, and the bar is open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There were no vegetarian options chalked up but the waitress explained they did provide choices such as omelettes and stir fried vegetables.contact details
ADDRESS:
The Plough, Aston Lane, Claverley
Tel: 01746 710667
MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Avocado/smoked salmon and prawn salad (£4.95), Chilled wedges of melon and prosciutio (£4.25).
Main courses
Char grilled breast of chicken with creamy sundried tomato and white wine sauce (£10.95), Steak Rossini tournados (£15.50)
Desserts
Peach Melba ice-cream sundae (£3.75), Selection of British cheeses (£4.25)
ATMOSPHERE
Convivial without being intrusive
SERVICE
Polite and efficient
DISABLED FACILITIES
No toilets for the disabled, wheelchair access possible
SMOKING POLICY
No smoking in dining area
Pub review by Rex M Key
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