Ploughman’s lunch (Sharing platter) at Alfred’s Wine Bar, Pewsey reviewed
Editors note – when I say Ploughman’s lunch, this might be pushing the definition….. or is it?
Location –
Alfred’s Wine Bar
4 Market Pl,
Pewsey
SN9 5AA
07947 523058
Website – (There is no current website, only Instagram – Alfreds Wine Bar).
Date of Visit – 19/10/2024
The Food
Editor’s Note: This was not listed as a Ploughman’s lunch but as a sharing platter. However, it contained key ingredients and was a very suitable accompaniment to the wine, the company was with The place is an absolute delight – so please read on.
0 – Pickled Onion. There wasn’t one. But as highlighted above it was not listed as a ploughman’s. I think with a little persuasion pickled onions might become available (or I will get told off for interfering with the menus)…….. and if so, I will update accordingly. Anyway – read on…….
9 – Pickle. The pickle was lovely. Although not sure it was a pickle, might have been something else. It tasted lovely and was just right with the cheese. Fruity, sweet, delicious.
9 – Cheese: The quality of the cheese was outstanding. It just dropped a point because I LOVE cheese and there is rarely enough. For me, about double the amount of cheddar – but probably for most people, it’s about right. Hey, it’s my review – you can do one if you like and I will publish it.
Full disclosure: Those who read regularly might know this – but I detest Stilton. The reason I included it is because many, many people really do like it. There was an option of full substitution with another cheese, so other normal people like me can give the mould a swerve. Anyhow, I was sharing this with my wife, aka Little Piece of Wonder. I subcontracted the Stilton tasting, and apparently, it was delicious.
10 – Bread: Amazing. Lovely taste and texture. There were hints of things in it – Walnuts and cranberries I think. I know I should have found out, remiss of me – but the wine was rather good and I was distracted. For reference, I had a Chenin Blanc, one of my favourite White Wines. Well, I might have been into my second glass by now, and I had previously had a crafty tipple at home.
0 – Spread. Oh, I do feel a bit mean here…. but there was no butter. OR am I? Perhaps cheese and bread deserve butter? or maybe a bit more of the red pickle stuff? Was it relish or pickle? Did I mention I really like Chenin Blanc? and the atmosphere in there was great. I shouldn’t mention that here, or the wine there’s a place for that later.
5 – Presentation: Impeccable! Look at it, it’s beautiful!
5 – Salad, etc. Grapes and Walnuts count as salad……… They went beautifully with the cheese. Certainly better than a gurt pile of iceberg lettuce making everything damp or nasty hard tomato. Hey, if you think about a Ploughmans as a portable thing (paper bag, with pickle in a small pot – grapes and walnuts highly transportable). They also went quite nicely with I think my third large glass by now……. I was starting to lose count. I should have just bought the bottle, the wine was lovely.
5 – Originality. Quite original calling it a sharing platter, and not including an onion! Seriously, it was lovely and this section is really for cheating the scores a little bit. Giving it a 5 here compensates for the lack of butter.
Food Total: 43
Beverages
10 – Drinks: An extensive, well-curated wine list. Many years ago I knew a thing or two about wines, and whilst I’m not an expert, I know when someone else is. This place knows its stuff!
There is also a small selection of excellent Beers and ciders to suit those who do not partake of the grape, and I think I saw devices for Coffee etc. I didn’t check, but I expect water and soft drinks available too, as all good venues do.
Drinks Total: 10
The Venue
10 – Service: The service is excellent. The staff and owner perfectly complement each other providing a warm welcome to all.
10 – Atmosphere: Located on the ground floor of a period property there is lots of interest inside. Beautifully decorated with plenty of interesting features, it is a feast for the eyes – yet not too busy. It’s clean, and contemporary, yet also cosy and timeless a triumph not often seen. A wide choice of seating to suit your mood, although you might need to get there early to get your choice. The company there is pleasant, with a wide range of clientele, it feels like something fresh and exciting. It’s certainly very relaxing and a great place to enjoy some wine and enjoy the wine I did. It’s one reason why the photos are a bit ropey.
There is also a lovely courtyard garden out the back to enjoy when the weather – or your mood suits. (or for a crafty smoke, if you are inclined).
5 – Location: For me, absolutely ideal! It’s 5 minutes walk away, so wanted to find an excuse to do a review – so that’s why I cheated and called the platter a Ploughman’s. Located in the beautiful Vale of Pewsey just along the Great West Way it is not so easy by car, yet only an hour’s train and 5 minutes walk from Paddington. With the last train to London at 20:45 on Friday and 22:15 on Saturday, it is a nice place to relax if you have spent the day out in the countryside, or visiting on business. It might also be a nice diversion if you’re travelling down the Kennet and Avon canal and fancy a diversion and something a bit different.
5 – Toilets: Impecable. Certainly very welcome after 3 glasses of wine!
Venue total: 30
Total Score: 83
Editor’s note: I aim to support independent businesses, local producers, artisans, and other people who make a positive difference. The score I gave does seem unfair as it was a sharing platter and not a ploughman’s (adding a top-quality pickled onion and some butter would be a 15-point addition).
However, my purpose was to share the amazing hard work and effort people make to create something new and vibrant. They are unaware that I intended to do a review. I was also unaware until I decided I wanted to try to do something more to support this amazing venue and its creator.
Please support this place, and whatever might be local to you too. It makes a difference to the people who own it, the people who work there and just as importantly the community around it keeping the life and soul in our towns and villages.
Do you like a ploughman’s? Fancy doing a review? Drop me a line. It’s quite easy. You can pretty much work out the scoring regime from this review. Send me a few words and pictures, and you will be fully credited.
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