Colby Woodland Garden Tea-room | Ystafell De

A Ploughman's lunch served on a wooden outdoor table includes slices of ham, grated cheese, coleslaw, fresh salad with tomatoes and peppers, a small pot of pickle, a crusty roll with butter, and a warm cup of tea accompanied by a teapot and a small jug of milk. The setting is casual and inviting, perfect for a countryside meal at Colby Woodland Garden.

Ploughman’s Lunch at Colby Woodland Garden Tea-room | Ystafell De Reviewed

Location – 
Colby Woodland Garden,

near Amroth,
Pembrokeshire,
SA67 8PP
01646623110

Website – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden

The Food 

Note: A slight cheat here, this wasn’t called a ploughman’s, however, it has all the qualities. It was a cheese and ham Salad.

Date of Visit – 28/09/2017

6 – Pickled Onion. Argh – there was no pickled onion, but then it wasn’t called a ploughman’s. I have been caught out by my criteria here, and that is a shame because it was outstanding.  I will cheat – there was onion in the salad, and it had a dressing upon it, and that contained vinegar.  I have to say, this is more welcome than some of the mouth-dissolving disappointments of onions I have had in the past.

10 – Pickle.  Top top homemade Piccalilli.  Ohh, it was very nice and perfect with the cheese and ham!

10 – Cheese / Ham.  Look at it! Just look.  The ham was home-cooked and from Wales, tasty in vast quantity.  I opted for the salad as I wanted something lighter (on reduced rations at the moment) but ended up with this.  The cheese too was a lovely Welsh Cheddar and supplied in ample quantity. 

10 – Bread.  I was in bread heaven! Local bread and dangerously fresh. Soft on the inside, and yet nice and crusty on the outer, a real “bready” flavour to it. Yum!

5 – Spread (better be butter or a choice). Butter, butter, butter – tasty and soft to spread. Top marks.

3 – Presentation. A slight slip in the presentation.  Who cares, it’s a rustic dish produced by talented and passionate cooks.  Hats off to the National Trust tea rooms (if I had more time, guess what else I would review). I feel mean giving it only a 3.

5 – Salad, etc. Top salad, fresh, tasty and just the right amount of dressing – not dry, not going for a swim.

4 – Originality. Hmmm. Couscous is not a favourite of mine, to be honest.  Whilst it has no place on a ploughman’s, this is officially a salad.  Perhaps a bit too much Carb with the bread, but it was actually very nice!  Oh, there was a tip-top coleslaw on there too. Yum. 

Food Total: 53


Beverages

10 – Tea.  It was amazing.  Plenty of milk, Lots in the pot, spare water, tasty, hot refreshing, ace.  Local apple juice and other delights are available too. 

Drinks Total: 10


The venue

8 – Service. A tad slow, but it was sort of the wrong time of day (i.e. 1 PM when everyone decides its lunch time) and towards the end of the season, but really rather good all considered.  It’s a beautiful location, so no complaints.

8 – Atmosphere. Very pleasant, and relaxed. Might be a bit different in the height of summer, though.

5 – Location. Top location.  Beautiful in every way.

3 – Toilets. an unusual slip from the National Trust here – the sink was broken and suggested hand washing in the sink in the disabled toilets.  Not a terribly practical solution, but I suspect only temporary. 

Venue total: 24


Total Score: 87



A Ploughman’s lunch served outdoors at Colby Woodland Garden, featuring an inviting mix of sliced ham, grated cheese, and a fresh salad with vibrant tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. The plate includes a small jar of pickles, a crusty bread roll with a pat of butter, and a side of couscous. The lunch is accompanied by a cup of tea, complete with a colorful teapot, a milk jug, and a sugar jar with cubes. The outdoor seating captures the peaceful ambiance, with greenery and white-washed walls of a garden café in the background, giving a charming, rustic feel.
Colby Woodland Garden Ploughmans Lunch

Editors Note: I highly recommend visiting, The gardens are stunning any time of year, and the woodlands are delightful. I would highly recommend visiting Pembrokeshire too especially if you have never been – it is quite beautiful.

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