Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe.

The image shows a classic Ploughman’s lunch served on a white plate. The meal includes thick slices of ham and cheddar cheese, a rustic bread roll, celery sticks, sliced cucumber, and a mixed salad with lettuce and tomato. There's a small dish of bright yellow piccalilli and packets of Lurpak butter resting on the cheese. To the side, there's a cup of tea, partly filled, on a white saucer, along with a teapot nearby. The table is wooden, and utensils like a knife, fork, and spoon are arranged neatly, with a menu booklet partially visible in the background. The setting suggests an outdoor, relaxed dining environment.

Ploughman’s Lunch at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe Reviewed

Location –

Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe.
Manor Courtyard,
Church St,
Hampstead Norreys,
Thatcham
RG18 0TD
01635 202642

Websitehttps://www.hncs.co.uk/

Date of Visit – 11/02/20

The Food

9 – Pickled Onion. Several slightly smaller onions. They were lovely – nice crunch, perfectly pickled, good taste, slight sweetness. A perfect compliment to the cheese and other items.

10 – Pickle. It was a mind-blowingly good picalilli! We often associate the ploughman’s lunch with ploughman’s pickle (or Branston, if going for a brand name), however, picalilli is a superb accompaniment. There was a very unique taste to this pickle, and one I found mesmerising. I didn’t check, but I suspect it might be for sale in the shop. A rare 10 for the pickle!

10 – Cheese / Ham. Going strong here. The ham was heavenly. Hand cut and slightly rustic, maybe even freshly prepared. A nice portion too. The cheddar was really good too. A mature(ish) cheddar, mild texture, with good flavour. I could easily have more, but I’m greedy, certainly enough for most and with good taste.

10 – Bread. This is a strong performance! The bread was amazing too! The same stuff that was available in the shop. Freshly baked: I did not note who it was from, but one of our group bought several loaves whilst there as they rated the bakery it was from highly – and justifiably so! Delicious.

4 – Spread. It was butter. Lurpak is an acceptable butter. It was at a perfect temperature too. Dropped a point (if you were wondering) because of the plastic packaging. I do like it where it’s either in a pot or at the side of a block. (reduce waste, etc).

5 -Presentation. Nice and tidy, properly arranged with thought. This is what a stock image of a ploughman’s would look like. Nicely built. bravo.

4 – Salad, etc. There was no apple. There was however celery. I like celery (never used to, but I’m old now, I guess). But tradition states apple. And many more people object to celery than apples. I’m being a bit picky, but there are some top-of-the-game ploughman’s out there. Anyway, the salad was wonderful, fresh, tasty, refreshing, vitamins.

3 – Originality. A good, standard ploughman’s, made with care. Nice dressing on the salad. Definitely an excellent lunch; however, this category is designed to redeem those offerings that are amazing, but do something crazy, like forgetting a pickle.

Food Total: 56

The image shows a flat-lay of a classic Ploughman’s lunch on a rustic wooden table. The plate features a variety of traditional items, including thick slices of ham, a wedge of cheddar cheese, and crusty whole-grain bread. Accompanying the main components are pickled onions, a small pot of vibrant yellow piccalilli, a salad with fresh cucumber, lettuce, and a halved cherry tomato, as well as celery sticks. Two packets of Lurpak butter sit on top of the cheese, ready to be spread on the bread. Next to the plate is a cup of tea with milk, placed on a saucer with a small spoon, and a black teapot with a silver lid. A set of silverware, wrapped in a napkin, lies beside the meal. The setting is casual and outdoors, with natural sunlight illuminating the scene, creating a cozy, relaxed dining atmosphere.
Hampstead Norreys Shop Ploughmans flatlay

Beverages

8 – Tea. A working lunch, and had been out and about. Excellent tasting tea – they had few to choose from. As usual, selected builders tea of the breakfast variety. Dropped a couple of points as I do like a fair bit of milk and some extra hot water.

Drinks Total: 8


The venue

8 – Service. The service was good but slightly random. This feels a bit harsh, as being a community shop people give their time to do these things. Have confidence in the service, you will get your victuals.

8 – Atmosphere. A lovely community location. However, there was a flavour of WI / “Red trouser” so not entirely sure about popping in dressed in full outdoor clobber. Having said that – got outside and sat in the sun for lunch. I guess I’m just a bit mean. I would probably moan about Claridges being posh…..

5 – Location. Chocolate box. A beautiful place in a picturesque village in stunning countryside.

5 – Toilets. Excellent. I didn’t venture into the interior loo’s, however, I believe they are good. There is an exterior loo that was perfect!

Venue total: 26

Total Score: 90

The image shows a classic Ploughman’s lunch served on a white plate. The meal includes thick slices of ham and cheddar cheese, a rustic bread roll, celery sticks, sliced cucumber, and a mixed salad with lettuce and tomato. There's a small dish of bright yellow piccalilli and packets of Lurpak butter resting on the cheese. To the side, there's a cup of tea, partly filled, on a white saucer, along with a teapot nearby. The table is wooden, and utensils like a knife, fork, and spoon are arranged neatly, with a menu booklet partially visible in the background. The setting suggests an outdoor, relaxed dining environment.
Hampstead Norreys Shop Ploughman’s Lunch

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