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
Website – https://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
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
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