Ploughman’s Lunch at Mud Dock Café Reviewed
Location –
Mud Dock Café
40 The Grove,
Bristol
BS1 4RB
0117 934 9734
Website – https://www.mud-dock.co.uk/cafe/
Date of Visit – 17/10/2015
The Food
Note: they are now referred to as “Boards”.
9 – Pickled Onion. The Pickled onion was a Gherkin. This might not suit all tastes, but it was a great example of a Dill Pickle (the vaguest hint of dill). This was a most ideal accompaniment for the Ham.
10 – Pickle. The pickle was just WOW! A proper, old-fashioned chutney and a beetroot jam were just perfect for the cheeses. Doesn’t have to be a Ploughman’s Pickle to wow me, just good.
9 – Cheese / Ham. This again was outstanding! Proper ham, cooked on site. It was moist, tender and flavoursome. An amazing and generous selection of cheeses too. Not even sure what some of them were, other than delicious.
Side note: The standard for judgment here is cheese or ham (OK, mostly the cheese). However, the combination of the two can be extra points and selected only for tasting purposes. I would not know which to choose if I had to, and would probably have the combo whenever it’s an option. Unfortunately, a point off as there was no Cheddar: Bristol is traditionally regarded as being in Somerset – so what’s the game here?
10 – Bread. The bread was just amazing too. Fresh, slightly crusty. On this occasion, a selection of White, wholemeal and sun-dried tomato breads. There were breadsticks too, but not quite sure what they added.
0 – Spread (better be butter or a choice). Nothing. Opps……..
5 – Presentation. Nicely presented. The spread of the wooden board continues, with the danger of stuff rolling off. Everything stayed on the board, so it’s not an issue.
5 – Salad, etc. The salad was fantastic too. interesting selection of leaves, and a few extras like Olives (a bonus if you like olives).
5 – Originality. It was nicely presented and had a nice subtle twist on the usual offering.
Food Total: 53
Beverages
7 – Tea. In a cup, not bad: however, in a pot, with boiling water, using leaves, is required for a score of 10.
Drinks Total: 7
The venue
9 – Service. Service was good, although a little unclear what to do. It was table service for the food and it was prompt and friendly.
10 – Atmosphere. A good atmosphere, with a mix of families eating, friends meeting and nibbling, and some meeting up for drinks and a laugh.
5 – Location. Top location looking out over the harbourside, and next to possibly one of the better car parks in Bristol, spaces and the charge being reasonable – the challenge being how to get to it (There are ways there to those in the know). Ideal located fro cycling or walking. No idea about buses, a bit of a yomp from the bus station.
4 -Toilets. Very good.
Venue Total: 28
Total Score: 88
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