Ploughman’s Lunch at the Swan Inn, Rowberrow reviewed
Location –
Swan Inn,
Rowberrow Ln,
Rowberrow,
Winscombe
BS25 1QL
0193 485 2371
Website – https://butcombe.com/the-swan-inn-somerset/
Date of Visit – 07/04/2018
The Food
8 – Pickled Onion. The pickled onion was not at all bad, and would certainly pass muster for most.
I’m just very particular, as I prefer the pickled Shallot. It was crunchy, not too acidic, but slightly lacking in the hard-to-describe taste of a good pickled onion (probably that of a pickled shallot).
10 – Pickle. The pickle was a victory, a sublime chutney, that if it was not made on-site, then I suspect made by a well-known and respected local manufacturer. Light, slightly zingy, spicy aromatic after-tones but far from hot, acidic refreshment without being acidic. It is a triumph of the chutney world and a great boon to the non-cheese items.
10 -Cheese / Ham.
Cheese: There was Westcombe Dairy Cheddar which was light and flavoursome.
Pork Pie: There was half of an exquisite pork pie – I know not its origin, but it was as good as the amazing Castle Cary Pork Pies.
Hang on a minute – what is this? However, the surprise was the indescribably good Chicken and duck terrine. Somehow, it managed to be light and solid at the same time, involving a robust layer of very good bacon on the outer, the inner is solid, high-quality meats (no mysterious items), perfectly cooked, tender, moist and with a journey of garlic and seasoning that made the mouth sing. Add the chutney mentioned above, and taste heaven.
5 -Bread. The bread might have been quality bread, but I like my bread to be full on solid, full of gluten goodness to power me on for the day – old fashioned, artisan, proper French baguette or a sourdough type of thing. This was fluffy and did not stand to the examination of the butter.
5 -Spread (better be butter or a choice). It was butter, and not just at the right temperature for spreading (ignoring the failing of the bread) but a top-quality butter from Netherend Farm.
5 -Presentation. Very pretty and delicate looking. Almost to the extent that I thought it a bit too light on receiving. However, whilst it looks delicate, it is very satisfying, and just the right size.
5 -Salad, etc. The salad itself was a large pinch of some leaves – these were thought very fresh and tasty. Nice to see somewhere brave enough to present leaves without feeling the need to drown them in a fancy dressing, but rather let them hold their own. There was also a very nice, light coleslaw that was also fresh and tasty and not drowning in dressing, but rather crisp vegetables lightly coated in something light and surprising.
5 – Originality. Top marks for the Chicken and Duck terrine, never seen that on a ploughman’s before. Nice. Also for me, that was very noteworthy, Linen, not paper serviettes. Even though I was outside, I had linen. Now, not only is this a sign of quality, but there was nothing about my food that on eating outside could contrive to become a litter issue. The only single-use item was the butter pat, which was foiled paper, and thus would not be an environmental issue.
Food Total: 53
Beverages
10 – Tea. It was luncheon, and I was on a walk. The tea service was very nice, interesting and practical cup and milk jug, and a tea pot that poured from the spout not from the lid. All very satisfying. Tasty tea – brilliant. There seemed to be a good range of other drinks, so if I had been there in the evening I would probably have been pleased.
Drinks Total: 10
The venue
10 – Service. The service was exemplary! In some ways, I had the misfortune to order at the same time as a pre-booked party of 20+ people. However, I was not in a rush, and I had my tea. After 15 – 20 minutes I without prompt received a visit from a very apologetic waitress explaining about the wait, who offered me a complimentary drink. I had more tea, which pleased me immensely. The food seemed to arrive 5 short minutes later, a not unreasonable wait for freshly prepared food. Very, very impressed with the service.
10 – Atmosphere. The atmosphere seemed very convivial in the pub. I was outside, a few other hardy souls were too. I detected that it might be a bit of an “in place” with the local “in crowd”, but notwithstanding that, once again the service made me feel, like a lonely, slightly dishevelled and a bit muddy day tripper out on a hike, very welcome.
5 – Location. Very nice location, in a bucolic Mendip village. If it was that nice on a soggy spring day, goodness knows what a bit of sunshine would do! Plenty of parking, a lovely village, a pond opposite, quiet rural lanes, the promise of distant views (it was misty on my visit) and general practical quaintness.
4 -Toilets. Very practical and serviceable. Clean and functioning. Almost feel a bit mean with a 4, but for the top quality of everything else, I was surprised the loos weren’t just that extra level of niceness. Perhaps I should give them 5?
Venue total: 29
Total Score: 92
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