Ploughman’s Lunch at The Boat Inn, Cromford Reviewed
Location –
The Boat Inn
Scarthin, Cromford,
Matlock,
Derbyshire
DE4 3QF
01629 258083
Website – http://www.the-boat-inn.co.uk
Date of Visit – 25/03/2018
The Food
7 – Pickled Onion. It was a not unreasonable attempt at a pickled onion, and there were two of them, but there were issues. The onions were a bit acidic and they were both impossibly tough. The flavour was not too bad and good with the cheese, but it was just hard work.
8 – Pickle – Two varieties here, a Farmers Pickle (think Branston, but can’t call it that, because it wasn’t, but you know the stuff I mean) and a piccalilli. Both were good, but alas in paper thingies, not china thingies. Still, not pre-packed, as now for me, plastic is an instant failure!
10 – Cheese / Ham – I do not think I have ever had so much cheese! Supposedly on a diet at the moment, and even after a 6-mile walk, I fear the cheese was my daily allowance of calories! Sometimes more is more. Not being one to give up on things, the diet can wait until another day, and I was a trooper with the cheese and saw it through to the end. Smashing!
There is a choice of Cheddar, Stilton, Ham, Brie or goat’s cheese (I detest Goat’s cheese). I plumped for the Cheddar, and it arrived en-masse on an industrial scale, and it was very, very nice. Not artisan, definitely catering, however, very, very nice. Good work!
7 – Bread. Par baked baguette. I know I should be a snob about this, but so often they’re rather nice: hot and steamy inside, crusty and crisp on the outside – delicious. This was not, but it was a long distance from bad, entirely presentable and acceptable.
1 – Spread (better be butter or a choice). Hmm. It was what people call “Spread”, or in old money Margarine. Under the new scoring system, it gets one point as in a paper thingy (rather than zero) rather than a plastic thingy. but spread…… It did though, to be fair, spread, and it wasn’t offensive.
5 – Presentation – Oh, it was very, very nicely presented. The food here is always excellent, and the scores above do not adequately represent this.
5 – Salad, etc. One of the freshest salads I have had for a while. Nice and ripe tomatoes, which is not easy in March!
3 – Originality. OK, there wasn’t anything imaginative about this, rather it was just a really good, solid ploughman’s Lunch. I have awarded extra points here for the cheese. That’s all. There were at least 12 out of 10 points in cheese on the plate. Hey, it’s my scoring system, so I can cheat occasionally. Do your own review.
Food Total: 46
Beverages
10 – Lots of choice! There is always a great range of local beers available here. Highly recommended. I have never been at lunch, so do not know what the tea situation is, although it’s the sort of place where I expect they would rustle up a good pot.
Drinks Total: 10
The venue
10 – Service. The service here is always exceptional and excellent, even when it is really busy it is always under control and there seems to be a great many staff doing their thing. Good communication between customers, bar and kitchen at all times. How pubs should be run. Bravo!
10 – Atmosphere. The atmosphere is amazing. A place where many tourists and visitors go to eat and walkers pop in for a couple of pints. However, it is also a truly local pub and the heart of the community, where all are made to feel welcome. I could easily move to Cromford for the pub alone (well, and the fine views).
5 – Location. The location is beautiful, a great area for walking and exploring. The pub is historic and quaint, with gardens and seating outside, a pond nearby, great views, and only a minute’s walk from Scarthin Books. I insist you visit Scarthin Books – it’s legendary.
5 -Toilets. Excellent. Always clean, always functional.
Venue total: 30
Total Score: 86
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