Ploughman's Lunch Reviews

The Crown Inn, Puncknowle

The image shows a plate of a classic ploughman’s lunch resting on a rugged stone wall, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Dorset countryside. The plate features an arrangement of fresh, simple ingredients: two wedges of cheese—a mature cheddar and a soft brie—alongside a neatly folded portion of sliced white bread. There’s also a colorful salad with fresh, crisp lettuce, slices of cucumber, red onion, and tomato, all topped with grapes and sliced red apple for a burst of sweetness. A small packet of butter is tucked between the bread and cheese. The backdrop showcases rolling green hills under a clear blue sky, with trees and fields stretching out into the distance, capturing the serene and idyllic beauty of rural Dorset. The rustic, natural setting adds to the charm, evoking the feeling of a peaceful outdoor meal in the countryside.

Ploughman’s Lunch at The Crown Inn, Puncknowle reviewed

Location –
The Crown Inn
Church Street
Puncknowle
Dorset
DT2 9BN
01308 897711

Date of Visit –  31/07/2024

Website – https://www.crowninndorset.co.uk/index

The Location

I will go on about this further down, as per the usual format – however, this is important.

This is the sort of pub we need to get behind 100%. A completely functional, local pub that caters well for visitors and tourists. The local population keep the pub going in the darker times of the year, and the symbiosis is that the pub provides a focal point for the wider community alongside the church and village hall.

The service is excellent, with a good range of drinks and reasonable offerings from Palmers, the local brewery. A true heritage gem inside and out: a chocolate box appearance, and a beautiful garden with a stunning view across the Bride Valley that should make it a must-visit. The menu is Pub food done very well at exceptionally good prices. A treat as many pubs in the area have become Gastro-pubs or sell it cheap and get them through sorts of places.

The image shows the cozy, rustic interior of the Crown Inn at Puncknowle, a traditional English country pub. The focal point is a large wooden table surrounded by dark wooden chairs with arms, providing an inviting spot for patrons to gather. Above, thick wooden ceiling beams span the room, adding a historic, rustic charm. Two black metal chandeliers with candle-style lights hang from the ceiling, further emphasizing the old-world ambiance. In the background, the bar is neatly arranged with various beers on tap, highlighted by warm hanging lights. The bar front is made of stone, and a shelf behind it displays various bottles, glasses, and pub décor. On the wall to the left of the bar, vintage signs and framed paintings hang, while a large, golden-framed mirror reflects the room, adding depth. Above the bar, traditional pub signs and a decorative wooden barrel are displayed, giving the space a sense of heritage and authenticity. A clock and framed artwork line the back walls, adding to the pub's homey feel. The carpet has a classic design, complementing the warm tones of the wood and stone. The overall atmosphere is inviting and reminiscent of a traditional English pub, with a sense of history and a welcoming vibe for visitors and locals alike.
Main Bar Crown Inn Puncknowle

The Food

5 – Pickled Onion: Well, it’s not an auspicious start, but stick with it. The onion was far too acidic, but they were crunchy and otherwise rather tasty, good with a bit of cheese.

8 – Pickle: A good Ploughman’s pickle. So a quick rescue after the onion. I’m not so keen on the paper hat: I prefer a ramekin but very glad it’s not plastic. I can’t see any reason why it’s not placed on the plate. Are there pickle separatists out there like the baked bean fanatics who want to avoid bean contamination?

The image shows a traditional Ploughman’s lunch flatlay, elegantly arranged on a white plate set against a weathered wooden surface. The meal includes two thick slices of mature cheddar cheese and a wedge of soft, creamy Brie. A portion of crusty baguette is sliced lengthwise into two pieces, placed to the right of the cheeses. On the left side of the plate is a fresh, vibrant salad consisting of crisp lettuce, juicy slices of tomato, thin rings of red onion, and cucumber, all lightly dressed. Nestled beside the salad are several small pickled onions, adding a tangy contrast to the dish. In the lower part of the plate, fresh fruit provides a refreshing sweetness, with red apple slices and a handful of red grapes. A small ramekin of chutney accompanies the fruit, likely intended as a complement to the cheeses. Also on the plate are two small packets of butter, suggesting the baguette can be enjoyed with a spread of creamy butter to enhance the overall flavor. The presentation is simple yet appetizing, evoking the rustic charm of an English countryside meal. Off to the side, silver cutlery wrapped in napkins and a red-tinted object (possibly sunglasses) are visible, hinting at an outdoor dining experience. The entire composition conveys a hearty, fresh, and delicious Ploughman’s lunch perfect for a sunny day.
Crown Inn Ploughmans Flatlay

9 – Cheese / Ham: It was Cheese, no ham – and I’m OK with that. The menu listed Cheddar, Blue Stilton, and Brie. However, I detest Blue Stilton, so it was replaced with another wedge of Cheddar upon request, without issue. The Cheddar was nice and mature. The Brie was nice too.

7 – Bread: Standard Pub Par-baked baguette. Not bad, just nicely crisp and warmed.

3 – Spread Butter, the right amount, the right temperature. Alas, standard pub supplies – Litchfield’s packets. Even Somerset butter would have been better!

5 – Presentation: Nicely presented. Beautiful Bride Valley backdrop, a treat for the eyes.

5 – Salad: Perfect little accompaniment. Fresh, crisp, ripe, tasty. A nice selection of fresh fruit and vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, grapes, and mixed greens.

This image showcases a close-up of a fresh, vibrant salad from a Ploughman's lunch. The salad consists of crisp lettuce leaves, thick slices of juicy red tomatoes, and rings of sharp red onion. Accompanying these are chunks of cool cucumber, providing a refreshing crunch. The salad is lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, visible on the leaves and tomatoes, adding a slight sheen to the fresh produce. To the right of the salad, there are small pickled onions, offering a tangy contrast to the fresh ingredients. The edge of the plate also features wedges of creamy Brie and mature cheddar, alongside wrapped butter pats. The colors of the salad — from the deep reds of the tomatoes and onions to the pale green of the lettuce — are set against the neutral tones of the cheese, creating a beautifully balanced, appetizing presentation. The salad appears fresh, crisp, and perfectly complements the rest of the meal. The rustic wooden table underneath adds a charming, countryside feel to the overall scene.
Puncknowle Ploughmans Salad

Beverages

8 – Drinks: The Crown Inn seems to be tied to the local brewery, Palmers of Bridport. They serve 3 ales. I opted for the Dorset Gold.

Drinks Total – 8

This image displays a close-up view of the bar at the Crown Inn, showcasing four traditional beer engine handles lined up neatly along the wooden countertop. The handles are used to serve local ales from Palmers Brewery, a well-known brewery in Bridport, Dorset. From left to right, the taps feature: Palmers 200 Premium Ale: A dark label with "200" in bold red letters on a black background, indicating a premium ale. Palmers IPA: The green label features the iconic IPA (India Pale Ale) designation. Palmers Dorset Gold: A golden ale, highlighted with a light-colored label featuring "Dorset Gold." The backdrop of the bar shows neatly arranged bottles of wine, various bar snacks, and a cash register. The overall atmosphere evokes a traditional, cozy pub ambiance with its wooden accents, making it an inviting spot for visitors to enjoy these local brews.
Crown Inn Puncknowle Beers

The Venue

10 – Service: The service was excellent and has been on all previous visits.

10 – Atmosphere: If there were to be a Ladybird book of country pubs, this would be one of the illustrations. Chocolate box on the outside, bucolic boozer on the inside, with an amazing well-kept garden and views to stare at.

The image depicts a charming beer garden at The Crown Inn, Puncknowle, Dorset. The garden features picnic tables set on lush, well-maintained grass, offering a peaceful and inviting outdoor dining space. Colorful bunting strung across the garden adds a festive touch. A large tree provides shade, and hedges and bushes surround the seating area, enhancing the natural beauty. In the background, the pub's building and Palmers-branded umbrellas can be seen. The tranquil setting is perfect for enjoying a drink or meal, surrounded by greenery and the picturesque Dorset countryside.
The best Beer Garden – Crown Inn, Puncknowle

5 – Location: Just off the beaten track, 5 minutes from the Abbotsbury to Bridport road in the lush and beautiful Dorset countryside. The village is a postcard dream.

5 – Toilets: Splendid. Disabled toilet too. Nice!

Venue total: 30

Total Score: 84

Remember to check the Leader Board to see how this fares.

Editor’s Note

Support your local pub. Or any pub. You will miss them when they’re gone.

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