Ploughman's Lunch Reviews

The site for Ploughman's Lunch reviews.

The Best And The Rest: Reviews By Score

A charming stone-built pub with a traditional thatched roof, located in the village of Puncknowle, Dorset. The building exudes classic English countryside appeal, with light-colored stone walls, white-framed windows, and a dark wooden door. Hanging baskets filled with vibrant pink and purple flowers are affixed to the exterior, adding a pop of color to the rustic scene. Outside the pub are wooden benches and tables made from sturdy, weathered wood, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Chalkboard signs are displayed along the front, likely showcasing daily specials or announcements. The pub is nestled along a quiet village road, with other similarly styled buildings visible in the background, all contributing to the picturesque and peaceful atmosphere typical of rural England.
The Crown Inn Puncknowle

How it works.

The Ploughman’s Lunches are ranked by a score out of 100, this sorts “The best and the rest”.

Anything above 80 is excellent Ploughman’s Lunch and anything over 70 is perfectly good. There are price differences, so some of the lower-scored offerings can often be excellent value for money.

Outstanding

98 – The Potting Shed – Manorbier Garden Centre – A new leader!

96 – Worth Matravers Tea Rooms

94 – The Swan Inn, Wilton

92.5 – The Woolpack, Sopley

92 – Swan Inn, Rowberrow

92 – The Lamb Inn, Axbridge   – (Old review, requires an update).

90 – Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe

Excellent

89 – The Golden Swan, Wilcot     – UPDATED- 

89 – Clavell’s, Kimmeridge

88 – Mud Dock Cafe, Bristol

88 – Hatchet Inn, Lower Chute

87 – Ducks Cafe & Farm Shop, Portesham

87 – Colby Woodland Garden

86 – The Alma Inn, Linton

86 – The Three Mariners, Tenby

86 – The Boat Inn, Cromford (New owners, requires a new review).

84 – The Crown Inn, Puncknowle

84 – Bird and Carter, Farm shop and Cafe, Wilton

83 – Alfreds Wine Bar, Pewsey

83 – The Pied Bull, Farningham

83 – The Angelfish, Monkton Combe

82 – Stackpole Walled Gardens

A classic Ploughman's lunch served at The Boat Inn, featuring a rustic presentation on a wooden table. The meal includes thick slices of cheddar cheese and ham, accompanied by fresh mixed salad greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. A dollop of creamy coleslaw and a portion of pickled onions add traditional elements to the plate. The dish also includes a slice of crusty bread and a small dish of chutney, completing the hearty, quintessential British pub meal. The presentation is simple yet inviting, with natural lighting highlighting the freshness of the ingredients.
The Boat Inn, Cromford – lots of cheese.

Good

79 – The Downgate Pub, Hungerford

79 – Woodborough Garden Centre Cafe

76 – Mayfly, Fullerton

74 – Bruce’s Arms, Easton Royal

74 – The Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers

It might depend on the price

71 – The George Inn, Trottiscliff

66 – The Chequers, Crockenhill

63 – Novell’s Restaurant in Polehill Garden Centre

Swerve

57 – Bankes Arms, Studland (This is now very old, and the menu seems to be updated. Is anyone fancy trying it and offering feedback here?)

56 – The Shed Alehouse (This snack is now not available from this location)

Archive

These are places that are sadly no longer with us.

92  –  The Old Forge Farm Shop, Berwick St, James – Alas, now closed for good.

79 – Crofton Pumping Station – Cafe is no more, but the place is still very much open and worth a visit. There is tea and cake available. Give them some support.

79 – Salt Malt, Chew Stoke Seem no longer to do Ploughman’s lunch. Maybe a good thing (I never thought I would say that) as their food is excellent! Hopefully it will return in the county of good cheeses.

Please also visit https://alans-almanac.co.uk/ Look out for Ploughman’s Lunch-related events on Roaming the Paths.

A peaceful scene of black and white cows grazing in a lush green pasture, framed by tree branches. The rolling hills of the Vale of Pewsey stretch in the background under a cloudy sky, adding depth to the rural landscape. The image captures the tranquility of the countryside, with the cows scattered across the field, some standing and others grazing, against a backdrop of verdant hills and trees.
Pasture with cattle Vale of Pewsey – a fine country view

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