Ploughman's Lunch

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 Pembrokeshire- A new leader!

96 – Worth Matravers Tea Rooms Dorset

94 – Ye Old Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat Herefordshire

94 – The Swan Inn, Wilton Wiltshire

93.5 – The Butchers Arms, Woolhope Herefordshire

92.5 – The Woolpack, Sopley Hampshire

92  –  The Old Forge Farm Shop, Berwick St, James Wiltshire – Reopened!!

92 – Swan Inn, Rowberrow Somerset

90 – Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe West Berkshire

Excellent

89 – The Golden Swan, Wilcot   Wiltshire  – UPDATED- 

89 – Clavell’s, Kimmeridge Doreset

88 – Mud Dock Cafe, Bristol Bristol

88 – Hatchet Inn, Lower Chute Wiltshire

87 – Ducks Cafe & Farm Shop, Portesham Dorset

87 – Colby Woodland Garden Pembrokeshire

86 – The Alma Inn, Linton Herefordshire

86 – The Three Mariners, Tenby Pembrokeshire

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

85.5 – The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney Gloucestershire.

84 – The Crown Inn, Puncknowle Dorset

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

83 – Alfreds Wine Bar, Pewsey Wiltshire

83 – The Pied Bull, Farningham Kent

83 – The Angelfish, Monkton Combe Somerset

82 – Stackpole Walled Gardens Pembrokeshire

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 West Berkshire

79 – Woodborough Garden Centre Cafe Wiltshire

76 – Mayfly, Fullerton Hampshire

74 – Bruce’s Arms, Easton Royal Wiltshire

74 – The Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers Wiltshire

72 – The Mullberry Tree Restaurant – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre Kent

It might depend on the price

71 – The George Inn, Trottiscliff Kent

66 – The Chequers, Crockenhill KEnt

63 – Novell’s Restaurant in Polehill Garden Centre KEnt

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?) Dorset

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

Archive

These are places that are sadly no longer with us.

92 – The Lamb Inn, Axbridge  Somerset – Part of the Butcombe family of pubs, who seemed to have snubbed the Ploughman’s lunch. I think this bizare as a Somerset Brewery, but what do I know?

79 – Crofton Pumping Station Wiltshire – 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 Somerset – Seems 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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