The Woolpack, Sopley

The image shows a hearty Ploughman’s lunch served on a rectangular wooden board at The Woolpack in Sopley. The meal consists of several slices of succulent pink ham, arranged neatly on the left side of the board. In the top left corner is a small white dish containing a rich, dark chutney. On the right side of the board is a fresh, crispy half-baguette placed next to a wedge of creamy yellow cheddar cheese. Accompanying the meal is a colorful salad in the center of the board with a mix of lettuce, tomato slices, and thinly sliced apple for a sweet touch. There are also a few pieces of celery, some pickled onions, and small butter packets nearby. A bowl of golden French fries is visible to the right of the board, and the surrounding table shows personal items like glasses, salt and pepper grinders, and drinks, adding to the cozy pub setting. The board is set on a rustic wooden table, further enhancing the classic pub atmosphere.

Ploughman’s lunch at The Woolpack, Sopley reviewed.

Location – 
The Woolpack,
Sopley,
Nr Christchurch
BH23 7AX
01425 672252

Website – https://www.thewoolpacksopley.co.uk/

Date of Visit – 13/07/2023

The Food

8 – Pickled Onion. The pickled onions were quite good. Smallish, but Crisp, crunchy and tasty.  A bit too sharp, so dropped a few points.

8 – Pickle. Well, perhaps, I should give more points.  There was both a ploughman’s/Sweet pickle (think small chunk Branston) and a piccalilli. However, the Ploughman’s pickle seemed like it might have been a catering pickle (although very good) and the piccalilli had something about the taste that I wasn’t 100% sure about. You might like the piccalilli, it can be quite a personal thing. 

8 – Cheese / Ham. There was a choice of 2 from Cheddar, Stilton, Ham, and Chicken Liver Pate. I’m not a fan of either Stilton or Pate, so opted for Cheddar and Ham. The ham was OK. Nothing particularly wrong with it, but not special. The cheddar on the other hand was mind-blowingly good! A gentle mature cheese, absolutely bursting with flavour yet very, very creamy. Served at a good temperature it was almost spreadable.  I think if I had opted for cheddar X2 the score would have been 10. You might love the Ham, so give it a go. If you like Stilton or Pate, give it a try and let me know in the comments – they might be very, very good. 

10 – Bread. Spot on. A half-sized baguette-style thing sometimes referred to in the UK as a Parisienne. Now, if you are French or know French bread well,  you may tut at this, as obviously not a patch on what you get fresh from a boulangerie in Montmartre. However, it was still very good. Warm, light on the inside, lightly crusty and packed with bronzed gluten umami. Delicious.

3.5 – Spread. It was butter. It was in packets. It was Lakeland butter.  I have nothing against Irish butter it’s rather nice. But come on, how about something more local in a pot to reduce packaging?  Plus there were only 3 packs, 4 would be better (OK, maybe not for my diet, but hey, it’s a meal-out treat, let me make that call). On the plus side, it was a perfect temperature. 

5 – Presentation. Top-notch.  A ploughman’s is one of the few things that is good on a plank, better than using a plate. It looked superb. Look at the pictures, it’s a visual delight.

5 – Salad, etc. Again, top marks. Crisp, freshly made, tasty. Lovely bit of dressing that was very subtle and delicious. A mixture of leaves including pea shoots, sliced peppers, slices of apple, and some bits of celery. 

5 – Originality. Pretty good – once again, the plank works for this. Two pickles and pickled onion, an interesting salad and a showing of apple, and a fantastic presentation. Here’s a chef who takes something ordinary and creates joy. 

 Food Total: 52.5

The image is a top-down view of a classic Ploughman’s lunch served on a wooden board at The Woolpack in Sopley. On the left side of the board, several slices of thick, tender ham are arranged neatly. To the left of the ham, a small white dish filled with dark, chunky chutney adds a tangy, sweet element to the meal.

In the center of the board, a fresh and colorful mixed salad features vibrant greens, sliced red bell peppers, and juicy tomato wedges. Thin slices of crisp red and green apples are fanned out beside the salad, adding a refreshing crunch. Adjacent to the salad, a small dish contains a bright yellow mustard pickle relish for extra flavor.

To the right of the salad, a few sticks of fresh celery and a cluster of small pickled onions offer a sharp, crunchy accompaniment. Two neatly wrapped butter pats sit beside them.

The bottom of the board features a golden, crusty baguette, split open to reveal a soft, airy interior. To the right of the baguette, a thick wedge of mature cheddar cheese, pale and crumbly, waits to be paired with the bread and ham.

Off to the side, a bowl of golden, crispy French fries adds an indulgent touch to the meal, making this a hearty and satisfying pub lunch. The wooden board and rustic table setting complete the traditional pub atmosphere, while personal items like glasses and condiments scattered in the background hint at a cozy, leisurely meal.
Flatlay of Ploughman’s lunch Wollpack Sopley

Beverages

10 – Drinks. I have a bitter shandy, but the drinks selection looked good. I must return to check the tea offering, but I have faith it will be good. 

Drinks Total: 10

The image shows the front exterior of The Woolpack in Sopley, a charming traditional English pub with a white-painted facade and a distinctive thatched roof. The pub features a quaint, rustic entrance, framed by a decorative wooden arch. Bright flower arrangements in pots and planters line the walkway, adding vibrant color to the scene.

Two large green umbrellas cover wooden picnic benches set outside the pub, creating a welcoming outdoor seating area for patrons. The building's simple design, small windows with dark green frames, and wooden beams give it a cozy, countryside atmosphere. The patio area appears inviting and well-maintained, perfect for enjoying a casual meal or drink.
Front of Woolpack Sopley

 The venue

10 – Service. The service was exemplary. I hope someone shares this with the people on duty, as they were lovely people and very professional.

10 – Atmosphere. Top marks here too. I know that this can be beyond the control of a venue, however, it can be guided by them. The atmosphere was relaxed and genial. Friendly, yet also had the feeling of occasion. The sort of atmosphere that would be conducive to a family get-together (as our occasional was) a birthday (ditto that), a day out (again, ticked), a business meeting, a date night or even a first date, just because you are hungry or even if you just want to get some booze down you and have a laugh! 

5 – Location. Fantastic location. Beautiful building inside and out with lovely gardens and baskets full of flowers. A nix mix of bits and bobs of buildings showing it had been about for a few years. Located right next to a road, but that only added a bit of interest and connected it to its historical function of servicing the traveller. Nice riverside garden and patio area. Good stop-off if you have been to the coast for the day. 

5 – Toilets. Perfection. 

Venue total: 30

Total Score: 92.5

The image shows the spacious riverside garden of The Woolpack in Sopley, featuring a neatly kept grassy area with several wooden picnic benches scattered across the lawn. Some of the benches are shaded by large green umbrellas, providing a pleasant spot for outdoor dining or relaxing.

The garden is bordered by a white picket fence on one side, with large trees and greenery in the background, creating a peaceful, natural setting. The area appears open and inviting, perfect for enjoying the fresh air and surroundings. In the distance, there is a small wooden shed, and traditional English buildings can be seen beyond the fence, adding to the rustic charm of the setting.
Woolpack Sopley Riverside Garden

Do you like a ploughman’s? Fancy doing a review? Drop me a line. It’s quite easy. You can pretty much work out the scoring regime from this review. Send me a few words and pictures, and you will be fully credited.

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