The Plough & Harrow, Mill Green, Walsall

Official site of The Plough & Harrow, contains menu - www.ploughandharrowaldridge.co.uk

Official site of The Plough & Harrow, contains menu - www.ploughandharrowaldridge.co.uk

Brought Mrs Staal here. It is indeed what appears to be a 19th century brick cottage, converted into a pub at some point in its history. Its whitewashed. I didn't really spend time looking at its exterior as it was freezing cold and dark on our visit. It is a foody place (we did not eat) and the 'restaurant' wraps around the left hand side and rear of the place. The front is a 'bar' with a very welcoming open fire. It ain't cheap, but then, I didn't really make a note of the prices. The Timothy Taylor Landlord and Enville Ale was very well kept. There was also Purity UBU, which isn't to my taste so I didn't try it. The interior is very modern, with what looked like a copper notice board advertising champagne offers behind the bar. However, I found it very comfortable to simply drink. There was no pressure to eat. I would definitely come back if I could persuade Mrs Staal to drive.

A tale of two experiences. The exterior is lovely, a 19th century white painted brick low level cottage, with a couple of extensions and nice beer gardens front and back. The interior experience on the other hand is very modern. Open plan coloured in a clay and white, with beams, well it seemed, but it was quite dark, with most light coming from spot lights. It had a couple of nice fireplaces, aglow with needed warmth considering it was lashing down outside. There was a mix of wood and fake stone flooring, which divided up the drinking area from the dining area, the entrance to the latter being marked by a wine vault cage containing an array of the fruit of the grape. Seating was comfy half-back chairs, with candles on the tables and decoration on the walls was supplied by studio portrait pictures of birds - a little strange - i did look for Speckled Jim, from Blackadder Goes Forth, but alas there were none that were brown and, yes, speckly. Background music was at a decent level and a mix, from things found on a 'chill out' album to stuff to accompany the Brazil footy team on a TV advert. Service was fine - it was nice to see that the staff, all studenty, were allowed to wear jeans, along with a company top, rather than something more formal. The clientele were mixed, but most were dressed up more than the staff! At least mine wasn't the oldest car on the car-park. Beer; tap stuff - with an array of continental lagers, with Ubu Purity and a decent Timothy Taylor Landlord on handpull - but not cheap at £3.05 - this is the midlands! This place is a pub and restaurant - with a clear seating area. Modern interiors are anathema to me, but this place had a little more class about it and as such, i didnt mind being there. The P&H people may not think of that as a compliment, but please take it as such, i may not like Manchester Utd, but admire the way they play football!