The Plough Inn, Brighton

I made an effort to get here, cycling from Brighton, encouraged by the description of the heritage interior with its linen fold wood panels. And these are worth the effort, though most other features of the original building have been lost. Three hand pumps on the bar, with Harvey's Ubiquitous Sussex Best and 360 Degrees Session IPA the beers on, and an anonymous ale allegedly conditioning in the cellar. This left me with a decision, as I'd had a pretty good Sussex in the previous pub in Shoreham, and didn't fancy my chances of getting another as good, but the other is a beer style I normally swerve, as it tastes like lemon juice to me. I took the plunge, and it tasted like lemon juice (NBSS 3, £5.90). With unidentifiable pop music pounding away in the background, perhaps my rating of 6 is a bit generous, but that linen fold carving is something to see, and worth the price of admission.

The Plough Inn official site with menu - www.theploughinnrottingdean.co.uk

The Plough Inn official site with menu - www.theploughinnrottingdean.co.uk

There is a huge pond to the right of the Plough Inn which is probably why there is a duck on the pubs hanging sign. There is some outside seating to the right of the pub and some small tables are located at the front. There is a function room that is available for hire and food is served during lunchtimes and evenings. I looked at the ‘gastro menu at the Plough’ and it all seemed rather pricey to me so I hope it is good. One thing that is good is the maximum five star rating from the ‘Scores on the Doors’ food hygiene team. To the right of the bar most of the seating is set for dining and the left is a public bar with a single high table by the front window and standing room for locals at the bar. I spotted three hand pumps that were drawing Harveys Best (x2) and Old Sussex. There is also a standard draught selection from which I enjoyed a decent Guinness served by a nice enough barman with a sarf London accent. I didn’t spot any TVs, but some old disco tunes were playing quietly in the background. There was a smell of old farts, but I didn’t mind it in here and I would have no problem returning.