Plough & Barleycorn, Shanklin

Someone has spent a fair bit of money doing up this old pub, which stands immaculately in its own fenced off area with a large slab of decking to the side. Indeed it looked so tidy there was little sign of life, apart from a mobility scooter parked outside, and I feared it was shut. Trying the door, I was surprised to find a large open-plan pub, equally tidy and in a very modern style belying the stone exterior, with a decent amount of trade. The decor is quite striking, with dark blue over white panelling at the front and red over white at the back, all with dark modern wood flooring. A clutch of leather sofas stand round a logburner, while there is a pool table further in. Food is noticeably absent but the bank of 3 handpumps offered Tribute and London Pride in fair condition. All very tastefully done, but there are so few modern wet-led pubs that it feels a bit peculiar.

Official site of Plough & Barleycorn - ploughandbarleycorn.pub

Official site of Plough & Barleycorn - ploughandbarleycorn.pub

Closed, as of March 2014, and a revisit in October shows the property is up for auction.