The Plough, Hailsham

Official site of The Plough - www.plough-upperdicker.co.uk

I first attempted to visit the Plough early in 2013 but the builders were in for a major refurbishment. Being a bit out of the way I don’t get to Upper Dicker as often as I would like, but on a recent Sunday afternoon my wife, who was feeling very generous, agreed to give me a lift. This pub sits in a large plot of land which includes limited parking spaces at the front that are supplemented by a car park at the rear. To the left of the pub is a large grass covered area that houses picnic tables and children’s climbing apparatus. At the rear of this area are a large marquee and a small band stand that is overlooked by a raised decked seating area that adjoins the rear of the pub. There were a few families and groups enjoying a drink in the garden, but it soon became evident that they were all actually waiting for tables to become free for dining in the busy pub. The interior consists of a central bar next to an inglenook where a lone guitarist was gearing up to play a set. To the right of the bar is a separate dining room that I imagine is available for private functions. The left hand side of the bar is a warren like with lots of different seating areas. I do not recall there being any background music and there were no televisions. Available from the bar was Asahi, Oranjeboom, San Miguel, Thatcher’s Cider and Guinness. The three hand pumps were drawing Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire, Whitstable Bay and Harvey’s best. I found the service to be very friendly and there were plenty of young staff members running around to meet the needs of the customers. I can see myself returning here with the family for a bit to eat, but alas the location dictates that a visit just for a beer is not on the cards due to transport issues.