The Plough, Leatherhead

The Plough is one of 2 pubs in Effingham and seems to be trying to attract both drinkers and diners. The car park was fairly busy when we arrived. But I'm guessing that half of the vehicles belonged to staff, as there weren't too many customers inside. There was a strong smell of garlic emanating from the kitchen when we arrived, which at least led us to suspect that food here was freshly cooked. We couldn't smell anything in any of the other foody pubs we visited that day. Whether this pub is still associated with Young's or not, I'm not quite sure. Young's Ordinary is still served alongside Surrey Hills Shere Drop. Prices (especially for spirits) were on the expensive side. Although the presence of a few elderly drinkers propping up the bar led me to suspect that real ales were more reasonably priced.

There have been a few changes since the last review, over six years ago. The floor is now mostly boarded and unfortunately the beams and posts have been painted light grey, as is the wainscoting. The walls are white, decor is minimal but includes small framed cases of spoons, bottle tops and fine wine labels. A trio of battered brass bells hang on hooks. The main boarded area where the bar is, is L-shaped, another semi-separated area is carpeted and has a few bits and bobs on shelves. There is a bookcase in the bar area and a few plates on the picture rail. There is a large and good looking garden to the rear. Clearly foody however we were in around 4pm on a Sunday and the place was clearly winding down and by the time we left there was nobody else in. A board in the gents indicates different themed food nights take place each Monday evening. This is a Young's house with four handpumps, two clipped with Bitter, one Special plus a welcome guest in Surrey Hills Shere Drop. I think the makeover has resulted in a bit of a loss of the country pub feel and may have taken the pub upmarket however on this occasion the Shere Drop was in fine condition and the atmosphere was quiet.

This is a Young’s house, but the guest ale was the excellent St Austell Tribute, although at £3.65 a pint I thought the price was over top. The pub itself doesn’t look anything special from the outside, but inside it’s got the look of a traditional country pub. There are the trademark black beams on the ceiling and walls; the copper topped round tables are all in place; and the officer class locals were propping up the bar. Surprisingly there was no big black dog, but maybe he only makes an appearance during the evenings. It’s carpeted throughout, and is comfortably furnished with normal tables and chairs. In such an upmarket country pub, food is almost certainly the major income stream. There were several diners in there finishing off their meals when I was in there at around 2.45 PM on a Wednesday. The menu was displayed on a large chalkboard near the bar, with mains around the £9.50 to £12 mark. The Christmas Day menus were on the tables, with the set price at just 5p short of £60 per person. This is an upmarket destination country pub which I guess would attract those wanting a good meal in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. I would give the food a try if I paid a return visit, but at the prices they charge I doubt whether I’ll drop in again just for a beer.