Indulging at the Plough and Harrow

By pkemp

PLOUGH AND HARROW, ALDRIDGE: We arrived at the popular Plough and Harrow on Chester Road in Aldridge early Saturday evening to find both the bar and restaurant already buzzing with diners while people enjoyed drinks indoors and out.

The decor of this spacious restaurant and bar is rustic and cosy but with a distinctly modern feel.

Squashy leather chairs and sofas give the bar area a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere, while low beams keep the 'country pub' theme alive.

We were not pressured to sit down immediately and enjoyed a drink before being shown to our table.

The informal restaurant I found warm and welcoming and it is family friendly.

The menu, while not extensive, presents enough choice to satisfy most tastes, and includes pizzas and pasta dishes as well as a grill and several fish options.

To start, I chose the cream of tomato soup which arrived promptly – a generous bowl, scalding hot and full of flavour.

Bread was also served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

My partner had opted for asparagus with ham and a poached egg, which she said was delicious and the egg perfectly soft and runny.

The time it took for our plates to be cleared was perhaps slightly too long but the main courses arrived without undue delay.

I had chosen the fillet steak, which was tender and cooked as I had requested.

A small amount of undressed leaves accompanied the meat, which I felt also needed the option of a sauce to add interest.

A good portion of chunky chips was served separately to accompany the dish.

My partner decided on the 'pork spit' with sage mash and apple and pear jelly.

There were no complaints as the meat was said to be perfectly tender and the chunks of apple and pear in the jelly provided an original accompaniment.

Dessert was far from necessary, but I would definitely recommend one if you have room.

I indulged in the day's special, a raspberry tiramisu served with minted strawberries.

I found it resembled a trifle perhaps more than a tiramisu , but was still a perfect end to the meal.

Sticking to the Italian theme, my partner chose the vanilla panacotta with summer berries, a light and creamy dessert which disappeared almost as quickly as the tirimasu.

The restaurant, which is open from 6pm until 10pm, was still lively and bustling as we left – it is advisable to book well in advance for Friday and Saturday nights.

The bill came to £55, excluding drinks