The Plough Inn — Restaurant in Bristol

Pubs Like This Are Rare;

This place was recommended by a friend as he knows I like The Bell Inn in Bath. The Plough is The Bell x 10! First of all you're greeted by an unassuming, tired, worn out facade. I think this is deliberate camouflage and is an effective anti Hipster strategy (they crave this 'authentic feel' but seem to think it should be expensive and accompanied by Jazzy 60's Italian film music, milk bottles with stripy straws and avocado salads, it's not). My friend was there to give me the low down. After ordering a very inexpensive lager we popped out the back for a quick smoke. It was packed out there, at 4pm! Footballers, Postmen. Punks, Crusties, Rasta's, a bewildered French couple, The Easton Cowgirls (A Netball team made up entirely from reincarnated Kamikaze Pilots). After popping back inside I was so intrigued by the place I started asking some questions, this is the easy conclusion I came to; It's an amazing community resource, a Free House with kicking guest ales, proper rum, and anything in between to suit every boozing palate. It was set up by a Jamaican guy (now sadly not there) who just wanted to create a safe space where all are welcome and feel it, violence is unheard of as respect MUST be shown by all (What!?, in a Pub???) it has the weirdest/most original decorating scheme incorporating 'up cycling' on a shoe string, but the best use of blank record sleeves I've seen. The quirky is fueled by sport; a lot of it supplied by the regulars as football is the key, accompanied by a timetable of games they're showing (even lowly Brentford got a look in). The clientele are an eclectic mix akin to Bristol's contingent to the UN (including a Man U fan who turned out to be the Landlord, Alfonso, who is a Scouser, go figure). All the punters have one common philosophy of peace, love and understanding (and possibly football). The music is varied and wide ranging, mostly Ska while I was there, which is more than fine by me. The bar staff are the friendliest bunch, all very individual and un corporate, who are happy to banter and join in with the joke (there was lots of that). If they're not laughing they're giving you samples of the latest guest cider. Easton is lucky to have this place, and they know it for sure. It's loved for more than one good reason, it has a few. As we watch the world slide into a bottomless pit of conflict, bigotry and hate all seems lost, doesn't it.....? The antidote is The Plough Inn. Refresh and renew your love for your fellow...

A colleague of mine encouraged me to visit as it's his favourite "local". He told me before entering that, "the only thing that they don't tolerate is intolerance", which I could certainly identify with once I went in. I can honestly say I have never seen such a diverse ethnic mix of customers in a single pub before. Equally, it was also extremely laid back and pleasant, and I felt completely welcomed, even though as the office nerd in a shirt I was the minority!

From the outside (and to be honest, from the inside), it doesn't look like much on first impressions. It's a bit dark in there, and the decor is very, "improvised"! However, that quickly becomes one of its charms, as you realise that this is deliberate and reflective of the diverse customer base. Random artworks and memorabilia are all over the place, with a sense that something might just get slapped over the top when they feel like a change. Works really well though!

Round the back there is an outdoor area with plenty of tables and an elevated view of the main railway lines into Bristol, which I actually found quite fascinating to watch over a (very nice) pint or two. The bar has an incredible selection of spirits, and if you're a fan of real ales you won't be disappointed.

Finally we came to the hidden treasure - The food. Despite the dark and slightly haphazard impression of the front of house, they have a five star food hygiene rating at the time I wrote this (I'm a nerd, I checked!), and the food was fantastic. I had a wrap and some nachos, and if I hadn't been so stuffed, I would have ordered something else.

In conclusion, a cunningly disguised oasis of tolerance, good food and beer. It's a bit out of the way for me, so I don't know when I'll be back, but I'd recommend it to anyone if you...

We had an over all okay experience at the Plough Inn. If you are visiting for their food which is what we did, please be vigilant as the food menu while we were there was available then not available and then available again. We were lucky as the second we placed our order, the took the menus away.

Sadly, we couldn’t order the Goat Burritos “Birria”. Annoyingly while were eating, the food menu/orders became available and the Birria was indeed available! Not ideal right?

In addition, the Bang Pork that we were left with ordering I would not order it again or recommend it at all. The second you simply touched the wrap/taco it gets destroyed and the food drops out. It literally rips instantly (see images attached).

The wings? OMG! The sole reason I gave 3 stars were due to their wings, everything else was 2 stars at best!

We also had the Fried Chicken Poutine but the portion was not enough to share between 2 people which is unfair if you consider it’s £10!

The team did try their best to serve all the people and we appreciate that. Due to the food availability being on and off and the Bang Pork being so bad in terms of texture and edible, 3 is the best I can...