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 humans right here.