The Plough — Restaurant in Rother

A last minute booking on a dank and dreary bank holiday Monday took us to this nicely refurned pub/restaurant (is it a gastropub?) just outside Rye. The online menu was what piqued my interest - smoked gurnard cocktail, potted blue cloud cheese, baked skate wing with scallop roe butter.....mmmmm. And we were not disappointed. We shared starters of cured chalk stream trout and venison bolognaise croquettes. Oh deliciousness personified. Crispy two bite croquettes encompassing a flavour packed meaty treat. Melt in your mouth strips of trout with a crisp sourdough and some creamy creme freshy accompaniment. Back to the baked skate...the menu version, which I opted for, came with the scallop roe butter, strangely but deliciously, tomatoes all on a bed of hispi cabbage. It was superlative. And all credit to the chef, for his flexibility when my wife, fixed on her fave a of pan-fried skate with caper butter and not borlottis, obliged. Bingo...along it came precisly as requested. Both versions were probably the best skate I have eaten. And the triple cooked pink fir pots with roast garlic packed a delectable tasty punch. Thankfully there was still room for desert. Blackcurrant sorbet that was a piquant sensation of fruit flavour. And a dark chocolate terrine with blood orange ice cream and, would you believe , quinoa. Lusciously scrumptious and the quinoa was a rice crispy tribute act. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate about the food and the excellent wine list. Can't wait...

Absolutely excellent service. Attentive and friendly without being overbearing. Lovely decor and general atmosphere. Interesting and varied menu. Well kept beer. Beautifully cooked fish. Brilliant potatoes served with the fish and the triple cooked potatoes were good too.

However, a side of "local greens with herb oil" was just some tenderstem broccoli - I was expecting something more. Served on a small side plate, it felt very underwhelming. The croquette starter was very nice but the presentation was lacking. The croquettes and a dollop of mayonnaise could have done with some garnish to lift the plate. The same for the maceral pate which was served with two pieces of Rye bread. I think perhaps a different bread would have been a lot nicer here than Rye bread. The pate itself served with dill oil was nice though. The hake dish, whilst perfectly cooked, could have done with a nice sauce to bring everything together.

It was a decent enough meal, but my expectations were high based on the menu and unfortunately, the expectations weren't quite met.

Cannot fault the service though with everyone being...

We had eaten here before and had been very pleased. Today however was a different story. We chose the Sunday roast (beef) which at £16.95 was expensive, but I thought based on my last visit, it should be pretty special.

I don't know if they had a different chef on today, but there is no way our lunch was worth that price. The beef was very nice, but the rest, completely lack-lustre. First of all they forgot the Yorkshires. When they arrived, they were rubbish, totally flat. The veg was equally uninspiring. The broccoli was over cooked, the carrot were not even baby carrots, just sliced big ones and my wife and I had to share the cheesy leeks which was overcooked and a tiny portion. Finally, the gravy was thin and didn't taste homemade at all.

Once I got home I double checked my bill and I found that I'd been overcharged for an extra sparkling water (£2) and a half of lemonade had cost me £3.30. Really?? That's more expensive than the beer! On a positive note, the service was excellent and the staff very friendly and helpful - I truly wish my experience had been better because I want to...