Food **** Atmosphere ****
Buzz has reviewed the Plough & Harrow, one of the Vale Of Glamorgan’s cosiest country pubs, before, and it is always a pleasure to go back to – whether it be for the numerous beer festivals they hold throughout the year, the live music or the home-cooked food. The fact they are dog-friendly is a handy bonus, too. I go for all the above. One lunchtime in March, during a weekend potter through a blustery Vale, a sudden urge to have faggots and peas overtook my partner with such velocity I had no option other than to oblige.
We entered to find a calmingly familiar scene: the fire roaring away, locals nattering and walkers resting. After a pint of Blue XXX, a glass of local cider and a warmth of ourselves by the hearth, faggots with chips and peas were ordered – as were homemade sausages with mash, gravy and peas.
The Plough & Harrow’s menu is not cordon bleu and it doesn’t pretend to be: rather, this is honest, home-cooked food with locally sourced ingredients and bolstered by a decent range of beers and ales. Indeed, anyone with a keen interest in the latter should know that it’s a CAMRA award-winning alehouse. Under new ownership since our last visit, it remains an absolute gem in the middle of the Vale; a dog-lovers’ and walkers’ destination of choice, with Monknash and the lighthouse a hop away. It’s perfect for weekend visits and with a Glamorgan Heritage campsite a five-minute walk away, you have no excuse not to visit.
The Plough & Harrow: an ever-welcoming, authentic country pub with great food.
Monknash, nr Llantwit Major. 01656 890209 / facebook.com/ploughandharrowmonknash
words ANTONIA LEVAY