The Plough Inn is a popular pub near Northfields tube station. If you are a local, good for you; for everyone else the best bet is a tube journey on the Piccadilly line.

The Venue
The Plough Inn is a historical pub with more than 300 years of history and yet it doesn’t show its age. Acquired by Fuller’s over a century ago, the bar gives you only a few clues of its revered age - the pretty lead windows are one example. The space is lined with painted wood and furnished with typical pub furniture including Chesterfield couches near the fireplace; the dining area has a striking exposed wooden beam under a slanted roof. A plethora of different lights, ranging from orange lamps to a remarkable transparent bulbous chandelier, add modernity to the space, although the mix is slightly incongruous. The large outside area with long rustic wooden benches and small tables is a retreat even during the winter time thanks to warm red blankets.

The Atmosphere
The Plough Inn is incredibly popular and it’s clear why: the surroundings are cosy and spacious even when full, the staff are delightful and it is a welcoming space that's conducive to conversation. Add summer barbecues, regular quiz nights and live music and the picture is complete.

The Food
Recently, The Plough Inn has taken its destiny in its own hands and has decided to invest in its food. The seasonal menu displays more sophistication than you might expect from an old Fuller’s pub. Begin with artisan sundried tomato and olive bread and delicious garlic cured olives (£3). Then move on to the starters (£4.50-6). The slow-cooked tomato and Parmesan gratinee tart is very tasty, although it is slightly oily. The mains (£8.50-17.50) include roast pheasant breast, braised oxtail pie, and pancetta-stuffed chicken supreme. In the latter, the meat is slightly dry but a powerful sauce compensates for it. For veggies, the autumn pudding remixes a classic recipe to create a herb-crusted pastry encasing vegetables and chestnuts, all of which is served with intense caramelised onion gravy.

From the desserts (£5-6), the chocolate brownie with walnut ice cream is good but not spectacular, while the Belgian waffle with baked peach and warm toffee sauce is excellent.

The Drink
The Plough really sets itself apart with its drink list, an interesting book detailing the history of spirits from vodka (£2.45-2.95) to gin (£2.35-3.30), passing through absinthe, rum and others. A special mention should go to the immense whisky collection, which includes over fifty whiskies, blended, malt, American, Irish and even Canadian (£2.60-8.40 for 25ml).

Obviously beer has a prominent place, with a dozen draughts (£2.80-4.65) and twenty bottles (£2.40-4.45). Take your pick from Mongozo Coconut, Schnieder Weisse, Bitburger Drive, Dos Equis Amber or the local Fuller’s Discovery, Chiswick and others. Wine (£3.40-6.45 per glass, £13.75- 47 per bottle; £32.50-130 for champagne) fights for space with cocktails (£5.50-6.50), which are particularly interesting because you can choose from eleven rums for your mojito and six vodkas for vodka mojitos.

The Last Word
The Plough deserves an accolade for its illustrious past and its transition into a successful modern-day gastro. Its mere presence makes Northfields a more attractive prospective for those not from the area.

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