About This Pub
Oh, The Plough in Milton Keynes is one of those pubs that just warms your heart the second you step inside – it's got that classic British charm from way back in 1877, mixed with some fresh, innovative twists on traditional grub. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the food really steals the show; people rave about the fillet steak that's cooked to perfection, crispy chips that are moreish, and roasts that are so good you'll want to book in for the next family gathering straight away. The drinks selection is spot on too, with real ales and wines that pair beautifully, and the outdoor areas like the canal-side garden are absolute gems for soaking up the sun or enjoying a quiet chat. The staff come across as genuinely friendly and on point, which makes the whole experience feel personal and enjoyable. On the flip side, though, it's not all perfect – the car park can be a nightmare when it's heaving, and if you pop in on a busy day, service might not be as snappy as you'd hope, leaving you twiddling your thumbs a bit. Still, with its dog-friendly vibes and handy extras like Wi-Fi and charging points, it's a solid choice for a get-together. All in all, I'd say it's worth a visit if you're after a balanced spot that's got the good times rolling, but maybe plan around the crowds for the best experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff are incredibly friendly and efficient, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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The food is absolutely spot on – think hearty British dishes with a modern twist, like the best fillet steak or a massive roast that leaves you satisfied.
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They've got a fantastic selection of drinks, including real ales and world wines, perfect for unwinding with mates.
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The outdoor spaces are brilliant, with a canal-side beer garden, a secret garden, and a front terrace that's ideal for a sunny afternoon.
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It's dog-friendly in the bar area, which is great if you're popping in with your furry friend.
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The pub's steeped in history since 1877, giving it that cosy, welcoming vibe that's hard to beat.
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Plenty of handy facilities like free Wi-Fi, vehicle charging, and power sockets make it super convenient for a relaxed visit.
Cons
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The car park can get a bit chaotic when it's busy, making it tricky to find a spot or manoeuvre around.
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Service might slow down during peak times, like bank holidays, so you could wait a tad longer for your order.
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While the portions are generous, some might find the atmosphere a bit overwhelming if it's packed, especially in the bar area.
Contact Information
151 Simpson Rd, Simpson, Milton Keynes MK6 3AH
+441908691555
Pub
Opens at 11:00
Opening Hours
Monday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Tuesday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday (Today) | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 11:00 - 23:30 |
Saturday | 11:00 - 23:30 |
Sunday | 11:00 - 22:30 |
Recent Reviews
We were a party of 6 that went there last Friday as it was the most convenient within walking distance of the Premier Inn and looked ok on the internet so we had booked in advance. We didn't know it would be such a good choice. Very friendly and efficient staff with prompt service, just cheeky enough to make us feel more than welcome but without overstepping the mark. Pleasant large well furnished restaurant. Good atmosphere as it would appear to be a popular venue for local people and families. Would thoroughly recommend it and a shame that we are unlikely to have the opportunity to go there again. Top place!
What a lovely place to eat.
Good choice of drinks, attentive staff, the best filet steak I’ve had in a long time, and I’ve had quite a few. Even the chips were properly crispy and covered in a dusting of something delicious.
We had a party of 4, and everyone loved it.
Highly recommended.
Thank you ☺️
Two small negatives:
The hand drier in the gents was a bit like an asthmatic camel. Hot but weak.
And the guy behind the bar seems to have a problem with keeping his jeans up. Bum crack is not acceptable in a restaurant. Simon Cowell has some you could probably borrow 😉
We were referred here by another restaurant we did not have a booking for. Good thing as well. A few car parking spaces. Beautiful pub. We were sat in a cozy booth seating area. Like the decor. Service was okay, to be fair they were very busy as bank holiday. It was one of the biggest portions of gammon we have ever had. It was very tasty but quite saltier than the usual gammon as well so we just took the rest home for lunch at home the next day. We enjoyed our meal!
Best roast we've had in a very long time. Soo good we've booked for Easter Sunday with the family - can't wait! Staff are lovely
Visited here for the 1st time since refurb/new owners, so yes it had been awhile.
We visited on a Tuesday for lunch/dinner with family, the car park was busy so I thought that was a positive sign.
Not the easiest car park to negotiate when busy, but we did manage to find a disabled space although this was not very clearly marked as the paint had all but disappeared.
Once inside the bar area was busy and noisy, the restaurant part was pretty quiet with only a couple of tables being used. The decor is absolutely lovely with decent lighting, natural wooden flooring, and solid wood tables and chairs a very welcoming venue.
The waitress came nice and quick to bring menus and take our drinks order, also told us what the soup of the was as well as pie of the day, very friendly staff I have to say.
The menu is quite varied with a good choice, there should be something to suit everyone on offer here.
We had 2 people opting for Fish & Chips, these were served with mushy peas and tartare sauce, also served with a half of lemon for squeezing if so desired
The other 2 of us both had the Horseshoe Gammon served with chunky chips, and garden peas along with 2 perfectly cooked fried eggs.
I have to say the food was excellent overall, freshly cooked and good portions size wise.
The 2 people that had the Fish both said it would have been nice to have seen a small side salad on the plate, as when the plate arrived with the food the plate looked a bit bare
The 2 Gammon dinners when served there was no need for any salad, there was ample food on the plate, which I have to say was a great Gammon Steak
I would recommend a visit here, we will definitely be returning again soon.
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