I was ready for some respite from Marks and Spencer's Twenty Per Cent Day at Sprucefield today - it took ten minutes to find a parking space; and fifteen minutes to queue at the till!
I motored further south, in the direction of Hillsborough, County Down, one of Northern Ireland's finest villages; and it boasts some of the best pubs too! Hillsborough is probably most renowned for the Castle, a rambling Georgian mansion which is the official residence of HM The Queen when in NI; I gather the odd Secretary of State has squatted there occasionally too (that was a joke!).
Hillsborough is a firm favourite of mine. We used to visit it several times a year, if only to have lunch at one of my favourite pubs: the Plough Inn. Making my entrance at about 12.45, I was greeted by the familiar faces of the regular waitresses. Very friendly and welcoming.
I sat in a corner and, without further ado, ordered the Hawaiian Plough Burger, accompanied by garlic chips; and swallowed it all down with a glass of mango and apple juice. The burger was obviously home-made: uneven in shape and crumbly in texture. It came with fried onions, a slice of fresh pineapple, salad and sauces. The chips were very chunky (as usual, I'd have wished for more garlic). It was good.
Incidentally, I noticed another diner tucking in to thick, home-cut Belfast ham with cheese mash which looked delicious. Perhaps I'll have that the next time. The bill came to £10.35. What a great place, the sort of lounge-bar I like. Cosy, opulent, bijou, quite unchanged or unaltered so it has a timeless appeal too.
I hope to be back soon.
Flying High
9 hours ago
2 comments :
The Plough usually serves some very good guest ales if you get a chance to visit without the car.
It's a fine place, isn't it? Wish I could spend an evening there. Without the car!
Tim
Post a Comment