Plough Hotel

Aug 5th, 2022

Jan 21st, 2022

Jun 13th, 2021

Dec 13th, 2020

I can't comment about the food or drinks, just about a really negative experience at this pub, so take from this review as you will. I was recently traveling with my family to Newcastle Emelyn for the day. The plan was to find somewhere to eat for lunch and explore the area outside. On the way there I very desperately needed the bathroom (I wont go into much detail but it was urgent and lactose intolerance related). Upon arriving in the town we pulled over and I raced the the first place I could see, the Plough. There was an 'Open' board at the front and the door was open. Once in the pub it was empty and there were no staff in sight, I walked to the back and still couldn't see anyone. The bathroom was right in front of me and, being desperate, I ducked in with the plan to apologise to the staff immediately on the way out for rushing in as I did. We were also planning a pub lunch so I though if we stayed here for lunch it hopefully wouldn't be much of a problem. Immediately after I walked out of the bathroom the ?landowner/manager was waiting for me. He looked angry and immediately asked how did I get in (door was open with an open sign) why didn't I ask permission as there were 3 staff on (honestly didn't see anyone) and that 'you just can't do that' while standing very close to me with his angry expression. Feeling absolutely mortified I apologised profusely and tried to say I hadn't seen anyone and was hoping to stay for lunch and hadn't meant to cause an issue. I didn't get the chance as he kept telling me how rude I was and that I was not to come into the pub ever again. He then went on to say that you wouldn't just walk into somebody's house to use their bathroom and that there was a public bathroom up the road. I hadn't known about the public bathroom and of course would have used it if I had. I do understand that my behaviour wasn't ideal but I didn't even get the chance to explain the situation, plus being made to feel so terrible didn't help as I was fumbling with my words. Obviously we didn't stay for lunch after this, especially with myself being effectively banned from the place. I feel that the behaviour and attitude towards me was completely uncalled for as I hadn't done any damage, I had followed social distancing and sanitised my hands before and after entering the bathroom. If there had been a list for my name and contact details for the coronavirus regulations of course I would have provided them. I imagine everyone can understand how bad an urgent bathroom situation can be and how it can make you rush. So, if they can rely on local trade and people who know them well that's fine, but that attitude is really unhelpful and unwelcoming for visitors. I have had desperate situations like this before and NEVER had a response like this. Luckily, we went to a gorgeous bakery up the road with tables in their garden which I can't recommend enough as the food and customer service was lovely.
Oct 7th, 2020