The Plough Inn, Mitford, Northumberland

Oct 11 2009 by Eddy Eats, Sunday Sun

Determined to give everything a fair chance I opted for all three, while Mrs Eats chose the beef and turkey.

Left to ourselves for a moment, we looked around. She Who Must Be Fed – and who likes to know the prices of everything – spotted a blackboard high on a wall which simply stated “Sunday Lunch £5.95. Puddings £2.99” and there was a list of food for other days . . . traditional grub, such as corned beef pie, and sausages and chips, all mostly costing £5.95.

But before we’d had a chance to finish reading the board, a waitress – again friendly and helpful – arrived with mats, cutlery, salt, pepper, bowls of apple sauce, and cranberry sauce, and a gloriously large gravy boat filled to the brim. You could have gone for a swim in it.

And seconds later the chef – she called herself the cook – appeared with large plates loaded with meat, a large roast potato, stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding the size of a small plate. And the waitress was not far behind with two side dishes, one loaded with chunky carrots and cabbage and the other with boiled potatoes and swede.

It all looked appetising and inviting – like dinner at your auntie’s. It was very tasty and plentiful.

And we were soon asked if we wanted more gravy or more veg.

Pausing mid-meal, we saw other diners being passed foil packages – goodie bags for later or perhaps to feed the dogs.

And then the missus spotted someone close by with the Sunday Sun and reading the Eddy Eats column. A moment of fame!

A long pause was needed before we could be tempted by desserts. Another blackboard listed the puds, all “proper puds”, such as Bakewell tart and custard, spotted dick and custard, and treacle pudding . . . and custard. Oh, and strawberry cheesecake, with no mention of custard.

Finally, we gave in to temptation and were told there was also cherry pie and, of course, custard.

We ordered blackberry sponge and cherry pie, which were soon delivered, with lashings of the wonderful yellow stuff and along with an apology that the cherry pie couldn’t be heated up “because it goes to mush”.

The blackberry pie portion was huge but it was light and delicious and packed with blackberries.

Mrs Eats liked the pie, but declared that cold pie and hot custard are not a great combination. She would have preferred cream or ice cream.

We then fancied a coffee. No one offered so I asked. “Yes, of course. Cup or mug?” Giant mugs were soon delivered – and the bill showed they were only £1 each! That’s value.

In fact, the whole meal was great value. Two large two-course meals, two coffees, two pints of bitter, a glass of wine and an orange juice came to a not-so-grand total of £29.48.

The pub was pleasantly busy and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. There was nothing pretentious or overly sophisticated about the place.

But if you want good, plain food that’s well cooked and served in a friendly pub – and at a very good price – pop to The Plough Inn.