As part of my quest to find the ultimate roast dinner in Cambridgeshire, I recently visited The Plough in Coton. This beautiful 18th-century, family-run gastro pub sits just three miles from the city, and it has been on my radar for some time. Given its stellar reputation and frequent appearances on national award lists, I was keen to see if it lived up to the hype.

The Atmosphere

The Plough is a classic historic pub, charmingly partitioned into small, intimate rooms with a fireplace at the front. We were warmly greeted and shown to our table in a dining area that was reassuringly packed – exactly what you expect for a Sunday afternoon. While the bustling energy was lovely, the layout felt a bit tight, to the point where I didn’t quite feel comfortable enough to snap a photo of the interior, so please excuse the lack of pictures (visit their website for more).

The outdoor space is fantastic. There is a dedicated park area for children and dozens of tables in the garden, which has already convinced me to return for a visit in the summer months.

Roast Time

Regular readers won’t be surprised to learn that I opted for the beef sirloin, while my wife chose the pork chop. We also added a side of cauliflower cheese to share.

One detail I immediately appreciated was the service style: our vegetables arrived in a large, separate bowl. I much prefer this to having everything piled high on a single plate, which can make manoeuvring your fork a clunky and messy affair. Having that extra space keeps the experience neat and allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. I also appreciated how aesthetically pleasing the spread looked on the table, especially the vibrant, colourful bowl of vegetables.

Sirloin Beef

My beef sirloin arrived in two generous slices. Interestingly, there was no pinking to be seen – a rarity in gastro pubs these days. However, the lack of pink didn’t detract from the quality; the flavour was rich and well-developed, and the meat still remained quite tender.

The gravy was thick and served lightly over the meat, accompanied by a small extra jug for those of us who like a bit more (me). Sitting alongside was a Yorkshire pudding of the perfect size – impressively large without dominating the entire plate. It also managed that difficult balance of being crisp on the outside with a soft, fresh interior that really made it stand out, especially as it soaked up the gravy so well.

Cauliflower & Cheese

Served bubbling in a pot with a golden, melted lid, the cauliflower cheese was an ideal winter warmer. The cauliflower had just the right amount of bite with the cheese sauce being gooey and punchy. It was the perfect companion for an absolutely freezing Sunday afternoon.

Pork Chop

My wife’s pork chop was a sight to behold, occupying well over half the plate. Served on the bone with a garnish of thick gravy, it was a formidable portion that she struggled to finish by herself. Naturally, I heroically stepped in to help her finish it (all in the name of a thorough review, of course). The quality of the sourcing was evident from the first bite; it was thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. While it came with apple sauce, the natural flavours of the pork and gravy were so good that the sauce felt almost unnecessary.

The Veg

I couldn’t fault a single element in our vegetable bowl. From the glazed carrots and parsnips to the cubes of swede and the soft-yet-crunchy greens, everything was executed on point. However, the star of the show was undoubtedly the roast potatoes which featured a thick crunch that gave way to a perfectly fluffy centre – exactly as a roastie should be!

The vegetable portions were already generous, but The Plough offers a second helping at no extra charge. It’s a lovely touch that provides the warm, comforting feeling of a home-cooked meal; something I have only ever seen at The Old Fire Engine House in Ely.

The Verdict

The Plough manages to strike a careful balance between an award-winning gastro pub and an unpretentious family Sunday lunch spot. While many places stand out in a crowded market with innovative ideas that try to reinvent the wheel; the team here remembers what makes a Sunday roast so special, by offering home-cooked comfort dishes and executing it exceptionally well. For anyone seeking a traditional meal that hits every mark, The Plough is well worth the short trip out of the city.

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