A Plateful of Passion: Falling for The Plough at Wombleton

A Match Made in Hospitality Heaven

The story of The Plough is itself a romance of sorts. Hospitality power couple Richard and Lindsey Johns have been working their magic across Yorkshire for two decades, and their latest venture feels like they’ve finally found their perfect match. Having taken the reins of this historic establishment in late 2023, they’ve already wooed the critics, earning spots in both the Michelin Guide and Estrella’s Top 50 UK gastropubs faster than you can say “love at first bite.”

Setting the Scene for Sunday Romance

On a blustery February Sunday, we arrived in Wombleton with high hopes and hungry hearts (and two young children in tow – because nothing says romance quite like a sleepy two-year-old). Lindsey welcomed us with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’re being embraced by an old friend, ushering us to a cosy window seat in the front room.

The space was adorned with Valentine’s hearts, but what really caught our eye was a delightfully nostalgic row of Womble cuddly toys – a detail that had the adults more excited than the kids. The dining room, dating back to 1498, still sports its original features: low ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and stonework that whispers tales of monks serving brews through the small window centuries ago.

A Menu to Fall For At The Plough, Wombleton

The Sunday set menu (£45 for three courses, £35 for two) might be small – Richard works solo in the kitchen, like a culinary cupid – but it’s perfectly formed. My partner Lucy started with Burrata cheese complemented by caramelised blood orange, pomegranate, parmesan crisp, and lemon oil. Meanwhile, the kids and I couldn’t resist the siren call of a Warm chunky pork and haggis sausage roll with apple purée – comfort food that had us at hello.

The Main Event: A Love Triangle with Roast Dinner

The mains arrived like a declaration of love on a plate. Lucy and I succumbed to the Slow-roast rump of beef, perfectly pink and generously portioned. The kids shared a Roast free-range pork loin with crackling and cider apple purée that had our seven-year-old food critic so smitten, he made a special trip to the kitchen to personally compliment Chef Richard on the crackling – surely the ultimate seal of approval.

Each plate came crowned with a Yorkshire pudding that could have its own postcode, accompanied by honey-roast carrots, greens, roast potatoes, and gravy. But it was the cauliflower cheese that stole our hearts – creamy, indulgent, and everything comfort food should be.

Sweet Nothings

Despite being thoroughly wooed by the mains, we somehow found room for dessert. Lucy opted for the Vanilla crème brûlée, while the kids fell for White chocolate ice cream. My passion fruit and raspberry Pannacotta with white chocolate ice cream proved to be the final arrow in Cupid’s quiver. Lucy’s dessert wine – an unusual but inspired Monsoon Valley Chenin Blanc from Thailand – added an exotic flourish to the proceedings.

The Perfect Partnership

What makes The Plough special is how Richard and Lindsey have managed to create that rarest of things: a proper pub that’s also a destination dining spot. The bar area hums with local life, while the restaurant serves up food that people will happily travel miles for. It’s the hospitality equivalent of having your cake and eating it – or in this case, your Pannacotta.

The Morning After

As we rolled out into the late afternoon drizzle, thoroughly sated and already planning our next visit, it was clear that The Plough had worked its magic on all of us. At £45 per head for three courses, this Sunday lunch feels like an absolute steal – especially given the quality of cooking and generous portions.

The Verdict

If you’re looking to fall in love with a pub, The Plough at Wombleton is your perfect match. Whether you’re a local popping in for a pint or a destination diner seeking seriously good food, you’ll find yourself charmed by this 15th-century beauty. Richard’s cooking and Lindsey’s hospitality create the kind of experience that makes you want to go steady – we’re already planning our next date.

The Plough gastropub at Wombleton can be found in Wombleton, North Yorkshire, three miles from Helmsley. Sunday lunch is £45 for three courses or £35 for two courses. Booking recommended.

For more awesome festive Yorkshire foodie news & features, click on the links below…

Yorkshire Pub Goes from Ploughing the Fields to Ploughing Through the Michelin Guide

The 5 Cosiest Pubs in Yorkshire: Where the Beer is Cold and the Atmosphere is Toasty