The Plough - Birmingham - Pub Reviews

The Plough is a modern gastropub at 21 High St, Harborne (B17 9NT), known for its all-day brunches and wide craft-beer selection. With a lively, community-oriented vibe, it blends pub tradition and contemporary flair – think exposed brick, warm wood tones, and plenty of greenery – to create a welcoming atmosphere. The Plough has become a local institution since the owners, Adam and Sarah Johnson, took over the former village pub in 2003. Its menu of hearty comfort food (stone-baked pizzas, gourmet burgers, Cuban sandwiches, Sunday roasts, etc.) and all-day breakfasts draws a diverse crowd of families, office workers and brunch-goers. Customers consistently rate The Plough highly (around 4.5/5) for its food, drinks and friendly service, reflecting its strong reputation in the Harborne neighbourhood.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Plough’s standout facility is its spacious beer garden, a covered outdoor terrace with wooden tables and lots of plants. This bright, semi-open space is perfect for sunny afternoons or relaxed evenings and often hosts summer DJs and pop-up barbecues. Inside, the pub has a modern but cosy layout with a mix of chairs and benches; there’s no on-site car park, though street parking and nearby public lots provide options. True to gastropub style, the Plough focuses on good conversation over loud games: it doesn’t have pool tables or big-screen sports (besides occasional major games), but it does provide board games and an open atmosphere instead. Regular events keep things lively: for example, there’s a weekly quiz night every Sunday at 7:30pm (small entry fee, cash prizes). The Plough also runs a rotating deal schedule – 2-for-1 pizzas on Mondays and burgers on Tuesdays, a special chicken wings menu on Sunday nights, and other weekday offers like build-your-own calzones – which adds fun value for locals. All in all, entertainment at The Plough is about community and good times rather than high-tech distractions.

Food on Offer

The Plough’s menu is focused on fresh, home-style cooking with a few modern twists. Breakfast and brunch are highlights: dishes range from bacon sandwiches and avocado toast to full English breakfasts and pancakes, plus veggie and vegan versions of classic dishes. (The pub even offers free filter coffee with brunch on weekdays.) Stone-baked pizzas are a signature, praised as among the city’s best, and they come in varied toppings (from simple Margherita to chorizo or goats’ cheese specials). Beyond pizzas, the menu includes pub classics like beer-battered fish & chips (£21.75), shepherd’s pie and winter vegetable pies, as well as a range of burgers (the “Bar Burger” with fries is £19.95) and sandwiches (e.g. pulled pork, fish finger, or Cuban-style melt). One of The Plough’s most celebrated dishes is the Sunday roast – plated with generous meat or nut roast, roast potatoes and all the trimmings – which has attracted fans citywide. Diners also praise the salad and vegetarian options (such as roast squash & couscous salad or veggie burgers), ensuring even non-meat-eaters will find choices they enjoy. In short, the food menu delivers unpretentious comfort fare: everything is made in-house and satisfies the craving for hearty, well-cooked pub grub, with the bonus of some continental and American inspirations (for example, the popular Cuban sandwich or Tex-Mex wings).

Beers on Tap

Beer is a major focus at The Plough. The cask ales are meticulously kept (lines are cleaned regularly), and in fact the pub’s real ale selection has won CAMRA awards. On tap you’ll often find a rotation of craft and local brews – from Midlands microbreweries or nearby Attic Brew – alongside familiar British bitters. A typical visit might include a classic pale ale or bitter as a house staple, with one or two guest taps offering something new or seasonal. The bartenders know their beers and are happy to recommend something hoppy or malty to suit your taste. Beyond ales, the drinks list includes imported lagers, craft ciders, bottled beers, plus an array of spirits and cocktails. (There’s even a notable coffee menu – The Plough was named among the UK’s top coffee-shop pubs – but many guests stick with beer.) Happy Hour runs weekdays ~4–6pm with discounts on selected drinks, making it easy to sample a few different craft options. In all, beer lovers will appreciate the focus on variety and quality: it feels like a beer garden and gastropub that takes its pints seriously.

Price Range & Value

As one would expect for a polished gastropub, The Plough’s prices are moderate-to-upper for Birmingham standards. Entrées and large dishes generally range from about £12 (for lighter items like salad or veggie curries) up to £20–22 for premium mains. For example, the batter fish & chips is £21.75 and the flagship burgers are ~£20. Pizzas fall mostly in the £15–20 range. A pint of draught ale is typically around £5–6 (with £1 off during happy hour), and soft drinks or coffee are standard pub prices. Sandwiches and sides are more affordable, making lunch with fries or a small shared plate a bit cheaper. Importantly, customers report that you do get good value for the quality provided: hearty portions and attentive service make the bills feel fair. The frequent meal deals (like 2-for-1 pizza nights) also stretch the budget further. Overall, The Plough sits in the mid-price “££” category: you pay a bit more than a basic pub, but the consensus is that the excellent food and drinks justify it. It’s not a budget pub, but most guests say they’re happy with the price/performance balance, especially given the lively setting and solid ingredients.

Customer Service

A standout aspect of The Plough is its friendly, community-minded service. The Johnsons and their long-tenured staff run the place like a true local pub, so regulars are greeted by name and newcomers quickly feel at home. In my experience and according to reviews, the team is knowledgeable, attentive and genuinely welcoming even when busy. One reviewer noted that the staff were “very helpful,” providing a ramp for wheelchair access and checking in frequently; overall they found the service “very friendly and very attentive”. Even on hectic evenings (for example, a sold-out 2-for-1 pizza night), the bar crew keeps orders flowing, clears empty glasses promptly and fills orders efficiently. At the same time, conversation is never rushed: bartenders are known to chat about which ale to try or comment on plans for the night. This balance of efficiency and warmth echoes the pub’s ethos – it feels like being served by hospitable locals rather than a detached chain. In short, The Plough’s staff play a big role in the pub’s charm: they remember names, handle crowds smoothly, and genuinely seem to care if you’re enjoying your time there.

Events & Special Nights

The Plough’s calendar is packed with weekly specials and occasional events, keeping things fun for regulars. The firm favourite is Sunday Quiz Night (starting at 7:30pm, £1 entry for a chance to win cash prizes) – it brings in a full house of trivia buffs and fills the pub with laughter. Other themed deals happen every week: Mondays are 2-for-1 Pizza Day (any two pizzas for the price of one), Tuesdays are 2-for-1 Burger Day, and there’s even a midweek Cuban sandwich special (2-for-1 on Wednesdays) and a bottle-of-wine-paired pizza deal on Thursdays. Sundays feature a “Lickin’ Chicken” menu (kilo of wings), and fishy festivals or cocktail nights pop up from time to time. These promotions draw crowds and make weeknights feel like an occasion. In warmer months, the garden often hosts live music or DJ sessions, turning a regular weekend into a mini-festival – the website touts “summer DJ sessions” and you’ll hear relaxed tunes among the sunshine. Notably, despite all this, the pub isn’t geared as a sports bar; major games aren’t a constant draw here (you won’t see multiple screens running) except on very special occasions. Instead, the focus is on communal fun – quizzing, sipping pints together and sometimes sampling the latest pop-up cuisine from local vendors. Whether it’s a themed dinner, an outdoor DJ set or just Brunch Club on a Sunday morning, The Plough always seems to have something going on beyond standard pub life.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside The Plough, you’ll notice a bright, contemporary yet cosy décor. There are bare wooden tables and flooring, exposed brick walls and plenty of natural light from large windows – a mix of rustic and modern touches that make the interior feel chic without being pretentious. Potted plants and green accents soften the space, creating a relaxed “pub garden” vibe even indoors. The layout is split into a couple of areas (separated by a single step), with cushioned benches and a long bar. Customers describe the atmosphere as lively but comfortable: during busy service the pub hums with friendly chatter and laughter, yet it never feels oppressively loud or overcrowded. In fact, one reviewer noted that even when busy the space still allowed each table its own conversation, calling it an “active atmosphere” where people could still talk quietly. The clientele is a good cross-section of Harborne – you might see a family grabbing a late lunch, a table of theatre-goers fuelling up before a West End show, or neighbours catching up over a pint. On sunny days, the crowd often spills into the garden (where dogs are welcome outside), adding to the outdoorsy feel.

Accessibility is generally decent. The main entrance has only a small threshold, and the pub provides a ramp to cover the slight step into the back seating area (though it’s quite steep). Once inside, the ground floor is level throughout the main drinking area. (Just be aware the raised dining area is only a few inches up, with a handrail.) The spaces between tables can be a bit tight, especially after a quiz night or at peak brunch time, but staff are quick to make room if needed. The restrooms include a unisex disabled-access toilet, though it’s relatively compact. In terms of other amenities: there’s Wi-Fi for patrons, high chairs for young children, and the once-a-week deals have made many families regulars here. On the downside, you won’t find bagatelle or table football – entertainment is more communal (games at the table or music) – and as mentioned parking on High Street is limited so most visitors arrive by foot, bike or bus. Overall, though, The Plough manages to be inclusive and down-to-earth. Its blend of bright, modern styling with pub tradition means almost anyone feels at home, and the friendly staff ensure access and service needs are met whenever possible.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Plough enjoys a prime position on Harborne High Street – a bustling local centre of shops, cafés and eateries. Harborne itself is a leafy suburban “village” about 3 miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. By public transport it’s roughly a 15–20 minute bus ride from central Birmingham (bus routes to New Street, Broad Street, etc. run frequently along Hagley Road just off the high street). Nearby are other Harborne landmarks: for example, the Harborne Walk shopping arcade and the independent stores of Chapel Hill are a short walk away. A slightly longer stroll (about a mile) brings you to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne House – pleasant attractions for a day out after lunch. For commuters, the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital lie a few miles south, making The Plough a popular stop for staff during off-peak hours. If you’re driving, be aware that street parking is scarce; the closest pay car parks are a few blocks away (or you might use the free permit-only parking on some side roads if visiting early). Interestingly, the pub’s owners have even opened a small B&B called “The Plough House” literally behind the pub, so out-of-towners can stay in a home-like two-bedroom flat just steps from the bar. In essence, The Plough’s location straddles convenience and character – it feels like the heart of its own little neighbourhood, yet a short journey from the wider city.

Overall Impression

The Plough delivers a winning combination of hearty pub tradition and modern flair. It’s easy to see why locals (and knowledgeable visitors) rave about it: the pub’s history as a 20-year-old community spot, its polished wood-and-brick interior, and its friendly, unpretentious energy set it apart from many generic bars. The menu hits the sweet spot between comfort and creativity – top-notch Sunday roasts, waffles, or pizzas coexist with burgers and bowls of homemade soup, and everything is done with quality ingredients. The beer and cider selections underscore that dedication to craft: many customers come just to sample a new pint or a uniquely brewed ale on tap. Even at its busiest, The Plough maintains a warm, inclusive atmosphere where you’re more likely to end up chatting with strangers than shouting over them. In fact, one guide lists The Plough among the UK’s “Top 20 Pubs”, and independent reviewers often call it one of Birmingham’s best gastropubs.

Of course, no place is perfect. On a packed quiz night or under the Sunday roast rush, you might have to wait a little for a table or your meal – the intimacy of the space means it can feel snug. It’s also not a cheap takeaway dive – you won’t get pints for under £4 – so those on a very tight budget may find it slightly pricey. However, these are minor trade-offs in the grand scheme. The consistent praise for The Plough is its honest value: decent mid-range pricing, no obnoxious upsells, and real satisfaction in every bite and sip. To many regulars and first-timers alike, the positives far outweigh any quibbles.

In short, The Plough is a gem of Harborne. It captures the best of a village pub (warmth, community, a historic address) with a smart gastropub’s strengths (great brunches, craft beers, seasonal menus). Whether you pop in for a lazy Sunday roast, a lively trivia night, or just a coffee and cake on a Tuesday morning, you’ll likely leave impressed by the character and charm. It’s the kind of pub where you come back, because it genuinely feels like a second living room for the neighbourhood – only with tastier food and better beer.