The Plow Inn — Review by BeardMeatsFood
Hickling, United Kingdom — British Pub Food, Pies
The reviewer successfully completes the Plow Inn's Proper Pie Challenge, finishing six pies of choice with mash, mushy peas, and gravy in under 25 minutes to win a free meal and t-shirt. The pies were delicious with standout dishes like the award-winning lamb and mint and spicy chicken fajita, though the massive portion of mushy peas and mandatory gravy proved challenging to finish.
What was great: Award-winning lamb and mint pie, chicken fajita pie, steak and stout pie, chicken and mushroom pie, homtty pie with potato and cheddar, bread and butter pudding dessert, generous portions, challenging and fun pie eating experience
What could improve: Excessive amount of mushy peas, gravy jug was very large and difficult to finish, spoon provided had holes in it
The Dishes
The challenger selected six pies from the menu: steak and Stilton, steak and stout, chicken and mushroom, homtty pie (potato, leek, cheddar, cream and herbs), pulled chicken fajita, and the award-winning lamb and mint pie. Each pie arrived piping hot and visually appealing. The steak and stout proved to be an aesthetically pleasing dish with tender beef. The chicken fajita pie offered a little spice with jalapenos and natural cheese sauce, which nicely complemented the other milder options. The homtty pie stood out as a vegetarian option that worked well even for non-vegetarians. The award-winning lamb and mint pie delivered succulent lamb that impressed the reviewer, though the mint element was polarizing. The chicken fajita ultimately became the favorite. All pies maintained excellent quality and taste throughout the challenge.
The Experience
The Plow Inn was packed with a full house of enthusiastic supporters watching the challenge unfold. A ginormous buzzer marked the start of the 25-minute timer. The atmosphere was lively and encouraging, with staff and patrons cheering the challenger on. The pub felt authentic and welcoming, embodying the spirit of a proper English establishment. Service was attentive, with staff checking in regularly and even providing strategic advice about eating techniques.
Value and Pricing
The challenge costs 45 pounds if not completed, but is completely free if finished within 25 minutes, along with a t-shirt and a spot on the wall of fame. Given the enormous portions of six full pies plus substantial sides and gravy, this represents exceptional value for money if successfully completed. The generous portions of mash and mushy peas added significant volume to the challenge.
Notable Moments
Time to earn my crust.
You can't ever have too much gravy.
The reviewer strategically chose mash over chips and garden peas to make the mushy peas easier to consume, though this backfired as the peas nearly equaled the mash in volume. With 10 minutes remaining, the challenger was forced to drink the massive jug of gravy using a straw, leading to comedic moments of frustration and determination. The final bread and butter pudding dessert provided a satisfying finish after the conquest.
The Verdict
The Plow Inn's Proper Pie Challenge is a worthwhile experience for anyone seeking a fun, high-stakes dining adventure at a genuine English pub. The pies are genuinely excellent with award-winning quality, making this more than just a gimmick challenge. Success requires strategy and determination, but the free meal, commemorative t-shirt, and wall of fame recognition make victory sweet. This is best for adventurous eaters, competitive types, and those wanting to prove their mettle at a beloved British establishment.