MY PUB: The Plough, Wombleton, North Yorkshire

The pub is synonymous with great food in particular and has even made it on to the Top 50 Gastropubs list where it charted in 2023.

Here, co-owner and operator Lindsey Johns tells The Morning Advertiser more about the site that she runs with husband Richard.

The pub

The Plough is your quintessential English Country pub. Tucked away in the pretty village of Wombleton, three miles from the market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

The original pub dates back to the 15th century. Once thatched, it oozes character from every angle. The oldest part is now the pub’s restaurant area.

Dinky in its appearance but just big enough for a highly skilled single chef-owner to cater for. Low beams and wonky window frames amuse the diners as they enter but, once seated, the cosy rooms gives you a big hug. Log burners and candles add to the ambience.

The cottage garden patio to the front of the pub is a favourite spot to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. Locals and tourists swap stories and you might even see our pub cat, Olive, while on one of her walks.

To the back of the original pub building is the main entrance into the property, which goes through to the bar. The car park is this side along with a small beer garden. This was built circa 1862, so positively a new build! You’ll find our log burner and comfy sofa here to relax and chat while taking your drinks.

Our large collection of cookery books is on display in the bar. A great read for any budding home cook and a quick reference for Richard between shifts.

Dogs are made very welcome in this area and doggy treats sit tantalisingly close by on the bar.

This is a free house and independently owned and run.

The publican

Myself, Lindsey Johns, and my husband Richard, run and own the lease at the Plough. Both primarily restaurateurs, Richard is our only chef and amazingly caters for each diner personally. I oversee the bar and the restaurant. Now heading into our 21st year of running serval award-winning ventures, we are still as proud and passionate as our very first day – just a little older.

The Plough is a property we had our sights on back in 2018 but sadly missed out on the opportunity due to lack of funding. However, what goes around comes around and in 2023 it became ours.

Between 2019 and 2022 we opened the Hovingham Inn – a gastropub four miles away from Wombleton. Luckily, it is close enough for our old customers to still come to and support us.

Previously, I was a scenes of crime officer within the Humberside Police so a keen eye for detail still prevails.

The trade

We are a quality, award-winning dining pub but our bar is very healthy, well supported by locals and visitors alike. Being in a rural area, food plays a big part of our business.

Folk drive from near and far to sample our seasonal dishes. Proudly, the Plough is listed in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide for 2025. The Plough was also included in the Estrella Damm Top UK 50 Gastropubs.

The Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday while the Restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday.

The team

It’s small but perfectly formed. Dubbed ‘The Lone Ranger’, Richard is our only chef but he would be lost without the support of his KP, Dave. I oversee the front, working every shift in the restaurant. I was once referred to as a casino croupier because I serve all the tables.

Our only full-time employee is our young barman, Jordan. Both Dave and Jordan have been with us since day one and are growing with the business all the time.

We have three front-of-house waiting staff members. Young locals working alongside myself, attentively serve the restaurant. We have recently hired a cleaner just to lift some of the burdens from me and my never-ending job list. And that’s it.

The drink

The Plough offers a fantastic choice of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and hot drinks. The addition of our coffee machine boosts our sales and is available to take away when you’re out and about.

Having a great supply of locally made ales on our doorstep makes our cask ale offering interesting. The Howardian Gold from Helmsely Brewery goes down a treat, along with Black Sheep best bitter from Masham. Our third hand pump changes regularly and locals request are often fulfilled. Various lagers and Guinness on the other side of the bar sell very well, and new introductions make an appearance when the weather changes.

I carefully select the wines, which have been recognised for unusual grape varieties along with many favourites you will be familiar with. The wines are chosen to match Richard’s food while maintaining a list that has a good choice of wines by the glass at affordable prices.

As we are in a rural location, driving is another consideration. Our ‘Drinks for the Driver’ list is very popular and is now in it’s 21st year. Years ago, the non-alcoholic market was very limited. Now the list is exhaustive. Limited only by fridge space. Heineken 0.0 is a great new addition to the bar.

We don’t make a lot of cocktails due to the lack of space but we know a man that can. We will be working with him on our future events to help the tills keep ringing.

The food

Food is the heartbeat of the Plough. We pride ourselves on our freshly prepared, seasonal menu that Richard curates and makes each and every day. Working alone, he knowns what he is capable of. His attention to detail, flavour and high standards are what it’s all about. There is no ‘halfway house’ mentality. Richard’s individual style of cooking and food has attracted many awards and accolades over the years. Many customers are genuinely amazed that one chef can cater to such a high standard.

The menu is fixed price but is a la carte. With a choice of three starters, three mains and two desserts and cheese. It is meat and fish-led but dietary requirements can be catered for in advance of booking.

The food here is classed as ‘modern comfort food’. Working within our parameters, we don’t offer pub snacks or light bites. With one pair of hands at work, customers understand our concept and come for it. This is our USP and keeps us consistent. Our Sunday lunch offering has become a ‘go to’ in North Yorkshire.

Our customers find us in national food guides and local lifestyle magazines but the best way is word of mouth. For more than 20 years, people have supported us wherever we may have been. It is truly amazing, and we are very grateful.

The events

Like every business, we have to diversify. On a Wednesday evening, the pub just opens for drinks so it’s an ideal night to host an event. Darts has always been popular and our new darts league has proved a popular get-together. The bar soon gets full of locals and encourages outside teams and new customers alike. We also hold a monthly quiz night every last Sunday of the month. It’s great fun and there’s a jackpot to win – it brings out the competitive side in us all.

A recent craft/shopping event was a great success. It is held in the restaurant when not in use. Local arts and crafts artisans supported our event and made for a great night on the bar too. We are planning another one for nearer Christmas, due to demand.

Our first cocktail night is planned for early summer. We also host wakes, local committee meetings, barbecues and wine tasting events. English wine week is in June so we will be showcasing some of the region’s wines and from around the country. It was very successful last year.

The future

We are always looking to the future. We are considering the purchase of the freehold, which would give us more security and scope to develop our offering.

A kitchen garden would be a great addition, updating the kerb appeal of the property and making for a more pleasant area for the customers.

Accommodation could be a secondary arm to the business. We would like to give the pub a sympathetic overhaul inside and out, to keep it up to date with today’s style and making it more efficient to run and operate.