I had originally waved off the Plough because I didn’t know it was even in Clanfield (I was running through with the Clanfield Tavern in my sights) and because it seemed obvious they were catering a function (which turned out to be a wedding) with a BBQ smoking away outside and some of the guests looking quite a bit nicer attired than myself. Indeed, when I poked my head in I realised I was outclassed completely and the manager apologised that they were serving a private function. I said that was fine, I had just hoped for a quick one before continuing my trek to Faringdon and with an apparent nod from one of the guests, was soon served a lager at the counter. It looked like it was going to be a grand party and the menu I quickly perused made me want to book a table for the next Sunday (or maybe Jackie’s birthday). Fantastic that this out-of-the-way little village supports two large, atmospheric old inns but that’s the kind of thing that becomes less and less surprising here as time gallops on.
