The Plough Inn
The Plough Inn
2.5
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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2.5
46 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
21
ourted
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Popped in while staying in Whitby at the weekend. Wow! What can we say. Asked the barmaid if they sold Chardonnay - she walked away, only to come back thrusting a bottle of Chenin Blanc; “this is the one we serve” was her response.
Ok, we’ll have two large glasses, produced my iPhone to pay... “cash only - there’s a cash point next door”. While I was away my wife took out her phone only to be told phones could not be used in the pub and pointing at the myriad of laminated A4 sheets advising of the policy. “Weird?”
Wines paid for, we went through to the back room to find no atmosphere, only three drunken punters who every time one swore, the others would outburst with “beep beep beep beep” (a la Jay from The Inbetweeners). Apparently swearing is also banned!
Oh children and dogs are NOT PERMITTED after 7 - I think they missed another sector from the days of the old B&B’s in the 1950’s.
Luckily we could see the funny side. Having stayed and discovered many of the yards or passages around Whitby we felt we must have gone down Duckets Passage in Goodnight Sweetheart and gone back in time 70 years. We won’t be going back.
Hospitality this wasn’t by any stretch of the imagination.
Ok, we’ll have two large glasses, produced my iPhone to pay... “cash only - there’s a cash point next door”. While I was away my wife took out her phone only to be told phones could not be used in the pub and pointing at the myriad of laminated A4 sheets advising of the policy. “Weird?”
Wines paid for, we went through to the back room to find no atmosphere, only three drunken punters who every time one swore, the others would outburst with “beep beep beep beep” (a la Jay from The Inbetweeners). Apparently swearing is also banned!
Oh children and dogs are NOT PERMITTED after 7 - I think they missed another sector from the days of the old B&B’s in the 1950’s.
Luckily we could see the funny side. Having stayed and discovered many of the yards or passages around Whitby we felt we must have gone down Duckets Passage in Goodnight Sweetheart and gone back in time 70 years. We won’t be going back.
Hospitality this wasn’t by any stretch of the imagination.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elssa21
Chester, UK162 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Give it zero if possible.
We mistakenly walked into this place, looked fine, no hand written notices with their long list of rules on the outside, otherwise we wouldn't have entered.
Stepping into a 70's timewarp with sticky carpet and nasty dark wood furniture we tried to buy a drink by card but didn't realise the Landlady, was stood in front of a tacky hand written sign with 'Cash Only'. We couldn't see that. She seemed to enjoy being petulant and admonishing us.
OK, I went to the cash point to get this quaint thing called cash, not too popular since Covid but there you go.
We clearly would not be staying for long so we reached for our phones to find somewhere local to eat.
I swear that women flew across, suddenly by my side she barked ' no mobiles, brewery policy'. We both obeyed, fine, her pub, not a massive problem. She did seem to enjoy ticking us off?
What was less amusing were the locals all allowed to have their phones ding digging away - oh and answering their phones in the pub. She even walked by acknowledging them despite their use of phones.
I went to turn my ring tone off in case it made as much noise as theirs - we have elderly parents with issues so are on call 24/7. The Harpie was flapping her wings at the bar, she had spotted me, she was in flight mode but couldn't quite make it to our table in time. Drat!
Returned to the bar hangdog, muttering, like Mutley being told by Dick Dastardly he hadn't been awarded a medal.
On reflection I had my phone down by my leg, so no idea how she could see I was using my phone if only to switch it off.
Soon found out reading other reviews. They have CCTV on every table, watch your every move. We discovered other unhappy experiences, if you look at your phone or try to use cards or have a dog or have children... and at one Sam Smiths pub the owner of the brewery himself allegedly banned bikers, deeming them undesirable?
And Sam Smith Brewery suggest you send in a secret shopper to check just how your wonderful policies are applied across the board?
We don't have a problem with rules of the house; we do have a problem with blatant discrimination.
Seems if you have a Yorkshire accent or you're a friend of the landlady you can get away with anything in this place.
We mistakenly walked into this place, looked fine, no hand written notices with their long list of rules on the outside, otherwise we wouldn't have entered.
Stepping into a 70's timewarp with sticky carpet and nasty dark wood furniture we tried to buy a drink by card but didn't realise the Landlady, was stood in front of a tacky hand written sign with 'Cash Only'. We couldn't see that. She seemed to enjoy being petulant and admonishing us.
OK, I went to the cash point to get this quaint thing called cash, not too popular since Covid but there you go.
We clearly would not be staying for long so we reached for our phones to find somewhere local to eat.
I swear that women flew across, suddenly by my side she barked ' no mobiles, brewery policy'. We both obeyed, fine, her pub, not a massive problem. She did seem to enjoy ticking us off?
What was less amusing were the locals all allowed to have their phones ding digging away - oh and answering their phones in the pub. She even walked by acknowledging them despite their use of phones.
I went to turn my ring tone off in case it made as much noise as theirs - we have elderly parents with issues so are on call 24/7. The Harpie was flapping her wings at the bar, she had spotted me, she was in flight mode but couldn't quite make it to our table in time. Drat!
Returned to the bar hangdog, muttering, like Mutley being told by Dick Dastardly he hadn't been awarded a medal.
On reflection I had my phone down by my leg, so no idea how she could see I was using my phone if only to switch it off.
Soon found out reading other reviews. They have CCTV on every table, watch your every move. We discovered other unhappy experiences, if you look at your phone or try to use cards or have a dog or have children... and at one Sam Smiths pub the owner of the brewery himself allegedly banned bikers, deeming them undesirable?
And Sam Smith Brewery suggest you send in a secret shopper to check just how your wonderful policies are applied across the board?
We don't have a problem with rules of the house; we do have a problem with blatant discrimination.
Seems if you have a Yorkshire accent or you're a friend of the landlady you can get away with anything in this place.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Bowler
1 contribution
Sept 2021
Myself, my wife and a family friend called in this pub for a drink. I put my phone on the table as I have to check on my ill mother and could receive a text at anytime. I picked my phone up as it flashed (on silent) and a man shouted from behind me 'Phones are banned, if you use it you will have to leave'. He didn't introduce himself at all, turned out he was the manager. We finished our drinks shortly after and started to leave. As I was passing the then 'unknown man' He spoke to me again, telling me rules are rules (with a smirk on his face), I told him I thought the rule was stupid and would in my opinion put customers off coming into the pub. He then rushed up to me face to face and said 'I'm the Landlord and what I say goes', he was being very aggressive. I told him again in a very relaxed way that I too have an opinion and I just think it's wrong. He glared at me as if he wanted to take things further. I turned and left. I would like to add, I am 61 and he is around 30 and the family friend that was present is 83. What a bully.
My advice is steer well clear, there are plenty more pubs that will welcome your trade.
Tahank you Peter
My advice is steer well clear, there are plenty more pubs that will welcome your trade.
Tahank you Peter
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry G
14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Can’t help but notice some of the negative reviews, with regards wrong drinks etc and no phones and leaving petty 1 star reviews because of this is a little sad, so people have nothing better to do. The plough caters for all ages and the staff are amazingly friendly, prices are set my mr smith and can’t be changed, anybody who works in or drinks in a Sam smiths pub will understand this. I’ve drank in the plough for years and it’s great beer and staff are always friendly, welcoming but sadly can’t please everyone, please specially whilst there lumbered with rules beyond there control. If people don’t like been told they can’t use a digital device inside a pub or can’t cope without there phones for the duration of there visit to the pub, then there is plenty of other venues in town that will best suit your needs. Had to comment as saw some of the reviews and had to giggle at how petty some people really are. The pub has a mixture of customers of all ages and tourists have always been made welcome whilst I’ve been in the pub. The rules don’t suit everyone but that’s no fault of the staff or managers as these rules are not set by them yet must be followed. I also hear the staff regularly telling customers who ask for Guinness that it’s extra stout in Sam smiths, it seems to me people don’t like rules so there for spit out there dummy’s when told then run off back home and start tappi g the keyboard with negativity. Rant over great pub, great staff and cracking beer
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Job G
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
Wanted a quick pint and thought this pub would do, no greeting from the bar staff at all on entry just an instant and rude demand for ID. Sat down with our drinks and quickly realised the lack of atmosphere (no music). Then when one of us got out our phone we were very rudely told to put it away because of pub rules which I understand but the rudeness was unnecessary and the other rules are a series of ridiculous measures put in place to make people more social in the pub but really just make it feel like a more hostile environment. Non locals are not welcome, younger people are not welcome, it seems that anyone bar the staff and a few locals is not welcome.
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dickodemint
Goffs Oak, UK295 contributions
Sept 2022
Can't but agree with 'barryg384' review, all whingers who complain about this pub.
My pal and I come each year to Whitby on the North Yorkshire Railway..Seaside Special'..he has rapid dementia at 72 years of age, following bowel cancer, discovered after a couple of weeks following retirement... and coming into a fair pot of money, prior to this..the Man above has been a little unkind I feel to this Jack the Lad, I have known as a close friend for over 55 years.
We used to go onto a Society Golf 4day event in the Northumberland or Scarborough area, so to break the journey up, we stayed in the Worsley Arms hotel in Hovingham, just above York for 3 days, where we are staying currently..see my review on that hotel on 'Trip'. First Class!
The day trip to Whitby is a special one for my pal 'Stocko' and we love the 'Yorkies' and their multitude of dogs..we both have 4 dogs between us!
Previously we frequented the Angel Inns patio and enjoyed over 4 hours of chats with locals and their dogs, but a few years ago, an edict from 'Tim' owner of the Wetherspoons pub chain, banned dogs from their patios and gardens..so the Angel pub and hotel is bereft of 4 legged, plus 2 legged owners: As a protest my pal and I attend the Plough!
A fine traditional pub, with strict rules..in the patio area dogs welcome..and virtually anything goes. In the pub, no music, children or dogs..just be polite and courteous to friendly and lovely staff..Kerry and Daniel..the pair have a great rapport..wind each other up..gently.. magic. Try it..a traditional venue with great staff and atmosphere..Whingers, beware or sit with the sad people, in the Angel, if you're so frightened of dogs!
My pal and I come each year to Whitby on the North Yorkshire Railway..Seaside Special'..he has rapid dementia at 72 years of age, following bowel cancer, discovered after a couple of weeks following retirement... and coming into a fair pot of money, prior to this..the Man above has been a little unkind I feel to this Jack the Lad, I have known as a close friend for over 55 years.
We used to go onto a Society Golf 4day event in the Northumberland or Scarborough area, so to break the journey up, we stayed in the Worsley Arms hotel in Hovingham, just above York for 3 days, where we are staying currently..see my review on that hotel on 'Trip'. First Class!
The day trip to Whitby is a special one for my pal 'Stocko' and we love the 'Yorkies' and their multitude of dogs..we both have 4 dogs between us!
Previously we frequented the Angel Inns patio and enjoyed over 4 hours of chats with locals and their dogs, but a few years ago, an edict from 'Tim' owner of the Wetherspoons pub chain, banned dogs from their patios and gardens..so the Angel pub and hotel is bereft of 4 legged, plus 2 legged owners: As a protest my pal and I attend the Plough!
A fine traditional pub, with strict rules..in the patio area dogs welcome..and virtually anything goes. In the pub, no music, children or dogs..just be polite and courteous to friendly and lovely staff..Kerry and Daniel..the pair have a great rapport..wind each other up..gently.. magic. Try it..a traditional venue with great staff and atmosphere..Whingers, beware or sit with the sad people, in the Angel, if you're so frightened of dogs!
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLAIRE B
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Looking for somewhere to have a nice quiet drink on a cold Friday night and came across this little pub. Good pint and reasonable priced, real fire creating a cosy atmosphere and staff were friendly and have no issues with tourists that I witnessed.
The previous reviews are correct , no mobiles allowed but this isn't a bad thing, it gives people the opportunity to step away from their mobile devices while you enjoy a nice couple of pints and chat to others in the bar.
If you really cant manage without your phone for an hour or two this is not the place for you.
The previous reviews are correct , no mobiles allowed but this isn't a bad thing, it gives people the opportunity to step away from their mobile devices while you enjoy a nice couple of pints and chat to others in the bar.
If you really cant manage without your phone for an hour or two this is not the place for you.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abigail C
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Not even worth 1 star.
Do not like the younger generation.
Cash only.
Got drinks COMPLETELY WRONG but refused to change them.
I got told off when using my phone to ring my friends to check their order.
Quite obviously DO NOT LIKE tourists or the younger generation.
They prefer to look after and make drinks cheaper for locals and swap prices for tourists.
Horrible place.
Do not like the younger generation.
Cash only.
Got drinks COMPLETELY WRONG but refused to change them.
I got told off when using my phone to ring my friends to check their order.
Quite obviously DO NOT LIKE tourists or the younger generation.
They prefer to look after and make drinks cheaper for locals and swap prices for tourists.
Horrible place.
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jiak2781
Warrington, UK203 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Probably the worst pub I have ever had the misfortune to walk into.
The reviews of this place are terrible and they are all true.
What a truly desperate, depressing pub
I have never tried Samuel Smiths Ales so I asked could I try a sample of one of the beers before I purchased a pint… I was refused!….The owners need to look up the word ‘Hospitality’ in the dictionary and understand it….after all that is the business they are supposed to be in.
The reviews of this place are terrible and they are all true.
What a truly desperate, depressing pub
I have never tried Samuel Smiths Ales so I asked could I try a sample of one of the beers before I purchased a pint… I was refused!….The owners need to look up the word ‘Hospitality’ in the dictionary and understand it….after all that is the business they are supposed to be in.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
Now, where do you begin ...
This is a Sam Smiths pub, and their national draconian rules are geared around stimulating conversation. That being said, not many of the people in there were speaking, Just sat staring into drinks, contemplating their own private thoughts. If you want a quiet drink, and avoid the more vibrant pubs, then you can't really go wrong, just don't set off back peddling by commenting on the weaker lager as 'the sh*t one', before realising swearing is banned. If you're Hamish, you're going to love this place as tech is banned, not sure what the stance would be on pacemakers though, but don't be surprised if you're asked to leave these outside also. It's highly recommended to head in here early on, or half way through proceeding, which guarantees you get the more negative pub out of the way 1st. I gave this pub 5 stars, simply for the experience and feeling of constant surprise at being challenged by staff for saying or doing something that was against the rules, according to a hidden poster somewhere. Great fun for stag/hen parties where you could have a sweep on who would be pulled up 1st. Highly recommended for the fun factor and ensuring the remaining pubs will feel like you struck gold.
p.s. I can't share any photos ... it's not allowed
This is a Sam Smiths pub, and their national draconian rules are geared around stimulating conversation. That being said, not many of the people in there were speaking, Just sat staring into drinks, contemplating their own private thoughts. If you want a quiet drink, and avoid the more vibrant pubs, then you can't really go wrong, just don't set off back peddling by commenting on the weaker lager as 'the sh*t one', before realising swearing is banned. If you're Hamish, you're going to love this place as tech is banned, not sure what the stance would be on pacemakers though, but don't be surprised if you're asked to leave these outside also. It's highly recommended to head in here early on, or half way through proceeding, which guarantees you get the more negative pub out of the way 1st. I gave this pub 5 stars, simply for the experience and feeling of constant surprise at being challenged by staff for saying or doing something that was against the rules, according to a hidden poster somewhere. Great fun for stag/hen parties where you could have a sweep on who would be pulled up 1st. Highly recommended for the fun factor and ensuring the remaining pubs will feel like you struck gold.
p.s. I can't share any photos ... it's not allowed
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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