The river's edge

A favourite watering-hole for travellers throughout the ages, the pretty village of Eynsford is famous throughout the south for its ford and riverside frontage. The Plough Inn, built in the 16th century, occupies an enviable space on the river. The substantial, white-fronted building is adjoined by monochrome Tudor cottages, made famous by photographers and postcard makers throughout the last century.

Six miles south of Dartford and seven miles east of Sevenoaks, The Plough draws in its clientele from across the Weald and from Blackheath and Greenwich. On a hot day, riverside resembles Brighton beach, as visitors vie for paddling space.

A pub transformed
During my college days, I worked in the hostelry as a barmaid and have fond memories of those years working alongside my village friends in the busy hustle and bustle of a sunny day. The Plough has undergone several transformations since the late 1980s, when it was decorated with copper bedpans and nick-nacks and even had a little bridge and pond of its own inside the two-tiered venue.

The bed-pans are long gone and a stylish subtlety has been ushered in. Early in the summer of 2007, the pub received a modern makeover, which still feels very fresh a year on.

My dining partner and I were taken to our seats beside the window by a cheery member of staff who enthusiastically took us through the summer menu. A melon and feta starter with chilli ice cream caught my dining partner's eye, along with the seafood linguine. With the river running beside us, I was suitably inspired to plump for the Cajun-spiced mackerel followed by fisherman's pie.

From our vantage point beside the window, looking out over the river, I pointed out local points of interest and we both felt instantly comfortable and at home in the relaxed, yet modern dining area, busy with ladies enjoying summer evening parties and young couples on what appeared to be first dates.

Bonus points to the chef for his inventiveness

My mackerel was surprisingly 'zingy', and leaning across to steal some of my partner's ice cream, my palate was initially cooled - until the kick of the chilli reminded us that the ‘ice cream’ had added extra! Bonus points to the chef for his inventiveness, our starters were surprising and interesting in equal measure.

To follow, the seafood was delicately layered between the linguine, which retained just the right amount of ‘bite’, and while my fisherman's pie was rather heavy on the salmon, the soft mash worked well with the crunch of the accompanying fresh green beans.

The star turn, however, had to be the desserts. We decided to share the white chocolate cheesecake and Panna cotta with fresh berries. The Panna cotta was silky smooth and just dissolved on the tongue, while the cheesecake was given the thumbs up by my dining partner who described it as 'incredibly good'.

The Plough may have received a chic and trendy make-over a year ago, but long-standing fans of this famous watering-hole need not worry, as manager Jamie Wilkes has kept the best of the old in place – a really warm and friendly village welcome, along with sound, good-value food.

The Plough
24 Riverside, Eynsford,
Dartford DA4 0AE
Tel: 01322 862281

Opening times
Sun to Thu, noon to 11pm, Fri and Sat, noon to midnight

Starters from £5.50, main courses from £8 to £15, two-course meal for two from £15 per head. House wine £14

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