The Plough at Scalby Review – An East Coast Boutique Escape

The Plough at Scalby Review – an east coast escape near Scarborough, North Yorkshire
The Plough at Scalby Review – An East Coast Boutique Escape
Now I can’t think of a single person that doesn’t love a trip to the Yorkshire coast. The beautiful little villages around Whitby. A stroll on the beach at Filey. Or the breathtaking views around Scarborough perhaps?
But one thing that can put a lot of people off frequenting more often, is the lack of places to stay to make the day trip a nice long weekend or even week exploring one of the finest areas of this beautiful region. We know there’s an abundance of tired old BnB’s, dilapidated Victorian hotels, and scary looking guesthouses to put anyone off.
Well, we know just the place to settle down and rest those weary feet, whilst indulging in some of the area’s best local and seasonal produce. Situated on the north edge of Scarborough, in the pretty little village of Scalby, you’ll find The Plough. A stylish pub with rooms, that’s the perfect base to relax and indulge in their opulent surroundings.
To call The Plough a pub with rooms is selling it short at the very least. Owners Nick and Sandra Thomas left no stone unturned to completely renovate every inch of The Plough. Drafting in the multi-award-winning interior designer Rachel McLane to completely transform the building into a stylish country inn, with 8 luxurious ensuite bedrooms and a premium dining experience for both couples and bigger groups.
No expense has been spared to create a super luxurious feel with the bedrooms. From roll top baths, antique furniture, four-poster beds and flat-screen televisions together with real attention to detail that makes this a real home away from home.
Back downstairs is where the magic really happens. As the night draws in you can get an understanding of owner Nick Thomas’s background commanding some of the UK’s most highly respected stages across the country. There’s an impeccable level of detail when it comes to ambient lighting to create the perfect atmosphere for guests and locals alike. There’s plenty of cosy booths and tables to enjoy their array of perfectly selected wines and cocktails. We’ve come especially for the food though. The Plough’s Executive Head Chef Jon Smith and his team utilise the very best local and seasonal ingredients from land and sea to create a mouthwatering menu of gastro classics and homely dishes, all elevated with real style and sophistication from this highly experienced team. Pub grub this is not.
To get things started we chose a few Yorkshire tapas-style small plates. Potted local fresh crab served with kohlrabi and apple slaw together with feta, blood orange and red chicory salad were the perfect choices to get our tastebuds flowing. We probably didn’t need the huge steaming bowl of Shetland mussels with locally foraged wild garlic but we’re glad we ordered them. The creamy white wine broth was absolute heaven.
Onto mains and as the menu suggest – ‘big plates’ but no exception on quality. There’s a small but perfectly formed selection to suit everyone’s tastes, but what arrives at the table exceeds all expectations. Our plate of Yorkshire pork covered all bases of taste and textures with belly, fillet, black pudding and crackling all bound together in a decadent star anise gravy. Across the table, opting from the ever-changing specials board, more dedicated to the market fresh fish landed daily, or seasonal treats, a huge hunk of roasted hake fillet. Served with creamy mash, leeks and samphire together with a sauce of rich creamy white wine and steamed mussels. Comfort food at it’s finest. As ever Manager Mark Deeming was on hand with some excellent suggestions to pair with each dish. The standout of the evening had to be the light citrus tones of the white Rioja Blanco and the plummy fruit of the Chilean Merlot that went hand in hand with main course dishes.
Whatever you do make sure room for dessert is most definitely saved. The magic that Jon and the team create runs through the entire menu so those with a sweet tooth will most definitely not be disappointed.
Chocolate lovers are covered with the dark chocolate and raspberry tart and a healthy scoop of homemade raspberry ripple ice cream. However, the star of the show in terms of desserts had to be the pineapple upside down cake with vanilla ice cream and boozy rum raisins. Once again Mark was on hand with another fab choice when it came to dessert wines to complement the puds.
Back down bright and early to join the other guests downstairs either staying in the pub, the equally stunning cottages or dog-friendly apartment across the road, we were treated to another great selection of pastries, preserves and cereals. As ever the quality local produce is in abundance and the Yorkshire Breakfast set us up for our travels. With a full stomach and a heavy heart, it was time to check out. The Plough in Scalby ticks all the boxes of luxury, brilliant hospitality and stunning food, so this really is the perfect base to explore the beautiful Yorkshire coast and one we’ll be returning to for many moons to come.
Find out more about The Plough at Scalby
The Plough Inn, 21-23 High Street, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PT – 01723 362622
Things To Do Near – The Plough at Scalby, Scarborough
Scalby is situated approximately three miles north of Scarborough.
Walking in the North York Moors & Coast
Journey through a scenic National Park on an enchanted railway
Discover cycling, walking & more at Dalby Forest
Visit Yorkshire’s finest stately home, Castle Howard
Enjoy world-class entertainment at The Scarborough Open Air Theatre
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Written by
14/04/2019