Major investment to transform the Plough Inn in Hereford

Building work started this week on a major £400,000 transformation of the Plough Inn on Whitecross Road, Hereford by Heineken-owned Star Pubs.  The refurbishment will see the tired pub turned into a top-quality family-friendly local with a cider theme that caters for the whole community.  

The pub will reopen on 30^th May under new management as The Plough, and seven jobs will be created as a result of the investment enabling the pub to serve food all day, seven days a week. 

Funds are being spent on a reconfiguration and complete revamp of the interior creating a cider tap room look and feel.  The layout is being improved and a further 14 covers created.  The area will be divided into a staged drinking/seated bar area with machinist metal and wood stools; a lounge with wooden tables and leather covered seats - a nod to Hereford’s history of tanning; a second bar area with sharing tables and benches, ideal for groups; and a sports area with TV pool and electronic darts. Three additional new TVs will be installed in other areas of the pub.

Barrels will hang above the bar and dark ceilings and lighting will create an industrial vibe, a homage to Hereford’s industrial past. The bar walls will feature digital wallpaper and artwork displaying Hereford’s history and cider making links.

A large new kitchen is being built enabling the pub to serve an interesting and eclectic range of dishes, and the women’s toilets are being moved to the first floor. 

Outside, the pub is being given an upgrade, redecorated in shades of grey and white with new lighting, signage and planting.  The large rear garden will also be kitted out with new furniture.  The skittles alley is remaining.

Energy efficiency works will range from adding insulation and motion-sensor lighting to installing technology that will turn off drinks fridges when no movement is detected behind the bar and switch off cellar cooling equipment when the surrounding temperature is low enough.

The Plough’s menu will feature pub classics such as burgers, fish and chips and grilled steak, gammon and chicken.  A home comforts section will include dishes like Steak & Ale Pie, Hunter Chicken and Mac n Cheese.  There will be a choice of world favourites such as Singapore Noodles, Tacos and Chicken Tikka Masala for those wanting more exotic flavours.  Lighter bites, and small plates offering a mix and match tapas style way of eating, and weekday deals will also be offered as well as a range of kids’ dishes.

Dogs are not being forgotten either.  There will be a drinks station outside and dog treats.

Drinks at The Plough will include a selection of bottled and draught cider, cocktails, shots, bombs and pitchers of spirit-based drinks as well as premium beers, spirits and wine and zero alcohol and soft drinks options.

Originally from Shropshire, the new publican, Dean Tortolino, has a longstanding career in hospitality including most recently running a pub outside Worcester and in Hereford. In addition to a new pool table and darts, his plans for The Plough include showing live Sky and TNT sports, hosting live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday evening quiz.  He wants to host functions and intends to put on a small ale festival in the summer and a family day with bouncy castle.

Dean says: “I am looking forward to seeing The Plough restored to its former glory and creating a fantastic pub that Hereford residents can be proud of.   It will take going out in Hereford to a new level, which I think is exciting for the town.

“I have been made to feel really welcome since moving to Hereford and absolutely love it here.   Everyone seems happy.  I want to set up pools, darts and skittles teams so if you are interested please do get in touch.”

Bruce Wellman, Regional Operations Director of Star Pubs says: “With Heineken’s long association with Hereford and cider we wanted to invest significantly in creating an outstanding pub, a tribute to the town, its heritage and cider making.