If there is one pub that epitomises the durability of Arkell's pubs, then the Plough is it.
Step inside and the contemporary decor fits in beautifully with the historical nature of the building and bar space - or outside on the terrace. Add a refreshing & varied selection on the drinks front incl. gins and cocktails and you have a pub that knows exactly what today's modern customer wants.
- Cask Marque
- Outside terrace
- Cocktails menu
- Wide selection of gins
- Quiz night every Tuesday
- Live music every Saturday
A little bit of history....
The building came into being just as Queen Victoria was ascending the throne and it was to see the railway both come and go and today is still going strong as Old Town's cosiest pub and something of a refuge from its noisy and sometimes boisterous neighbours - "a veritable oasis among trendier bars" according to a recent CAMRA pub guide.
The earliest deeds to the property are dated 1838, but at first it was a cottage. By 1866 it was offered for sale as "Parlor, taproom, scullery and 6 bedrooms," and the following year Arkell's spotted its potential as a pub and duly bought it.
It enjoyed a quiet 14 years before the arrival of the Swindon, Marlborough and Andover Railway (shortly to become the Midland and South Western Junction Railway), which was planned to pass through Old Town on its way to connecting Southampton with Cheltenham. Arkell's were persuaded to sell part of the garden to make way for the lines and an adjoining cottage was part of the deal.
The Plough found itself almost next door to Swindon Town station, to where passenger trains were to trundle for the next 80 years. When the last freight train finally departed in 1971, the station - now lost under light industrial units - was closed and the Plough now looks down on a cycle track on the bed of the old railway. Still sporting its mock-Tudor panelling and leaded windows, The Plough seems oblivious and even indifferent to all these changes.
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Amazing place to dine in, cosy and live music. I did Balloon Deco for 50th birthday party. Lovely ladies 🥰 Business Name: Decoration and Balloon Hire, Swindon
Fabulous pub with a great atmosphere. Great selection of beers and ciders, wines and spirits. Staff are very friendly and ever so helpful. The live music nights, karaoke and quiz nights bring enjoyment to so many. Highly recommend a visit, you'll want to return.
Did the weekly quiz was made to feel welcome and included loved our time here
Absolutely brilliant pub, this week Tracy supported our family by opening the pub for a wake. She was so accommodating, couldn't do enough for us, kept in contact with me for the arrangements to ensure everything went just as we wanted. I cannot thank them enough, the hospitality was brilliant, Its just a fantastic location for this type of event. Highly Recommended !!
Despite a negative review this pub is my cheers bar. Both Tracy and Lucy have made this pub a place that a lone female can come and have a drink. Both these ladies run a pub the way it should be and make all welcome. They also host a fab quiz night!
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Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1