The Plough Inn

Marlborough Road

Badbury

SN4 0EP

Tel: 01793 740342

Website: www.ploughbadbury.co.uk

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Perched proudly above junction 15 of the M4, it is cut into the hillside and has been something of a beacon for generations.

Built sometime after 1773 and certainly long before 1841, the Plough was once a traditional home-brew pub with a fairly large capacity for beer production. When the brewing equipment was sold in 1864 it included a copper of 120 gallons.

It features in Alfred Williams' book Villages of the White Horse and was once a centre for 'rustic sports' including back-swording, wrestling and prizefighting.

Arkell's bought the freehold in 1907, just a year after purchasing the nearby Bakers Arms at Badbury.

A major modernisation in 1960 and the addition of an extension in 1990 have not spoiled The Plough's appeal as a homely pub.

WHO GOES THERE?

Though officially in Badbury, The Plough could just as accurately be said to be part of Chiseldon.

As well as locals, it attracts a steady flow of visitors up the hill from Swindon and many drivers on the motorway have found it an ideal place to break their journey.

PRICES

3B £3.20, Wiltshire Gold £3.20, Stowford Press £3.40. A small glass of house wine is £3.25 and a large glass is £4.60. A bottle of house wine is £13.