The guys at The Plough Harborne have recently taken over a kitchen residency at The Hare & Hounds in King’s Heath and I was invited along to try it out.
As I enjoyed a drink at the gorgeous Victorian bar, Adam from The Plough appeared and we had a nice catch up. Such a top guy and his collaboration with Adam Regan (Hare & Hounds) makes perfect sense in this legendary music venue and pub.
First thing I noticed were the beautifully designed large posters advertising the menu and music, It reminded me of a cool music venue I once visited in St Kilda, Australia. The atmosphere was calm with friendly staff who seemed genuinely keen to help – plenty of happy faces.
I’ve always rated The Plough’s food highly so I was keen to see what they had in store for The Hare.
This really is a beautiful collaboration between two legendary local institutions and I cannot see how this will not work? The best music promoters with This Is Tmrw and Leftfoot upstairs, and the best pub grub from The Plough kitchen downstairs. Not to mention the pub itself.
Taking a seat, I noticed Adam (Plough) sat in the corner working, attending to tables, and making sure everyone was being looked after. There was something humbling about watching Adam carefully placing logs on a real fire, he was definitely in his element and one of the hardest working guys in the industry, in fact, that can be said for both Adams (of The Plough and The Hare).
Nice chilled soulful disco tunes soothed my ears as the restaurant started to fill up with a diverse mix of people, from young families to couples and all seemed to be enjoying their experience.
My order was taken and I was given a buzzer, which didn’t take long to go off. You then have to collect from the hatch by the entrance. There were no paper towels but staff quickly obliged and I really did need them as a lot of the menu is sticky finger time. On a personal note, I prefer table service to buzzers but I do understand why they are used in certain locations.
I went for BBQ Chicken Wings with spring onions and Paprika Spiced Chicken Cuban Sandwich with emmental cheese, gotcha ketchup & mustard.
First bite into the Cuban provided an instant explosion of taste, same quality that you would hope from The Plough. It had a slight kick, with lingering taste that cuts through three pints of beer, ha! You could taste all the little relishes and I could have eaten a second portion easily.
The chicken wings were sublimely succulent with a rich coating, I’d say on par with what you’d find at Bone Head. Paper towels definitely needed.
I also liked the look of the Bangers & Mash and there’s a fab burger selection too. It did feel like The Plough had landed in Kings Heath and that is a great thing! The Plough transformed Harborne in my opinion, it encouraged other quality food independents to take the plunge in opening on the high street, and whilst some may say The Plough is expensive, I say, take a look at the high prices these days of big pub chains such as Harvester and Toby Carvery then compare the quality of food.
This really is a beautiful collaboration between two legendary local institutions and I cannot see how this will not work? The best music promoters with This Is Tmrw and Leftfoot upstairs, and the best pub grub from The Plough kitchen downstairs. Not to mention the pub itself.
For me, personally, having always had to come in from Bromsgrove or Worcester, The Hare & Hounds has felt slightly more challenging to get to and from unless I drive. However, many will be pleased to know there’s a new train station and line which will hopefully be open later this year, running a regular service between Kings Norton, Stirchley, Kings Heath, Moseley and city centre.. which really will make a big difference for people such as myself.
So, what more to say other than, go check out The Plough menu at The Hare & Hounds soon! The two were always made to go together surely?! It just works.
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine