Reviews
We’re humbled to share some of the kind words our patrons have to say about their experience with us here at The Plough, as well as some of our mentions and awards in the press and other media.
“I reviewed one of Yorkshire’s BEST Sunday Roasts…”
“That’s a phenomenal piece of beef. It’s good. An incredible roasty. Probably one of the best cauliflower cheeses I’ve had in a pub. A good Yorkshire pudding – the gravy is so rich. It’s delicious.”
TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026
“A cosy and welcoming dining pub in the heart of Ryedale. Seasonal dishes prepared from scratch served with interesting wines and superb local ales.”
The Yorkshire Post
The 12 Yorkshire pubs nominated for the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026
This year is John’s 22nd in the pub and bar industry, and reacting to the nomination, said: “I hope this shows we’re doing something right still!”
Gazette & Herald
North Yorkshire couple celebrate 21 years in business
“The Plough has been recognised by the Michelin guide and the top 100 Estrella gastropubs in the UK.”
Yorkshire Live
Quaint Yorkshire village 15th Century pub serving ‘the best roast dinner for miles around’
“The food is absolutely top notch. Cooked to order by the chef-patron. Sunday lunch is so popular you have to book in advance. There’s delicious meats in generous helpings with all the traditional accompaniments. And if you have room, there’s puddings too.”
Food Noise
25 June 2025
The Plough named best in North Yorkshire at 2025 National Pub & Bar Awards
“Yorkshire pubs took home more than their fair share of silverware (obviously), but The Plough’s win is extra special – not just because it’s local, but because it represents everything we love about a proper pub…”
MY PUB
17 June 2025
Within the small village of Wombleton in North Yorkshire is the welcoming sight of The Plough
“The pub is your quintessential English country pub, tucked away in a pretty village of Wombleton, three miles from the market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire.”
Sky News
12 June 2025
The award-winning restaurateur who doesn’t believe in charging for service
“Every Thursday, our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more.”
FOOD NOISE YORKSHIRE
6 June 2025
Five Reasons Why The Plough at Wombleton Should Be Your Next Food Adventure
“The Plough at Wombleton proves that the best culinary adventures often hide behind the most unassuming facades. “
Michelin
May 2025
UK’s Prettiest Village Pubs
“As you explore the stunning British countryside, find rest and refreshment at some of the UK’s prettiest village pubs – all approved by the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors.
You will find few more adorable village names than Wombleton. It’s a tiny little place, sandwiched between the beauty spots of the Howardian Hills and the North York Moors – and at its heart is The Plough.”
Michelin
February 2025
Top 10 Yorkshire Pubs
“Often referred to as “God’s own country”, the valleys, dales, moorlands and rugged coastal inlets of Yorkshire make for some stunning and memorable scenery.
And what better way to enjoy the area than with some traditional Yorkshire hospitality?”
FOOD NOISE YORKSHIRE
28 February 2025
A Plateful of Passion: Falling for The Plough at Wombleton
“The mains arrived like a declaration of love on a plate. Lucy and I succumbed to the Slow-roast rump of beef, perfectly pink and generously portioned.”
BBC Sounds
February 2025
The Yorkshire Kitchen
“Kat learns to use orzo as an alternative to risotto, poach cod & cook scallops perfectly”
(Our feature starts approximately 7 minutes 30 seconds in. Recording available until 8 March 2025.)
Michelin
January 2025
Mentioned in the 2025 guide
“Chef Richard offers hearty dishes that are classically and wholly enjoyable, like a generous pork chop cooked with evident skill.”
Food Noise
21 January 2025
“More gongs than your nan’s mantlepiece“
“A charming 16th-century Yorkshire inn has just strutted its way into the prestigious Michelin Guide, and we’re more excited than a Yorkshire pudding rising in a hot oven.”
Gazette & Herald
January 2025
“Wombleton’s The Plough earns listing in Michelin Guide“
“The Plough, in Wombleton, has earned a spot in the guide following a takeover by hospitality veterans Richard and Lindsey Johns in late 2023.”
York Press
January 2025
“…the best form of hospitality: quality, reasonably priced food made with the finest available ingredients.“
“Richard and Lindsey Johns, the husband-and-wife co-owners of The Plough Inn, Wombleton, have marked two decades of working together in the industry.”
Absolutely magazines
January 2025
“The food is lovingly prepared in a welcoming setting…“
“Absolutely ventured to Wombleton to sit down with Richard and Lindsey to look back over 20 years and why now, finally, was the time to take on The Plough.”
North York Moors
December 2024
“If you want a textbook crème brûlée, it’s here”
“The Plough at Wombleton might look like a regular pub, but this 15th-century village inn, four miles from Helmsley, is somewhere that goes way beyond expectations.”
On: Yorkshire Magazine
November 2024
“The best Sunday lunch we’ve had all year”
“I’m not surprised the dining room is full, or that every dish has been prepared so lovingly. Richard and Lindsey have a terrific business that delivers everything you could want from a perfect pub.”
The Good Food Guide
June 2024
“Top-drawer pub food with big, bold flavours and bags of generosity”
“Seasoned restaurateurs, they have retained a strong following from loyal diners – some of whom are happy to travel across Yorkshire to enjoy what one supporter called top-notch food.”
The Yorkshire Post
February 2024
“Dishes arrive seamlessly with just the right amount of time between”
“The creme stood well in the spoon yet melted in the mouth; the glaze shattered like glass, and the vanilla was precise; creme brulee at its best.”
Estrella Top Gastropubs
January 2024
“Taking classic dishes and giving them their own modern interpretation. “
“Award winning restaurateurs Richard and Lindsey Johns returned to the pub sector with the opening of The Plough in Wombleton in 2023.”
York Press
October 2023
“A new spin to classic dishes”
“Richard cooks alone in the kitchen, from preparing the starters, all the way to deserts. It’s hard work but delivers consistency. “
