The Plough

Pub and restaurant in Great Bentley, Colchester

The Plough is a village pub and restaurant located next to Great Bentley green, in Colchester (Essex). It presents itself as a modern venue with a traditional touch and offers a wide selection of beers, ciders, wines and spirits, as well as pub cuisine. The establishment is part of Dee's Group, which acquired it on 30 November 2018.

History and evolution of the venue

The building was constructed in the 14th century and has been at the heart of Great Bentley ever since, on the edge of what the website describes as the largest village green in England. It opened as a pub in 1825, by Edmund Almond, and has had numerous owners and tenants over the years. The website itself notes that 2025 marks 200 years since it opened as a pub.

After the arrival of Dee's Group in 2018, the venue underwent a major refurbishment and, according to its account, has grown every year since then with million-pound investments. In January 2022, a second, smaller-scale refurbishment was undertaken to renovate the pub: wallpaper was replaced, walls, beams and doors were painted green, seating was reupholstered and the pool table, darts and gaming machine were removed to create a new dining area. In September 2022, work began on the garden, including a fountain, and the construction of a new covered extension with decking, patio and slate, which transformed the old patio into a covered area.

Food and drink offering

The pub's menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The website shows various menus: main, buffet, Italian, Christmas, drinks, breakfast, Sunday, bar bites, New Year's Eve, Friday set, Mediterranean, light lunches and sandwiches, and festive. It also advertises meal deals, burgers and pizzas, and a takeaway service.

Among the dishes and products mentioned in the material are Sunday roast, lamb shank, chicken, pork belly, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, waffles, garlic prawns with toasted bread, fish and chips, ham, egg and chips, pies and homemade pepperoni pizza. The drinks offering includes beers, ciders, wines and spirits, and the website highlights the presence of Heineken Silver on draught.

Events and atmosphere

The pub hosts monthly live music events, quiz nights and regular karaoke sessions. It also caters for celebrations of all kinds, such as wakes, christenings, birthdays, weddings and engagements, with a wide range of buffet food. The website also mentions a bikers' meet-up and carnival activities. The venue describes itself as dog friendly.

Awards

The website displays the best pub in Essex badge at the Essex Eats Awards 2024 and 2025, an accolade that the establishment itself showcases on its page.

Location and contact

Plough Rd, Great Bentley, Colchester CO7 8LA · Phone: 01206 250563 · Email: plough@deesgroup.co.uk