Bowleys at the Plough

4.8

205 Reviews

£41 and over

British

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2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

The Plough isn't your average countryside pub. Sitting on a quiet lane in a quintessentially English village, The Plough was set to be sold off the developers when 120 members of the community came together to invest, and save, their local. After its purchase and renovation, the Yates family took over the kitchen and opened the pub's small, but proud, restaurant, Bowleys.

Head Chef Alex Yates is still very early on in his career but though only in his early twenties, he has already spent two years in the kitchens at The Goring Hotel in London, as well as having gained experience with Rick Stein and even once cooking for the Queen.

Bowleys menus have a traditional feel and adhere to classic, English fare with a fine dining twist. There are several options to choose between including a tasting menu, set lunch, a la carte, brunch and Sunday lunch. The tasting menu is the jewel in Bowleys crown and consists of five courses, with an optional sixth.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
British
Hours of operation
Bar Tue–Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Brunch Wed, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:45 pm Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
01732 822233
Website
https://www.theploughkent.com/
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Alex Yates
Catering
We offer a range of dining options to suit any occasion, from an intimate tasting menu celebration in our Dining Room to canapés and champagne with your bespoke menu. <br /><br />For a day created around your style and your guests, we have it covered. Please contact Bowleys@theploughkent.com or call 01732 822233 to discuss your event requirements.
Private party facilities
We are delighted to be offering private events and dining, celebrations and wedding breakfasts at Bowley’s at The Plough. Hospitality has been in our family for generations and the art of hosting the perfect party, blending wonderful food, wine, atmosphere and, most importantly, service, is something we excel at.

Location
Taylors Ln, West Malling, Kent ME19
Neighborhood
West Malling
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wine

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Experiences

À la Carte
Multiple dates available
Enjoy a À la Carte Menu, composed by Chef Alex Yates. Vegan option included. Available for Wednesday to Sunday Lunch or dinner.
8 Course Kentish Tasting Menu
£90.00 per person
Multiple dates available
8 Course Kentish Tasting Menu: Immerse yourself in the flavors of Kent with a specially curated selection of dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients.
12 Course - British Isles Tasting Menu
£135.00 per person
Multiple dates available
12 Course British Isles Tasting Menu: The best of what Britain has to offer, from all parts of the country. We work closely with farmers, fishermen and growers, as well as going out foraging ourselves, to get the best seasonal produce.

What 205 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Kent
British

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bowleys at the Plough offers an exceptional dining experience in a charming setting. Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," with standout dishes like the 12-course tasting menu. The staff are "attentive, professional, and friendly," ensuring a memorable visit. Though parking is limited, the culinary delights more than compensate.

206 Reviews

S
Stephen
Kent
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
super friendly service amazing food had a anniversay card waiting for us on our table a really nice touch. Great place to impress your posh friends if you have any ! the effort that goes into the food stands out, will defiantly be returning.
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M
Martin
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Stunning flavours, beautiful presentation, lovely atmosphere.
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P
Paul
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lovely place. So welcoming and lovely service. We had a 3 course lunch with coffee. Also some lovely local Kent wines. All was best dining experience ive had in a long time.
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E
Elise
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful 8 course tasting lunch. The staff explained what everything was and were attentive without being too much. The atmosphere was very chilled and relaxed and perfect for a Friday lunch time. Thank you for the beautiful food and I hope there is a Michelin star coming your way soon!
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K
Katharine
Kent
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
My visit was on a weekday lunchtime, when the restaurant was half full. I had to ask for the music to be turned down as it was difficult to hear my companion or the waiting staff. The staff were attentive, but the restaurant would benefit from someone with a more outgoing personality to greet diners and lift the ambience of the place. The food was very good in both presentation and flavours.
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J
John
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food and excellent service not rushed 4th visit.
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B
Becky
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another excellent meal with great attention to detail, happy to adapt to special requests, generous extras that make all the difference and delicious food. Highly recommend!
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H
Helen
Kent
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first visit to Bowleys. Service outstanding from the team especially as one of our party has dietary issue they were very attentive . Food was excellent and pace of service just right. Only slight issue parking is a bit limited. However we will be returning for more excellent food.
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MM
MichelleM
Kent
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our second visit to Bowley's at the Plough and it will not be the last Give it a go you wont be disappointed
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A
Alexander
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service, but sadly rather mediocre food, ambitious menu yet just not great. Expensive really for what is was.
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FAQs

Bowleys at the Plough is rated 4.8 stars by 205 OpenTable diners.

Bowleys at the Plough does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.