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Bowleys at the Plough, West Malling, Kent

Bowleys at the Plough

4.8 (236)
£41 and over
British
Taylors Ln, West Malling, Kent ME19

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood 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 11:00–23:00 Sun 12:00–17:00 Brunch Wed, Sat 11:00–12:00 Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–14:45 Sun 12:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 18:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • 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.
  • Area
    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
Gift card

Gift card

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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.
    12 Course - British Isles Tasting Menu photo

What 236 people are saying

Bowleys at the Plough reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Kent

    Best Overall

  • Kent

    Best Food

  • Kent

    Best Service

  • Kent

    British

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bowleys at the Plough is a delightful gem offering a "wonderful food and great service" experience. Known for its "amazing British tasting menu," the restaurant impresses with "beautifully presented" dishes and "super friendly service." The atmosphere is "lovely," and the staff are attentive and knowledgeable, making it a perfect spot for special occasions.

236 Reviews
  1. David VIP

    London6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and great service a lovely little Gem of a restaurant

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  2. Judith

    Kent22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous dining experience today, the service food was just outstanding! Would highly recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Julie

    London15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just want to say thanks to the staff and especially for the touch of leaving a Birthday card for my partner at the table when we arrived. The food was fantastic and the service really good and not intrusive. A perfect balance. Everything was explained for each dish and the touch that came with the bread selection of fresh garden leaves was lovely. My partner was bowled over with the meal and we can't wait to go back to sample the tasting menu.

    Is this helpful?

  4. james

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 3 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An amazing lunch experience, awesome food served by polite, attentive staff. We will be recommending to all and most definitely returning 🙏

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jane

    London7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very special food, prepared and delivered with love. My rhubarb spritz was very memorable too, I highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  6. David VIP

    London6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 27 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    “Yet again, we had an amazing experience. The food was excellent, the service outstanding, and the wine very good. Alex and his team, though young, are creating dishes that many more experienced chefs would be proud to present.”

    Is this helpful?

  7. Andy

    Kent2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 26 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best meal of 2025 with outstanding service and quality of food with personal service - highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  8. Liza VIP

    London25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 19 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food - had the 12 course tasting menu so we got to try a bit of everything and wasn’t disappointed! The crab was my favourite but enjoyed everything- staff very knowledgeable and attentive - will definitely be back to eat and drink at this lovely pub/reasturant

    Is this helpful?

  9. Paul

    Kent2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for an anniversary meal at Bowley’s ,after being recommended by a friend . The service and food more than lived up to our expectations. We will have no reservations in recommending Bowleys to our friends and family and look forward to to returning soon .

    Is this helpful?

  10. Mike

    Brighton3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 17 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely setting. Nice welcome, friendly and polite service, dishes clearly explained and served in good tone.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Bowleys at the Plough is rated 4.8 stars by 236 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.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Kent
  4. West Malling
  5. West Malling

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Bowleys at the Plough

Taylors Ln, West Malling, Kent ME19

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Area
    West Malling
  • Hours of Operation
    Bar Tue–Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun 12:00–17:00 Brunch Wed, Sat 11:00–12:00 Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–14:45 Sun 12:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 18:00–21:00
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Alex Yates
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wine
  • Phone number
  • 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.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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