TRADITIONAL, HISTORIC AND FAMILY FRIENDLY VILLAGE PUB IN APPLETON WITH EATON

You can find us in the heart of the parish of Appleton with Eaton in Oxfordshire, where the pub has stood since 1683. We are situated about 4 miles north west of Abingdon and 7 miles south west of Oxford.

Under the management of Colin and Alison since March 2013, the atmosphere in The Plough is pleasant and welcoming with the period charm of a village pub.

You are welcome to sit back and relax whilst enjoying fresh local food prepared on the premises, traditional real ales and a selection of fine wines.

On hazy summer days, locals and visitors alike join us in our large beer garden complete with children's play area; perfect for the whole family.

OUR HISTORY

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, THE HOBBIT AND THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Iconic authors, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were leading figures in the English faculty of Oxford University and also close friends. They frequented the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford and formed a literary group known as “The Inklings".

During the war, on the 7th January 1941, they travelled from Oxford to Appleton for an evening of merrymaking at The Plough Inn to celebrate Tolkien's 49th birthday which fell a few days earlier on the 3rd January.

Tolkien had received a pot of snuff as a present; he shared it with the locals in the pub that evening and was very well received. The two friends must have enjoyed themselves and struck up quite the rapport with the Appleton locals as Tolkien referenced The Plough in a letter he sent to his son, Michael Tolkien, just a few days later.

Michael was recovering in a hospital in Worcester from an injury as a result of an accident with an army vehicle during night training. He was with his gun-battery at the time, involved with the defence of aerodromes during the Battle of Britain.

The lovely letter he received can be found below and gives an enthralling account of everyday life in Oxfordshire at that time.

FACILITIES

We are a traditional country pub complete with two cosy bars and real open fires, perfect for a cold wintery evening.

Serving a full range of draught beers, cask ales, wines and soft drinks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Though we are a long-established inn, we have embraced modern technology and offer free Wi-Fi access to our patrons. We also screen major sporting events such as the Six Nations Rugby live.

There is plenty of space for parking outside and a lovely garden complete with children's play equipment which is perfect in the summer. You'll also find an Aunt Sally pitch in the garden which you can use to partake in the traditional throwing game.

We welcome families and are dog friendly too!

All major credit and debit cards are accepted.

We look forward to seeing you soon!