About the Proprietor Brakspear's "BEER AND CELLAR PUB OF THE YEAR 2006" Mira Bateman has always had a passion for food and cooking along with a dream that one day she would own a “Country” Pub. On taking over The Plowden Arms in February 2005 this ambition was realised and since then Mira has dedicated herself to returning the pub back into the beautiful country pub it once was. The pub had unfortunately become run down over a number of years with several different proprietors trying to turn what is essentially a village pub into, amongst other things, a youngster’s music venue and the food offering had become neglected. As a result customers had left in droves vowing, so they have told us, never to return. However a huge investment, both inside and out, has seen the Pub transformed. Determined not to allow yet another beautiful building to become a trendy ‘Gastro’ pub, inside the premises have undergone a complete redecoration along with the replacement of many fixtures and fittings so that the ‘Traditional Country’ feel has returned. But it is perhaps outside, in the large garden, where the real transformation has taken place. The profusion of colour and scent from the plants and shrubs overwhelm the senses providing an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a quiet drink or a meal with friends. Indeed, it is the glorious hanging baskets, tubs and flower beds which were responsible the early days for bringing a lot of the customers back. Delicious food from the totally refurbished kitchen ensures that they keep coming back. As a result of this hard work combined with her team of friendly staff and talented chefs the pub has a growing reputation for 'consistently' serving outstanding freshly cooked food, high quality ales and great wines within a clean, relaxing informal atmosphere. She has been so successful that her efforts were recognised in early 2006 with an award as Brakspear's 'NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2005' as well as being nominated in the 'OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2005' category.