Harvest suppers from pub to plough

A Warwickshire village pub is hoping to make hay while the sun shines this harvest time buy offering special ploughman’s suppers to busy farm workers.

The award-winning Peacock in the picturesque village of Oxhill is a regular watering hole for farmers and agricultural workers around the area.

But when harvest time comes many of them are too busy to eat – never mind drink- and that’s where the Peacock’s Ploughman’s Suppers come in.

A phone call to The Peacock will not only see a meal made to order but it will also be delivered from pub to plough as soon as possible.

Peacock owners Yvonne Hamlett and Pam Farrell hit on the idea when one of their customers said he was sick of eating sandwiches because harvesting was preventing him from getting home for a “proper meal.”

“So we thought if it’s a proper meal they want then that’s what we’ll give them and so Ploughman’s Suppers were born,” said Pam.

“They just give us a call, tell us what they want and we cook it and deliver it right to their tractor.

“Favourites have included cheesy leek-topped Shepherd’s Pie, chicken in peppercorn sauce, curry, and steak and kidney pie. They usually want something good and filling – well-cooked, substantial nosh to keep them going,” explains Yvonne.

“Farmers work really hard and at this time of year they are putting even more hours in than normal so it’s only fair we keep them well fed. They are always pleased to see us when we arrive and a drive into the country is a great way to take a break from working in the hot kitchen.”