Pubs are splitting opinions (Image: Agrobacter via Getty Images)
Visitors to pubs in idyllic seaside towns may be surprised to find a set of “prehistoric” rules waiting for them. Despite being a fascinating place for a popular coastal holiday, Plowin, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, divides his views into pub guns, from warnings to “avoiding like the plague” to TripAdvisor reviews praise the quiet and friendly atmosphere. Owned by Samuel Smith Brewery, Plow Inn implements strict national policies that include more than just “dog-free” rules. This North Yorkshire facility bans children inside and also bans phones, tablets and laptops unless supervised in the garden.
There is also a strict oath policy. Samuel Smith's website states, “It's the manager's job to build trade by creating a friendly and social atmosphere with conversations, pub games and consistent high standards.”
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The pub is located in the heart of Whitby (Image: by John Dawl via Getty Images)
The company is proud to maintain a peaceful environment. “We don't have music, television or fruit machines in the pub. We don't allow oaths and we can ignore any trouble.”
Their pubs close from 11pm Monday through Saturday and 10:30pm Sunday, where food is available and served from the branded menu, Yorkshire Live reports.
But what do pub customers think about the strict rules?
Many people have expressed their opinions on TripAdvisor, contributing to an overall 3/5 rating.
The strict rules introduce some negative reviews (Image: Dusanbartolovic via Getty Images)
One of them, Bob S, visited this March, said, “It's a lovely bar and bigger than you think only places you'll want a great pint even if you visit.
Another patron, Yorkshire Gold, visited in February and said, “There are plenty of warm, clean interior characters.
“The friendly staff didn't have jukeboxes or loud music. The mix of locals and tourists is a pub with a good value for Samuel Smith drinks. A fun pub from the high street.”
Jack D also praised his experience, enjoying “a lovely afternoon drink in the sunshine” and praised the pub's service. He said, “It's good to see you being so busy,” about the delicious hand-tug beer that is the pleasant atmosphere of a beer garden on a sunny Saturday.
But pubs aren't everyone's tea. Some people found the rules to be too uncomfortable to stay for multiple drinks.
Among them was a user who posted as Cptjtkirkk, who visited last October. They said: “I had just arrived in Whitby in need of beer, so when my peers called and checked the weather in the middle of the two rounds, walking off the street for two rounds, I said, “I've never seen a sign that my phone or laptop is a detox zone.”
“We found this very strange because he had just paid a round with a bank app on his phone. So we were embarrassed because the beer was good.”
Whitby's Plowing (Image: Whitby Guide)
Steve M., who visited in August, insisted that he would not return to Plow. He explained: “After a long drive to Whitby, we were looking for a quiet pub for some windy beer. Karaoke at 4pm in Whitby was not appealing, but it was the high of the holiday season and the town was thriving.
He added:
“There were other people in the bar, and there were three other individuals who were probably born all stupid.
Strict rules within the plough (Image: Whitby Guide)
“We will close all pubs Monday through Saturday through Saturday at 11pm and Sunday at 10:30pm. Where food is served, there is a branded menu.”
He said that while the barmaid managed to offer a “comfortable” pint, he “frowned, not a smile.” After the review, he stated:
“But my good woman can't live more than five minutes without an iPhone, so we're definitely not coming back.”
