The Plough Inn

Monday marks the beginning of the week and not a day you usually associate with going to gigs. But I was encouraged to leave the quiet safety of my sofa last night to venture out to a pub in Ealing for a Monday or music. And I was rather glad that I did.

Now The Plough in Ealing (some might call it Northfields – the nearest stations are South Ealing and Northfields) is a mighty fine pub. It’s one of those large, confident-looking buildings with a pointy roof and leaded windows. Inside is a delight – traditional dark wood tables and chairs, the occasional Chesterfield sofa and bench-seat-in-a-booth arrangements. There’s also plenty of standing space and an attractive high level bar affair with suspended lights above if you prefer to take a high stool. Fresh flowers and candles on the tables provide a soft, warm atmosphere.

When the weather permits, you can take advantage of the substantial fine beer garden – some of which is covered. And parents will be delighted to know that there is a children’s play area with an interesting climbing frame.

Anyway, my white wine was super-cold and my companion’s Fullers beer went down a treat.
There was a resident jazz band playing in a corner - an eclectic but relaxing range of tunes. And different folk got up to perform with them as the evening wore on. It would seem that a number of the people there last night are regulars for the music fixtures.

Anyway, I was much cheered up by a short set by three women called The Decibelles. And capturing the popularity of the Pitch Perfect movies, they performed three numbers a capello: “Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps”, “Leader of the Pack” and then an astonishing version of the Star Trek theme tune.

Then jazz vocalist Beth Reeves took to the stage accompanied by a sax and a trumpet player. It was mellow and accomplished and rather pleasant to listen to.

Then the Decibelles returned – this time making full use of the backing musicians – and belted out some great numbers including Sway (my personal favourite), the Shirley Bassey Classic “Big spender” and then Beth joined in again for “My baby just cares for me”.

It rather lifted my spirits.