Traditional Ploughman's Lunch: Britain's Ultimate No-Cook Meal

If there's one meal that captures a lazy British afternoon, it's a Ploughman's Lunch.

Found in pubs, cafés, village tearooms and picnic baskets across Britain, a traditional Ploughman's is wonderfully simple. There's no cooking involved, just a table full of good-quality British favourites that work perfectly together.

Whether you're enjoying lunch in the garden, putting together a grazing board, or looking for an easy summer meal, a proper Ploughman's is hard to beat.

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What Is A Ploughman's Lunch?

A Ploughman's Lunch is a traditional cold British meal built around cheese, bread, pickles and simple accompaniments.

While every pub serves its own version, most include a combination of:

• Mature Cheddar cheese
• Crusty bread or a fresh baguette
• Branston Pickle
• Pickled onions
• Pork pie
• Ham or other cured meats
• Fresh salad
• Apple or grapes

It's simple, filling, and perfect for sharing.

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The History Of The Ploughman's Lunch

Although bread, cheese and onions have been eaten by agricultural workers for centuries, the Ploughman's Lunch as we know it today became popular during the 1950s and 1960s.

It was promoted by the Milk Marketing Board as a way of encouraging pubs to serve more British cheese alongside bread and pickles.

Today, it's become one of Britain's best-loved pub lunches and remains a summer favourite across the UK.

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Traditional Ploughman's Lunch Recipe

Ingredients

• 225g (8oz) mature Cheddar cheese
• 1 Parker's Ploughman's Pork Pie (1lb), cut into wedges
• 4 tbsp Branston Pickle
• 8-10 pickled onions
• Crusty bread or a fresh baguette
• Sliced ham or other cured meats (optional)
• Butter
• Apple, sliced
• A handful of grapes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Lettuce or mixed salad leaves

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Method

There isn't one!

Arrange everything on a large wooden board or serving platter.

Slice the pork pie into generous wedges, cut the cheese into chunks, and place the Branston Pickle and pickled onions into small bowls.

Add the bread, butter, fresh fruit, salad and any cured meats before serving.

That's it. A proper British Ploughman's Lunch is all about good ingredients and plenty of choice.

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What To Drink With A Ploughman's Lunch

A Ploughman's pairs beautifully with:

• A pint of traditional British ale or Shandy
• English cider
• A crisp white wine
• Sparkling lemonade
• A proper mug of British Tea

Whatever you choose, keep it simple.

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Build Your Ploughman's With Parker's

At Parker's Great British Institution, we've got everything you need to create an authentic

Ploughman's Lunch in America.

Our 1lb Yorkshire Pork Pie is made using traditional hot water crust pastry and seasoned British pork, making it the perfect centrepiece for your grazing board.

Add some Branston Pickle, proper British cheese, pickled onions and fresh crusty bread, and you've got a classic British lunch without turning the oven on.

Shop our Ploughman's Pork Pie:
https://parkersgbi.com/products/classic-yorkshire-pork-pie-1-lb

Shop Branston Pickle:
https://parkersgbi.com/products/branston-small-chunk-pickle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is traditionally served in a Ploughman's Lunch?

A traditional Ploughman's Lunch usually includes mature Cheddar cheese, crusty bread, Branston Pickle, pickled onions, pork pie, fresh salad and fruit such as apples or grapes.

Why is it called a Ploughman's Lunch?

The name comes from the simple meals historically eaten by farm workers, although the modern Ploughman's Lunch became popular in British pubs during the 1950s.

Can you make a Ploughman's Lunch without cooking?

Yes. A traditional Ploughman's Lunch requires no cooking at all. Simply arrange the ingredients on a board and serve.

Where can I buy a traditional Ploughman's Pork Pie in America?

Parker's Great British Institution makes authentic British Ploughman's Pork Pies in Buffalo, New York, and ships them nationwide across the United States.