Taste Test
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The pub with all the great gourmet grub
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| Woodmans Arms |
WHEN the Woodmans Arms reopened last year after a refurbishment which saw it transformed from a standard boozer into a gastro-pub, it made the local news.
Gone was the pool table and dartboard-style local pub. In its place came a no-smoking establishment which has already won itself a Michelin star.
The place was buzzing on a lively Friday evening and the small pub bar area which remains was filled with people clearly enjoying themselves.
Somewhere in the background I sensed music playing, but it was pleasantly lost beneath the general hubbub of conversation.
We took our seats at a table which was perhaps a little hemmed in.
The space would have been all right for a table for two, but they had somehow managed to squeeze in an extra table. The decor, however, was clean and pleasant.
We passed on starters and went straight for the main courses. Jo's seabass fell away at the touch of her fork and was perfectly complemented with spicy fishcake and chive cream.
Likewise, my seared swordfish was tender to the touch.
Again, the accompanying mango and red onion salsa, together with a bed of salad and cherry tomatoes, was spot on.
The overall impression was a riot of flavour with every mouthful, as both fish were cooked absolutely to perfection.
Desserts, while good, seemed a little more perfunctory.
Jo's waffle didn't appear to be freshly cooked, but the ice cream and toffee sauce made up for that.
My strawberry and coconut tart with berry compote was the classic sweet/tart combination.
Overall, it's difficult to think of a restaurant in the area that comes up to the standards here. It's towards the high end price-wise, but perfect for a really special treat.
What we had:
Bass with spicy fishcake and chive cream £15.95
Seared swordfish on mango and red onion salsa £17.95
Veg (carrots, broccoli, swede, mange tout, cauliflower) withmain courses
Belgian waffle with toffee sauce and ice cream £5.25
Strawberry and coconut tart with berry compote £5.25
Garlic bread side £2.95
Total for two £47.35
Our verdict out of five:
Service ****
Decor ****
Atmosphere ****
Food ****
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CommentPosted by: Laura Bessant, Leigh on Sea on 4:11pm Tue 17 Apr 07
My husband and I have eaten here twice and both times had fabulous meals. The service is good and the food even better - I like the fact they serve decent wine by the glass though the table for two by the front window gets a bit chilly![bold]bold[/bold]
My husband and I have eaten here twice and both times had fabulous meals. The service is good and the food even better - I like the fact they serve decent wine by the glass though the table for two by the front window gets a bit chilly!
Posted by: A.P.R, benfleet on 3:17pm Tue 26 Jun 07
We’ve been to the Woodmans twice, in the last year or so. It’s handy for us, as living close by it’s only a 10 minute walk.
It is a little pricey, and I’m not really a fan of food being presented as “art”. Saying that, the quality of the food is excellent, and served by friendly staff. On my first visit I had Sea Bass, which is what my wife ate on our second visit. It tasted beautiful, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
This time I had the Fillet Steak. Again a lovely piece of steak, nicely cooked. It came with sweet potatoes, which although very nice, I found a touch too sweet as a compliment to the steak. That’s only a minor quibble though.
My wife couldn’t manage a sweet, but helped me with my mixed sorbet.
Other minor quibble, the wine wasn’t chilled, and the wine list was a touch limited.
I would certainly recommend the Woodmans Arms.
Price:-
Soup – Pate
Fillet Steak – Sea Bass
Mixed Sorbet
Bottle of Rose
Total £63-10p
We’ve been to the Woodmans twice, in the last year or so. It’s handy for us, as living close by it’s only a 10 minute walk.
It is a little pricey, and I’m not really a fan of food being presented as “art”. Saying that, the quality of the food is excellent, and served by friendly staff. On my first visit I had Sea Bass, which is what my wife ate on our second visit. It tasted beautiful, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
This time I had the Fillet Steak. Again a lovely piece of steak, nicely cooked. It came with sweet potatoes, which although very nice, I found a touch too sweet as a compliment to the steak. That’s only a minor quibble though.
My wife couldn’t manage a sweet, but helped me with my mixed sorbet.
Other minor quibble, the wine wasn’t chilled, and the wine list was a touch limited.
I would certainly recommend the Woodmans Arms.
Price:-
Soup – Pate
Fillet Steak – Sea Bass
Mixed Sorbet
Bottle of Rose
Total £63-10p
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