The Woodford — Restaurant in Cork

If you’re planning on booking for a group or a big bill, you might be better taken care of elsewhere.

I’ve been to the Woodford many times before and have never had a bad experience with it before. For this reason, I’m still a little appalled over the service this past weekend. As a member of the service industry myself, I have the utmost patience for the chaos that can ensue in a busy restaurant and appreciate the efforts of hard working staff, but that’s also no excuse to treat people the way we were treated. I made a booking for the Woodford months in advance of my college graduation because I wanted to impress my visiting family during their time in Cork. Upon arrival I was denied the specific table I was promised with the most curt and impatient attitude I’ve ever experienced in my life. We said it was really no hassle, the whole place is cosy anyway. My dad pointed out that it would’ve been nice to be notified of the change regardless (and he’s right, that is good business) and the manager proceeded to speak to me and my parents — three grown adults — like we were children. It was surreal, we kept assuring her that it was really no hassle and she kept talking over us and lecturing us for five minutes with such condescension that I felt like leaving altogether might be the better option if we were really such a burden to them.

Later the staff realized that they had seated us in an area next to a tonne of music equipment that they forgot to move before we arrived. They proceeded to carry heavy amps and equipment LITERALLY over our heads as we sat, without ever giving us the chance to move out of the way. Yer man was shaking from the weight of the speakers as he carried it over my horrified face. And after being spoken to so rudely before, we were afraid to even say “is this some sort of joke?” for fear of being spoken to like we were the problem. And, shocker, no apology.

The only reason I’m giving any stars for service is because our server Justine was an absolute angel. She must have seen our stress as it was evident that she made an immense effort to make up for the shocking lack of care we were otherwise met with. Give that girl a raise!!!! She was amazing!!! The manager on the other...

The Woodford is a great place to go to. You have lovely interiors, and plenty of space. Go as a group, a couple, or even by yourself. You want food, they've got great food, morning, lunch and dinner. Good prices, great tastes. I've seen families bring their kids here as well, and have a great time. If you want to just go for a few drinks you can do that too. A cozy spot by the fireplace, or even outside, under nice proper heaters for all you smokers. The staff working there are the best, friendly, hard working, always happy to help out. The Woodford has everything to be honest for everyone. There are large tables for groups of people or families and small cozy tables as well for the couples or singles. You want a romantic spot for just drinks or a lovely dinner? Go to the Woodford. You want a comfy spot to go to chill, and catch up with your mates? Go to the Woodford. You want to organize a family dinner? Go to the Woodford. You're by yourself, want to de-compress from a busy day at work, and grab yourself a relaxing glass of wine? Or grab a quick lunch during the day? Go to the Woodford.

That's all I can say really. If anyone asks, "shall we try the Woodford?" I'll always say yes. The place...

Nice food, good service. Unfortunately, our booking was spoiled as, while enjoying our meal, a large rowdy party was seated next to us, standing on top of us. There was not enough seats for them and they were standing over our table, making us uncomfortable. We would have stayed another hour or two for more drinks but our reserved space was completely overtaken. We feel the staff could have allocated this rowdy group elsewhere in the restaurant or at least offered an apology to us but this was not done. Would come again but would prefer a dedicated table that wouldn't be invaded by others. Staff should be conscious of sitting people who are just there to drink next to people who are there to enjoy a meal. What started as a lovely evening led to us just...