The Woodman — Restaurant in London

NEVER COME HERE AGAIN. Had a big birthday celebration booked in for the marquee out the back to be told the morning of my birthday party with 60 guests arriving that evening that the marquee was unavailable due to no heating or electrics something like that, so got told we can have the bar area instead and they would shut the whole pub off so it can be private but they didn't! Throughout the party we had randoms swan in and out it was not private at all, I suppose they didn't really want to do that as the locals would not of liked it! The atmosphere was so bad because there no room we was so squashed up, they didn't bother removing any tables away so no room to dance we couldn't hear any music playing and half way through the party the music was turned off. The food area was squashed in the corner, it would of been a bit more room on the other side of the pub, I suppose they didn't want to do that as there were other customers coming in and out.

I also ordered their food package and did not get enough food it was almost like they cut half of it out, we had some sandwiches, sausage rolls, spring rolls, quiche, cheese, crackers, satay, cues and carrot sticks, yorkies, we had no nuggets or roast potatoes or anything else there was definitely not enough to feed my guests! I had brought some of my own food, can't help but think that is probably why they cut half the food out, they said it was all okay to do that.. Also halfway through the party the kitchen staff decided to pack a doggy bag up for themselves to take home when half my guests hadn't even eaten yet! The food that was leftover (which wasn't a lot) some cheese and crackers really when I asked for some foil or a container to take it away the staff were very rude and said they did not have anything I said what about some cling film or something and she took the tray away in a can't be arsed manor and took it out the back. When it came to singing Happy Birthday to me no one came over because there wasn't any room in the corner! Half my guests left early because it wasn't a party vibe everyone just sat talking instead of which should of been get up and dance! We will never go here again as a family or pop in for a drink anymore! Something that was meant to be a big celebration and one to remember for a good reason, well it certainly will be remembered as a complete shambles!

I don't understand why the Marquee was not checked a few days before, knowing that there was going to be a big celebration, at least then we would of had a few days to reschedule the venue. There was no way the bar area would of been agreed as an option as it was way too small for the amount of guests and I think the management knew that if we had a phone call on the morning of the party it would be too late to go anywhere else... I think it is absolutely disgusting how we were treated and I really hope this disappointment never happens again. All they seemed to be interested in...

What a shame was really looking forward to coming back to the Woody. Well I won’t be returning. Visited today with my parents and although I am aware it’s only just changed management it shouldn’t be a reflection on the food and staff as that should be good to go straight away! Was expecting there to some steaks like advertised but very small menu, maybe being a Monday?! But should have been made clear on website/social media etc. Salt and ‘pepper’ squid was soggy and so so spicy it was nearly inedible and a near 5 pieces!!!! Shop brought homous and missing items that we’d asked for but still charged on bill (which was removed) but still no one came to ask if the food was ok and then they would have discovered the missing items. No high chairs but claim to be a family friendly pub. Seats are filthy and torn, need a good renovation and a spruce up. Had planned to go Thursday with a friend but we will look else where now....

A great local pub with friendly staff, good drinks and good food. There are regular BBQs in the large garden during the summer and other events going on. The quiz on Thursdays at 8:30 is what gets me in every week. If wanting a meal before the quiz it's essential to phone ahead and book as it can be very busy. The place is dog friendly as well and you'll often see a few well behaved canines accompany their owners for the quiz, but also means it's a good place to visit after a walk with your dogs in the nearby fields or High Elms for a drink or lunch on a...