The Woodspeen

"The slick welcome and the light and airy and well-ordered dining room made an immediate impression, as did the decent choice of wines by the glass. We did find it slightly unusual for a restaurant so highly rated not to have a tasting menu, but as we were there just for lunch we supposed, rightly, that the à la carte portions would be large enough to satisfy us. Indeed, we were impressed not just by the generosity of the roast local roe deer main course but also the perfection of its cooking, the exemplary tenderness of the meat and its wonderful taste being beautifully supported by super spinach, pickled trompette mushroom, aromatic potato purée and fig compôte, basically a traditional dish but given a modern makeover. This had been preceded by lovely scalllops with a basil powder sprinkle, an inventively rich chicken pressé, crunchy chicken skin and a palate-tickling chorizo hollandaise. We were tempted by more than one of the desserts, but in the end spoilt ourselves with the indulgent “Raspberry Rocky Road”, a mouthwatering hot chocolate fondant texturally contrasted with Italian meringue honeycomb, and, to complete the treat, really raspberry sorbet. The whole experience easily convinced us that a return visit would be on the cards very soon."

"Magic. The service is wonderfully friendly AND informed on detail about the very interesting menu. The mid week lunch and children's menus are real real bargains. the wine list 5*"

"The food at The Woodspeen is generally excellent, however the Sunday lunch isn’t anything to write home about. The fish here is generally fantastic and the puddings are always delicious. The service unfortunately is a bit hit or miss, depending on how busy the restaurant is (the busier it is, the worse the service)."

"Still got it: exquisite food, well balanced, beautifully presented in modern rural surroundings "

"Thoughtfully designed former pub with airy room open on to a large terrace. The cooking is very good with original yet reassuring dishes. The service is professional and efficient. It's a shame they spoil the relaxed atmosphere with loud piped music - entirely unnecessary, particularly as the there always plenty of people there in my experience."

"Lovely experience but..... Decided to a road trip and achieve my 66th Michelin star as a bonus. Arrived at the restaurant a little early but that was fine. Was taken to my table in the old building with an ultra modern interior. Chose from the a la Carte menu. Started with a chicken and duck liver ballotine interesting presentation and flavours, if a tad dry. Main was a delicious venison And I added some triple cooked delicious chips. Dessert was the best creme brûlée I’ve had in a long while. Staff were very nice and helpful but they clearly decided for the best of my health that my tap water would be better room temperature...not nice When I had finished the main I clearly looked full as it was a long long time before they took my dessert order and delivered it, though it was worth the wait! Not the greatest meal I have eaten but good Michelin food, just a few tweaks needed to make it perfect."