Neil Littman visits a newly refurbished and reopened The Woodman

Few places have received as much local fanfare as the newly-reopened The Woodman Pub in Southgate.

I visited The Woodman several years ago when it was serving real ales and ‘pub grub’. Its popularity was evident, but like many long-established places in that sector, the pandemic hit them hard, and it closed and reopened a couple of times.

The pub then sat empty for a couple of years and began to look very neglected. I was concerned it might have been intended for redevelopment or worse, demolition. Fortunately, it reopened in February this year, reflecting the great deal of effort that has gone into making this potentially one of the best new places to eat and drink in Enfield.

In a good location on Bourne Hill near Grovelands Park, The Woodman a historic pub first established in 1868, created from two 18^th Century cottages, and was reputed to have one of England’s smallest bars. Originally a quiet rural spot, it was licensed by a retired police officer, Henry Wale.

The extremely small, intimate front bar has now been moved to the back of the pub, but the building still retains its low-beamed rooms and an intimate, cosy atmosphere reminiscent of its cottage origins. Since 2024, The Woodman been owned by Heartwood Inns, part of a group which includes the Brasserie Blanc chain. The company’s investment offers a contrast between original features and modern dining, with an elegant and stylish eating area.

My first visit to the reopened pub was on a Monday evening in February with two friends. First impressions were very good, and it was surprisingly busy during what is a normally quiet time of the year. A lot of thought has gone into the menu – this place takes food seriously and has some surprises. There is an intention to make customers return and build a good reputation.

Our starters included mushroom tartine with poached egg and truffle oil, an outstanding twice-baked cheese soufflé with a cheddar sauce (a classic dish that showed off the skills in the kitchen) plus crab bites. For mains, we ordered roasted pheasant with pumpkin and girolles, rainbow trout and a chicken leek pie with mash potato. There was even a side of creamed spinach, which we probably didn’t need!

The mustard sauce with the chicken pie was a bit overpowering and the dauphinoise potatoes advertised with the pheasant turned out to be layered confit potatoes – but were a pleasant surprise. That aside, it was great tasting food and well-presented and priced.

After seeing the wine list, we decided to try several by the glass. We ordered five in total, including Turning Heads NZ white, Le Pionnier Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Le Tuffeau, Chenin Blanc Boatman’s Drift and Muscadet La Péch. The wine prices are very reasonable with many available from £7.50 for 175ml, with the Pionnier being a bargain at £5 for 125ml. Bottles start at £30. Cocktails and a good selection of beers are also available.

We finished with a shared dessert of pistachio soufflé (a surfeit of souffles!) plus coffee. The total including 10% service came to £167. The waiting staff were very good and helpful when we asked about the menu and wines.

The Woodman is no doubt a good place for birthdays and celebrations, but booking is advisable. Starters cost £7-£10, mains £15-£20, and steaks start from £35. There is also a bar menu and vegetarian options are available, as well as special offers at lunchtime and a loyalty scheme.

For more information about The Woodman including opening times:
Call 020 4613 0800
Visit woodmansouthgate.com

Do you have any suggestions for restaurants in Enfield to review or feedback on the places Neil has already reviewed? He would love to hear from Dispatchreaders:
Email [email protected]

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