Based on 350 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 350 opinions finded in 2 websites
Opinions
Two carveries for £15? Solid, but don't be expecting the best. The Woodman is one of those pubs I seem to drive past with it barely registering. Recently it's been decorated with all sorts of signs and a luscious new paint job to try and catch the eyes of the thousands that must drive past just like I did. So I stopped in to take on their advertised carvery and watch a bit of football. Let's be clear from the off, this is a pub in transition. It's clearly been a neighbourhood pub for generations, you can almost sense the ciggy smoke and see where the big D board would have hung beside the optics all those years ago. It's a very big space, broken up into a series of rooms, which makes it feel smaller than it should, but if it had a peak rush you can imagine it would handle things just fine. So it feels smaller but also echoey, a little tired perhaps and that's not so bad for a lazy afternoon. The staff are all bright, helpful, exuberant and smart. They were welcoming and patient with my obvious hangover. The carvery! Let's manage expectations here. Two carveries for £15 is almost unheard of 'in this economy' so whilst this isn't exactly a carvery from Temu, you have to remember it's not going to be the Ivy grill. The meats were fantastic. At first I was critical of a piece of beef, because it looked completely dry, but this chef knows his stuff and delivered with the beef, the turkey, the pork and the gammon. Late in the service, it's hard to have a beef as tender as that and when you add the roasties into the mix here you have the foundations of a surprisingly good budget roast. Then things start to fall away a bit. The carrots were okay, the gravy was passable, the stuffing was unusual in its texture, but very tasty. Everything else, including the yorkie, just felt a bit like compulsory plate filler. There was a genuine discussion whether it was cauliflower cheese or bread sauce, and there was no distinctive answer. We couldn't tell. So for an absolutely slamming budget carvery, get all the meats, the roasties, carrots, maybe a spoon of peas and top it off with some gravy and you're golden. There are plenty of places to watch the game, they play good music in the main room while you eat and there's a decent space for the kids to play. The car park is massive and the food is OK, but let's not forget this is a pub in transition. It's like a big Saint Bernard hound asleep in its basket, you'll have to be quite active to get it up and about and out for a walk, you know? Otherwise, this is just another bar that's content to slumber and never achieve the dream of what it could one day become.
James . 2025-02-11
MORE AT Google
Food good value for money.Service could have been quicker.
Patricia Russell . 2025-02-07
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Really nice, was pleasantly surprised. Chefs were super helpful, staff were friendly, would certainly go back. Great value for money.
Tara Welsh . 2025-02-04
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Very good food but we waited for it for over an hour. I was already very hungry
Agnieszka . 2025-02-04
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Great staff. Really nice food, but dead on a Saturday lunchtime whilst Norwich match is on. Shame as the food was great.
David Girling . 2025-02-01
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Lovely carvery, pleasant staff, only let down was the heating which clearly wasn't good enough which was a shame
Cliff Webster . 2025-01-25
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Worse carvery experience in 37 years Diabolical food also presentation an customer service abysmal went in an hour after opening will never be going back
Steven Attwood . 2025-01-13
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I have lived 5 minutes away for 30 years and only been to the Woodman once about 25 years ago. My husband and I wanted somewhere close to have a late Sunday lunch. We we'rnt disappointed! The carvery was really flavoursome (although some would prefer it a little hotter, but I don't like piping hot food) and my husband had beer battered fish and chips with peas. We were even given a complimentary drink as we had to wait 30 mins but that suited my husband fine as he was happy watching the football! All the staff were pleasant, helpful and we're very attentive. The desserts were amazing. Apple and cinnamon crumble and custard and cookie dough with ice cream. Thoroughly recommend both! We will definitely go back again soon and certainly won't leave it another 25 years! 🤣
Joanne Massingham . 2025-01-05
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Carvery was great, we enjoyed our meals. Thanks
Stacy Hartshorn . 2024-12-19
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Absolutely amazing carvery and the staff are lovely the food is all fresh
Marie . 2024-12-08
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Very dirty and run down, staff not helpful in any way, food isn't the worst but wouldn't eat here again! Bought an online wowcher deal that they refused to take so paid twice. Toilet unusable and high chairs stacked next to toilet. When you bring most of your food home for your dogs you will not return...
Sharon Barker . 2024-11-27
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Best carvery I've had for along while the staff are perfect *****
Margaret Ann Kett . 2024-10-16
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Our first visit since reopening, unfortunately the pub needs uplift as is looking very tired and needs attention.Barmen very polite and friendly and food was good but plates were cold so needed to be warmed up We would come again if place was given an uplift and had more of an atmosphere.The website needs updating.
Michelle Wurr . 2024-10-15
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Food was first class and the staff were excellent, very friendly and chatty. Will definitely go again.
Clive Privett . 2024-10-14
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Great selection of vegetables at the carvery and friendly staff
Catherine Munns . 2024-10-14
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Hate to be harsh but it’s one of the worst carveries I’ve ever eaten, just so poor. The pub itself looks so tired and run down too now.
SprowstonRipper . 2024-10-14
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Tired and unkempt pub. Carvery very limited.
Alfie Leuw . 2024-10-12
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Awful experience, what meat they had was left out with no covers, the three staff were outside and one was smoking we had to wait apparently to cook more roasted potatoes ! Atmosphere was zero we definitely won’t be coming back, inside was really tired looking.
Vaughan Rowley . 2024-10-07
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Fabulous customer service. Nice food, however it is crazy that turkey/chicken is not offered on the carvery, if they did it would be a 5* review. On my visit I was given coke from a shop bought bottle and was flat, so was disappointed too
Neve C . 2024-10-05
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Thought I would try a carvery lunch today, to say disappointing is a total understatement. Bought my ticket at the bar, 55 minutes later of constantly every time I went to get my meal, Just another 5 minutes, Just another 5 minutes and so on. When I spoke to the gentleman who was polite serving on the carvery, he acknowledged that all meats were extremely dry, overcooked, he told me the head chef is of the opinion that everyone likes their meat to also be used as boot leather it was that dry and tough! The roast potatoes were deep fried and hard at that. All vegetables were tepid in temperature and the gravy was wet and completely tasteless at best. Several people were not happy and expressed their dissatisfaction of the experience and quality provided, a gentleman sitting next to me was very vocal. Certainly did not correlate with the price being charged, a real shame and missed opportunity in my opinion.
Frazer Shields . 2024-10-01
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Terrible meal...went for 2 carvery meals, vegetables didn't look very appetising and roast potatoes were uncooked and too hard to get knife into. Politely told chef who apologised and would get more potatoes, but didn't arrive before I ate my lukewarm meal without potatoes. Barman was apologetic too and refunded our money. Such a shame as we won't go again.
Janice Leigh . 2024-10-01
MORE AT Google
Excellent carvery with our daughters and grandchildren. Generous portions and lots of choice. Staff went the extra mile to ensure everyone had food they wanted and it was delicious. Well worth visiting and we will come again
Kate . 2024-08-28
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Just had a meal with some of my family, Food was top quality, best ingredients, and beautifully cooked...and really tasty!! the staff were polite, good service. I will be back for more.
Adrian Tunmore . 2024-08-26
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The pub has been taken over by new owners and has a new food menu. Went for a meal tonight, food was lovely, great menu and really good service
Rachel Mildon . 2024-08-24
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Came here for a meal with a friend. Had Lasagne and chips and my friend had Steak and Ale pie and chips. Lasagne was homemade well flavoured, seasoned and cooked beautifully. Steak pie is a "whole" pie and served with lots of vegetables. Chips are really good. Stand out in fact. Has a pub feel and felt like they needed 1 more member of staff. I will definitely return!
Jamie Brown . 2024-08-19
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Went for carvery with my mum. Lovely friendly staff. Food was amazing and didn't skimp
hannah benning . 2024-08-11
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After reading good reviews about the carvery,we decided to give it a try. Rang them in the morning to book,said we'd like to come about 4pm and there is 6 of us. I was told yes turn up at 4 and we'll get you in. So turned up at 4,ordered a drink to then be told carvery has all gone! Explained that I had called earlier and they just said sorry didn't expect it to be so busy!! Bearing in mind carvery is supposedly available 11am-7.30pm everyday and run out at 4pm on a Sunday!! Needless to say we won't be making that mistake again.
Lynsey D . 2024-08-05
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We enjoyed a meal there we have been waiting for them to start doing meals after the change of management the service and food was very good
Chris Kemp . 2024-07-24
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Friendly staff waiting for thete stake night :)
muzz yeo . 2024-07-21
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Came today as we have been dying to come here for food for ages for when it begins and we were so pleased with the result! Came for two vegetarian roasts and we were very happy! Food is amazing with options for those with more restricted diets. Insanely delicious and so worth the wait!! Friendly and kind staff, clean restaurant and INCREDIBLE food!! Sam and the team made our experience so delightful by going above and beyond for their customer service. Thanks guys, you will get used to these returning faces! 😄
Alex . 2024-07-19
MORE AT Google
Friendly people. Definitely recommended to friends and family.
Jade Truong . 2024-06-13
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Disappointed! Pleasant outlook but lacking atmosphere! Needs to update Web page or create new one! Food oriented with indoor & outdoor seating areas. On 13/55 bus route .
Alan Moore . 2024-06-07
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Under new ownership and wished to support local pub, called in at 10.40 pm for a quick round, stated open until 11.00pm - They had cashed up and refused to serve. Not a good start for new owners as not likely to return.
Ro Tay . 2024-05-23
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I'm looking for job but you can give me job
Hiwad Safi . 2024-05-19
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Got a parking ticket here for parking 2 minutes as I didn’t know where I was, I am new to the area. I am not very happy .
Megan Schofield . 2024-02-26
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A while ago we used to do lunch here, all home grown veg. (8 or 9 of them) Excellent steak and ale pie and served with gravy and mash and much charm and grace...
Julien Glen-Ashley . 2023-12-26
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Cozy, friendly and lovely atmosphere. Board games available, darts, pool. Love it here
Arielle Johnson . 2023-11-30
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Great pub - new landlords, so not doing food yet, but will be again soon New - still great and with food Don and Debby with daughter Natalie run the pub brilliantly Still great Excellent Hopefully food will be available soon . Sadly still no food No food, but still good pub Still very good Still good, even without food
Chris Aldrich . 2023-09-23
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Had a few drinks and sat out in the garden, which is very well kept. Massive pub with a pool table and lots of space.
Andrea Clark . 2023-07-11
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Brilliant love it can't fault 👍👍👍
David Seaman . 2023-05-28
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Definitely overpriced, went to a different local pub further up the road for cheaper drinks.. went from £4.45 to £3.15 for the same amount
Jay Coetzee . 2023-04-13
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Staff was lovely and kind and the pub is wonderful
jena banham . 2023-01-15
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Friendly staff, reasonably priced beer, covered outdoor eating area where you can smoke. Delicious lunches, BLT sandwich very filling and nice, Fabulous Sunday lunch with all home grown veggies. Brilliant!
John Ashley . 2022-09-14
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Fabulous bub, friendly staff, great food.
Neil Mitchell . 2022-07-04
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This for me was more like the old time pub. Big bonus they served mild. Nice garden outside to enjoy the good weather.
Robert Howes . 2022-06-21
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A proper pub ! The landlords have worked hard to bring this pub back to life & it’s great to see so many locals enjoying it again.
Jane Wheeler-Brown . 2022-05-16
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A well enjoyed visit will Definitely return
Gavin Robinson . 2022-03-31
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Nice pub very pleasant and comfortable environment. Friendly staff good choice of beers ciders largers and real ales.and even a pool table.
Gavin cook . 2021-12-21
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First time at this place and found it to be very pretty inside with a warm feeling. The food was very tasty and for the quality and amount it was great value. Would definitely go back again.
Gail Sigrist-Whelan . 2021-12-09
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I had no problem getting a drink with in fact the place was quite quiet. We were looked after well I would go back
Richard Foxhall . 2021-09-03
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Beautiful place, staff brilliant food is good. Would visit again
Lisa Goldsmith . 2021-08-04
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Lovely pub & lovely beer one of the very few pubs that do brown and mild lovely pint
peter stone . 2021-07-08
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Nice pub for a drink And the plant seller on car park is nice chap also...
Bob . 2021-06-06
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Update: ei are unable to attract a new tenant, it must be coming up to a couple of years now. ei contracts appear to be very “demanding” for a tenant. the pub is run down with its sticky carpets and dull decor and tatty furniture. . its an old building bang on a major road though, with an owner landlord there would be a lot of potential here. maybe it will be pulled down and redeveloped as housing as there is lots of land
Candid1 . 2021-03-14
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Love this place and great folks
Iwan Hekkenberg . 2020-10-28
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Charming local pub, friendly staff and dog friendly.
David Hillis . 2020-10-03
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Very nice pub, big garden, lots of covid protections
robert cann . 2020-08-16
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Very nice people and make you feel really welcome
Andy Hennells . 2020-08-06
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Looks a little tired, but still a pleasant place to have a pint.
Ian Maitland . 2020-03-14
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They have been temporary people managing the pub for over a year and no investment taking place. There is a well run pub just 300m away that does well. It is quite possible that this pub will be sold off for housing as it's on a big plot of land. There is no compelling reason to visit this pub
Fairview . 2020-02-17
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The best roast dinner ever ten out of ten
Moto Rola . 2019-12-08
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Pleasantly suprised with the refurb.
Kris Griffiths . 2019-11-19
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In need of face lift, but cosy n warm pub.
Dane Samuels . 2019-10-30
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Reasonable selection of Ales in pleasant company
Christopher Steven Martins . 2019-09-01
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Most expensive round of drinks we've had in Norwich so far. At £10.40 for a glass of wine and a pint of Guinness we were quite surprised. As this is above high Street prices. And far from the center of town. Also it came as quite a shock that they don't allow overnight parking at the premises. The staff were not unpleasant. And they provided an efficient service.
carolan brennan . 2019-07-15
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Just stopped by on a whim, and it's an absolute hidden gem! The best chips I've had in years.
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* Sadly this lovely restaurant has now closed. We had a wonderful meal, the food was absolutely delicious, really tasty, imaginative and well presented. The cocktails were great, and the staff were lovely. Nice place and atmosphere too. I think that we maybe have a new favourite restaurant in Norwich! Recommended.