BITE user comments - raleighboy
Comments by raleighboy
We heard the Woolpack was back on the scene a few months ago with a new team of ex pat Australians having opened in October 2010 but we hadn't anticipated such a quick turnaround from the previous incarnations!
Lo and behold we dropped by for an inspection last friday night and couldn't even get a table initially, the front room was filled to the oak beams. So we took a couple of half 's of Rother Valley's Boadicea, a delightful drop i might add and assumed our position at the bar in the hope of a table becoming available and soaked up the warmth of the freshly decorated room . Sometimes I find a candle lit atmosphere a tad on the gloomy side but here its just right. 15 minutes later we were sat down menu's in hand on our second half of the Goacher's fine light which took the biscuit for me - smooth with hints of honey, slightly cold but fresh and lively to the palette.
As for the food? Well I can report that I'm happy to order steak again in these parts - I'm a simple man, so get the simple things right and I'm yours for life! The thick juicy and tender sirloin slid down with passionate fervor whilst my friend thoroughly enjoyed his pigeon breasts - hopefully they are still on the specials menu when we return next time. We completed the meal with a slice of lemon cheesecake and a bread and butter pudding and a couple of strong coffee's.
We met Nick the Chef on his tour around the tables welcoming everyone towards the end of our evening. Turns out 'ex pat Australians' doesn't do our hosts Nick & Wendy justice - for they have run restaurants and hotels on what strikes me as 5 different continents over 35 odd years and my oh my it shows - and apparently this is their first pub!?
Think I've just found my favourite rubadub. Welcome to Kent may you never leave!
14 Mar 2011 10:53
The Hunny Bell, Melton Constable
A friend brought me here last thursday night for the first time.
It's certainly a very presentable pub, nice and clean. Perhaps a little too modern for my southern taste.
the wherry and adnams were in good condition and most enjoyable.
Wish i could say the same for the food, Interesting enough menu and presentation. Sadly laking in any real discernible flavour though, which was disappointing as my friend was really hoping to impress.
Id definitely give it another go in the future however.
30 Jan 2011 01:22
Popped in for lunch monday last - what a wonderful pub. like stepping back in time but with a modern functionality.
Three Ales from gravity casks, delicious.
we ate very well from a nice selection & I can thoroughly recommend the haddock. All very reasonably priced, and the hospitality was warm and courteous.
Definitely return in future!
14 Jan 2011 21:45
ate here tonight, very much enjoyed ourselves in a marvellous 'old world' setting with hunting paraphernalia.
Christian, the barman and waiter was knowledgable friendly & entertaining.
The food was very tasty, the presentation agreeable, yes there is room for improvement if your super critical (which we try not to be) but there are definitely great flavours here, served in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.
I enjoyed a pint of house Goachers at a perfect temperature and creamy consistency whilst my friends enjoyed a delightful bottle of reasonable vintage french red.
For the quality and setting, we didn't flinch at the bill as it certainly wasn't unreasonable.
4 Jan 2011 03:19
Visited this pub on the weekend. Lovely welcome from Ray the owner. Great seafood menu, I had the fish pie, forgot what it cost but it was delicious and very reasonable, my friends all remarked very positively about the quality and presentation of their dishes.
The Ale was fresh and lively, enjoyed a half of Goachers and another of Doombar.
Well worth a detour IMHO.
3 Jan 2011 16:50
The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
Was last here a couple of years ago, at the time we felt the freehouse offered tremendous quality, value & a vibrant friendly atmosphere.
On the grapevine we'd heard a few rumbles of discontent over the past few months & having enjoyed it so much before I felt it fair to reacquaint ourselves .
What a dreadful mistake!
Cloudy Ales served too warm for my palette & cold tasteless grub punching well below the apparent 'Award Winning Chefs' assumed credentials. Service was friendly but ineffectual & I don't wonder if this is the first hospitality business run by these charlatans?
Hey ho, seems like the folks reviewing the Woolpack on Trip Advisor have a point!
28 Jan 2013 09:05