The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham

I moved to the area a few months ago, with my partner and young baby, and have never visited this pub before the recent infamous refurbishment.

We have visited several times for Sunday afternoon meals and find the pub extremally tolerant of families and children, a blessing.

Not having visited the pub before the refurbishment, I have nothing to compare the current decor/ambiance too. I imagine it was a friendly local boozer beforehand, but reading previous comments it seems it did used to be unfriendly to children and also have it's contingent of unfriendly regulars.

From my own experience, its a very friendly pub, it has a nice, peaceful, contempory ambience, the front of house staff are excellent and are alway helpful. It probably though shouldnt actually be described as a pub anymore, rather as a restaurant with bar / drinking area. The bar area is indeed reminscent of a hotel lobby, but a stylish one.

Some down sides, the food is not A class, and is very over priced. Roast chicken that is still bleeding (which they then microwaved for me after informing them) and the worst pork belly I have ever tasted. Once they get a chef in to match the prices, then it will be a place worth making a trip too.

I think if it used to be my local pub for an evening pint, I'd be annoyed at the recent transformation and would make my dissatisfation known. Being new to the restaurant/pub though, its a very nice place and I will certainly be returning (though perhaps not ordering the chicken next time).

Interestested to see how it fairs in the summer.

14 Dec 2008 20:36