The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham

The woodhouse has been refurbished as a "Pub and dining" experience. It is a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Gone are the pub carpets, rag roll and other relics of bad refurbishments, sadly also gone are the original features of the victorian pub, the atmosphere and the customers.

If you are going to market your boozer as a 'dining' venue I would delicately suggest putting some effort into selecting a chef who can cook. The only thing not refurbished in the Woodhouse is the chef who is turning out the same old stuff (which was never it's selling point. in an area stuffed with award winning gastro-pubs it is important to get this stuff right. the food here is below sub standard. Gordon Ramsay would make a feature length episode from this place.

The only thing I can say positively about the changes is that the staff are charming, friendly and helpful. I suspect they will become jaded and go if they face as many unhappy clients as were there on our night there. 3 groups eating, 3 groups complaining.

Youngs just can't get it right, they closed the brewery and now they are ruining their pubs, given the woodhouse is my (very) local I am gutted as it should be.

19 Nov 2008 23:31