Parson Woodforde

The Parson Woodforde is a favoured place to go with my Auntie when I visit because it’s probably the nearest pub/​restaurant around and they have a good wine selection! It’s actually a b&b but this review will only be for the bar.
The place is steeped in history, the building was originally home to the diarist Parson Woodforde, the early food blogger! Check him out it’s an interesting read for all you fellow foodie/​history lovers. It has been refurbished quite a bit though so I’m not sure how many original features they’ve actually kept…
There’s some sofas if you fancy a comfy drink but I think it could do with a bit more cushy seating as I believe that’s the ambience they’re trying to create, but I also think they’re focusing in on the food.
Now, the food! I was extremely disappointed with my Cajun chicken and bacon burger, they’d added a mango mayonnaise which is what initially sucked me in but it didn’t suffice and live up to my excitement. It was Luke warm to cool and the chips were homemade and chunky but had an odd taste to them. I don’t want to be harsh but it was slightly ‘glorified Weatherspoons’ type food. The kids menu is Good value for money because when Charlie-beau’s burger came out it was EXACTLY the same size as mine! They also get a drink and ice-​cream (posh ice-​cream too — think pistachio, ginger…) for about £7.
They have a pubby menu on a chalkboard which is what i chose off but they also cater for more of a formal dining experience and offer an a la carte menu (nothing took my fancy for the pricing though).
One of the new members of staff is delightful — can’t do enough for you, we mentioned that our food was tepid when asked how it was (usually I complain but I didn’t bother) he gave us complementary drinks and was very apologetic so that was nice.
There is a huge car park all around it — not the tarmac’d sort — tasteful. Seeing as there isn’t much else around I should think you would have to drive here unless you were a very keen walker so I can imagine there is a bit of drink driving going on round here on the odd occasion!
Overall, I wouldn’t rave about the food but it’s a lovely place for a cosy drink and it’s extremely child friendly :) I like a cheeky tipple in here when I’m in the area.