Woody's

Looking round the internet for somewhere different to eat on a day in Kingston than the same old chains, I spotted the website for Woody’s. It looked like it had food that was a little different, and it promised to be kid-friendly. Plus, the little photos looked good.

When we arrived, I was, on the instant, disappointed. At first glance, it looked a scruffy old place. But then I realised what I was looking at. Character! Literally so. Was it shabby chic? Maybe. All the chairs and tables were odd. They looked reclaimed, even. Some chairs had their stuffing sticking out through little tears. But there was a sofa made out of half a bathtub, a piano, piles of magazines and unusual decor. Its oddness hadn’t come across on the website.

We sat and chose our meal from filthy crumpled paper menus (not good). But the staff were pleasant and our little boy was made welcome and allowed to sit and play the piano.

When the food arrived, yes, the portions were enormous. And everything really did seem to be home-made. I had a lovely pasta. My wife had their burger. We had sides of garlic bread, more of their big chips and a bowl of the most enormous and fabulous onion rings. I thought mine was excellent. My wife, however, felt her burger was a touch too juicy. Half way through, what she held in her hands was rather soggy, so she left it.

We’d certainly return though. I would say it seemed like a place for the younger, or trendier generation. My wife and I are just over and just under 40. But there were a mix of diners, though. Of all ages, actually. But the younger (student?) types looked most comfortable there.

So, yes. I was won over by their purposefully stylish shabby decor, but put off a little by their shabby menus. Then I was fairly impressed with their food, and definitely impressed with their portion size.

We often end up here. The quiz nights are a good laugh and the competition is fierce. Get a group of friends and join us here..

The quality of the food is fantastic as you look out at the river, generous portions and the quiz night is a break form the city. The slow flowing river, ith copious swans, helps you forget the stress of the city. A real place to relax and read the papers, be prepared for a long visit. The chef deserves a medal for his cakes. The only gripe is the young bar staff… more concerned with being trendy than serving the good selection of beers, and wide wine list.

i walked passed woody’s before christmas with my girlfriend, the decor looked rather odd for what i thought to just be an average bar on the river. we went for a drink just before new years and LOVED it!!! every chair is different and the manager insisted we made ourselves at home in the huge swinger chairs by the fireplace. beer choice for me was excellent and by the looks of it my girlfriend enjoyed her bottle of wine! cake was also served over the bar to and so we enjoyed a few slices!

we now go every weekend and bring friends to meet the bar staff which we now consider as friends.

it is by far my favourite place to go (dare i say it - in the whole of london!) and im currently organising my birthday party to be held at woody’s, dom the manager is happy to shut off half the pub just for my party free of charge!

i love woody’s and would recommend it anyone, but you really need to go down and see to believe it!

Love to sit there and watch the world go by. Nice selection of cakes and pastries, great coffee! Staff very friendly and cute ;)

Visited on our latest Kingston tour and I have to say we were impressed with this Pub. Very kids friendly, nice selection of beer and food. A cracking place which will become a regular visit if it keeps up this standard.

The nicest place on the river to watch the world go by!
Fantastic food and amazing cakes - all homemade. The best quality drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
Children welcome
Only happy people need attend!