The Waterside Inn
Thatchers Tavern,
Fairwater Drive
Woodley RG5 3EZ
0118 342 0171
As you approach the Waterside Inn, Woodley, your eye is drawn to the beautiful thatched roof that gives the building such character and charm.
Step inside and you’ll find a spacious contemporary, but cosy, interior.
This is a slice of rustic charm right at the heart of Woodley.
We found the tables to be very well spaced out, the staff wearing masks, and covid precautions strictly adhered to, which was very reassuring.
Open seven days a week, it is currently serving a three-course Christmas feast right up until Thursday, December 23.
It is £26.50 for two courses, or £32.50 for three, and there is a vegetarian option.
For starters my husband and I opted for the Scottish smoked salmon with golden beetroot, fig and fennel salad.
The presentation was beautiful and could easily be a dish served to the highly critical judges of Masterchef.
The combination of juicy golden beetroot, with a tangy citrus creme fraiche dressing and fennel, made for a perfect combination. It was light, but full of flavour.
My son opted for the Confit Chicken and Duck Terrine. This came with Toasted Brioche winter leaves and a caramelised onion chutney.
Once again, it was beautifully presented, very tasty and definitely a big enough portion to satisfy my teenanger’s healthy appetite.
There were also vegetarian options, including a hearty winter root vegetable soup, or a golden beetroot, fig and fennel salad.
For my main, I opted for the Traditional Turkey. This came with all the trimming: duck fat roasted potatoes, roasted root vegetables, Brussel sprouts, stuffing and chipolatas, finished off with thyme gravy.
The turkey was cooked to perfection, succulent and plentiful, the roast potatoes were devine, crispy and flavoured with sage, which adds a lovely flavour.
However the game changer for me was the amazing thyme gravy.
In my opinion, gravy can make or break a Christmas dinner, this certainly made the meal and was unlike any gravy I had tasted before — amazing.
The meal was very much to our liking, served piping hot, and the presentation was immaculate.
The portions were very generous, and were served by our lovely waitress who couldn’t do more for us in ensuring we had the best experience.
My children opted for the roast sirloin of beef. This came with duck fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roasted root vegetables, brussel sprouts and thyme gravy.
Based on their silence and the speed it was devoured it was clearly a big hit. They especially enjoyed the huge yorkie, and the perfectly generous cut and perfectly cooked beef.
Other main course options include bream and a vegetarian Mediterranean vegetable tart.
Desserts – my daughter’s favourite part of the meal. There’s plenty to choose from here.
Both children enjoyed the golden layered salted caramel cheesecake with toffee fudge ice cream.
Very reluctantly, my daughter gave me a spoonful to taste. It is something special, not a heavy cheesecake, but layers of light mousse on a biscuit base, and fudge ice cream lay on a bed of Oreo crumbs. It wasn’t too sweet or heavy, instead just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
My husband and I chose traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. We were quite full, so the portion size of the Christmas pudding was ideal, consisting of succulent sultanas and a hint of brandy — just perfect.
Other options for dessert were tropical fruit salad with vegan coconut ice cream, or a selection of ice creams or sorbets.
The service at The Waterside was outstanding. It was professional, friendly and prompt, the staff really couldn’t do anymore to ensure that we had a wonderful meal and experience.
As well as the Christmas menu, it’s worth noting that during the festive period they are also serving their main menu.
Pre-booking is recommended.
CLAIRE WORSFOLD
