We took a little venture out of norm today as we went along to a not-too-far-away pub for lunch. After seeing photos of the set up at The Woolpack Stanground we couldn’t resist going along to see what they’ve done to their 17th century building and beer garden since lockdown.
We spoke to David and Karen about how things were going since a year ago. Once lockdown came along they obviously had to close along with other pubs in the UK, however with the blessing of having a beer garden things were looking up. They immediately starter to serve takeaway food to keep the locals happily fed with pub meals and Sunday lunch treats like many others, however the garden needed some TLC….. so grass was added, tables were painted, a marquee erected and led lights were put up overhead.
Just before the end of the summer they were ready for hosting people inside-outside. It was an immediate success and something which they will now continue. Through each lockdown they’ve added a little more… last lockdown they expanded with some live music events and their outside (non-marquee) seating at the bottom of the garden with wooden tables and umbrellas which overlooks the river. Called the ‘Riviera’ tables are available to book by request, however, no flights are included! says Karen. 😁
The whole pub is a peaceful location and has enough to seat approx 120 of you inside the marquee and 72 outside. Now just remember that we have some great British weather, especially in the month of May when one minute you can be in a suntrap and the next minute it’s hailing it down! So if you’re outside the marquee you’ll need a brolley, blanket and cushions to make your stay more comfortable and if it does rain, if the marquee is full, unfortunately there is nowhere to go – you’ll just need a little faith that it soon passes. 🌧🌦☀️❄️
Today, we ate from their weekday menu which includes starters, light bites and main meals. My husband went for a variation of small dishes: honey & cider glazed chorizo (£3) which were de-li-cious as I tried one 😉, (not too hot either), whitebait & tartare sauce (£3.95) which came piled high and he loved, and some of their huge Triple Cooked Chips (£3) mm mmm. I went for the strangest thing on the menu: Confit duck leg, spring onion, hoisin sauce & coriander on PIZZA! (£11.95) One for the ham and pineapple appreciation gang – Surprisingly very nice – a unique taste on a lovely medium-sized pizza dough, soft and filling. After that, neither of us will be wanting much to eat for dinner now.
It was a lunchtime well spent. We sat outside in the sunshine on one of their wooden benches and even though a little windy it was not too cold. We’ll definitely be back for one of their gorgeous Sunday lunches (£11.95 for beef & pork, £12.95 for lamb) which everyone has been talking about and has really gone down well with the locals during lockdown for takeaway. If you do come on a Sunday you’ll be entertained with live music sessions in the marquee from 2pm-5pm. This Sunday it’s Dan Poole (there are a few tables left otherwise they are fully booked right up to 22nd May!)
Another fab idea on the horizon is for the older generation – for those over sixty there’s a #ThrowbackThursday brunch club event starting at the end of May…As a community pub they have many older regulars whose only social outlet is visiting them for company, so The Woolpack want to make a regular event for anyone who wants to get out after being locked down. You can join them every last Thursday of the month for a catch up with friends, make new ones come on your own or with a friend/partner and also hear some classic hits from back in the day from the 50s, 60s and 70s and even dance if you want to (when the government allows it). You’ll be able to share your local stories and have a drink and something to eat in a safe environment. No need to book just come along 1pm-4pm: Thursday 27th May, Thursday 24th June, Thursday 29th July & Thursday 26th August.
There’s also a Soul Weekender coming up starring ‘Soul Sista’ singer and Freddie Hall (who used to sing with the Supremes) on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th. They will be hoping to raise some money for charity so take a bit of cash for donating to a great cause.
For the future, now they have this lovely marquee, they will be offering picnic style weddings for some unique celebrations. It really does look like they’re in for a busy summer & autumn.
When booking, all tables are held for 30 minutes only. So, if you’re going to be late, ring and let them know straight away otherwise your table will go to those who are walk-ins – a great idea which helps the pub not have my loses when people forget to cancel. Bookings are taken on facebook or by phone.
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