The Woodman Wildhill is a real favourite here at Great Food Club. Our Editor-at-large, Philip, has been drinking there for as long as he cares to remember. This is a pub with a fascinating history: first established under the Marquess of Salisbury in the 19th century, it’s been owned by families and breweries until it closed in 1961. But then there was a petition to reopen it, signed by many local people including legendary writer Dame Barbara Cartland.
Fast forward to 1990 when the Craig Family took over, and they’ve been in charge ever since. First Graham and Ros, then their son Tom who took over in 2006 and is still in charge today with partner Vicky. They run a simple menu of rolls and toasties, plus street food vendors on a Friday. But The Woodman is definitely a drinker’s pub above all. No fruit machines, music or pool tables, but just excellent atmosphere, conversation and excellent cask ales. It’s regularly recognised by CAMRA for its quality and consistently appears in the Good Beer Guide. There’s a lovely beer garden out the back for the summer months, and a roaring fire in the winter.
This is a real community pub – and it can’t be summed up better than by the words of former landlord Graham Craig – “Our atmosphere derives from our lovely people (some of whom bring their lovely dogs). We’re all friends, and help each other out.”
Wonderful stuff!
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