Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/Woodborough-Hall-front.jpg" alt="Woodborough Hall front exterior" class="wp-image-4557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/Woodborough-Hall-front.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/Woodborough-Hall-front-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/Woodborough-Hall-front-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/Woodborough-Hall-front-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s a tough gig when you take over a place that’s had, er, mixed online reviews. But, with new owners, dedicated management with an eye for the personal touch and a radical refurb, <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/woodborough-hall-woodborough/">Woodborough Hall</a> is fast turning thigs around, garnering stacks of five-star reviews and a happy local clientele.</p>



<p>Still primarily a wedding venue (and a timeless, elegant one at that), the new team have opened the pretty wisteria-clad, grade II*-listed pile as a restaurant, offering evening dining on Friday and Saturday nights (as well as daily lunches and afternoon tea).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-reception-x.jpg" alt="Reception at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4736" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-reception-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-reception-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-reception-x-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-reception-x-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Woodborough is easy to access from the city (it’s only seven miles north-east of&nbsp;Nottingham) and the Hall sits at one end of the pretty little village, nestled amid rolling hills and lush green countryside. First impressions are lovely. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at your friend’s contemporary country house for the weekend. There’s a warm welcome from the lovely staff (it’s now a family-run business and it shows in their warmth and enthusiasm) and a calm elegance about the contemporary, fuss-free reception hall. There’s a cool, clubby bar for before-dinner cocktails and the restaurant sits in the light-filled orangery that looks out onto four acres of pretty gardens.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-at-night.jpg" alt="Woodborough Hall at night" class="wp-image-4741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-at-night.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-at-night-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-at-night-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-at-night-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x.jpg" alt="Table laid for dinner at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4734" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-dining-x-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fresh, elegant, refined. Being a wedding venue, the décor is pared back to allow guests to stamp their own style on it. So, for restaurant evenings, the look is sparse and simple which allows the lovely, light-filled space to sing.</p>



<p>Simple fresh flowers picked from the garden and a single candle sit on each of the bleached wood tables, along with grey linen napkins. The chairs are stylish and simple in dark green velvet, set off by the beautiful flagstone floor and white walls. Pretty white lights and green foliage hang from the vaulted, glazed ceiling. It’s White Company-esque simplicity and just a lovely place to be.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x.jpg" alt="Orangery set for dinner at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4735" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-orangery-x-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>I visited the day before the restaurant fully opened for business so sampled a tasting menu showcasing a little bit of everything on offer. So, while I can’t vouch for portion sizes, I can give you a thorough idea of flavour, style and choice.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-scallops.jpg" alt="scallop on a spoon at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4737" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-scallops.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-scallops-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-scallops-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-scallops-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First up, one of the highlights of the night, a winning combo of king scallop, mango chilli salsa, samphire and seaweed nori crisp. A small bite, but seriously sensational. Seems like head chef Tom Paxton (a lovely guy who came out to chat after the meal, keen for feedback from diners) knows his seafood. The other stand-out dish for me was a main of sea trout with sweet pea and chorizo fricassee on a bed of sweet potato and capers. An amazing mix of flavours that just set off the perfectly cooked flaky trout. Loved it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout.jpg" alt="Trout dish at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4738" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-trout-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What else? If you like soft, slow -cooked beef, you won’t go wrong with the melt-in-the-mouth beef fillet, and there’s a good choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The only weird combo that completely confused my tastebuds was the wild mushroom ravioli in limoncello sauce. If you’re a limoncello fan you may love it, but as a wild mushroom fiend, I was sorry to lose the earthy flavours to the sweet sauce.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini.jpg" alt="Tortellini in limoncello sauce at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4739" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-tortellini-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Got a sweet tooth? Me too, and having had a tiny taste of each dessert, they’re all winners. A few tropical picks for summer – mango gel, mousse and mirror glaze and a punchy rum-glazed pineapple with lime crème fraiche. Plus, a moreish passionfruit jelly, prosecco and white chocolate ‘Martini’.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts.jpg" alt="Trio of desserts at Woodborough Hall Notts" class="wp-image-4740" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Woodborough-desserts-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On the drinks front, there’s a fab cocktail and mocktail menu and a lovely wine list. I loved how the after-dinner teas and coffees were served in beautiful, clear, double-walled glasses. My peppermint tea was even accompanied by a timer, letting me know the moment it reached the perfect brew time.</p>



<p>Like the idea of the little-bit-of-everything dinner that I had? Book in for a tasting evening, held just before each new season’s menu launches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Woodborough is a pretty little Nottinghamshire village and there are some lovely walks, both <a href="https://www.woodborough-heritage.org.uk/trailsintroduction.html">starting in the village</a> and further afield at nearby <a href="https://gedlingcountrypark.com/">Gedling Country Park</a>. Southwell (winner of Muddy’s Best Places to Live) is less than 10 minutes away and is home to a host of Muddy Award-winning shops like dreamy jewellers <a href="https://www.lastnightidreamt.co.uk/">Last Night I Dreamt</a>, fashion boutique <a href="https://www.realclothingstore.co.uk/">Real Clothing</a> and cute café <a href="https://www.theoldtheatredeli.co.uk/the-deli-cafe">The Old Theatre Deli</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Romantic dinners à deux or a grown-up meal out with friends.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>&nbsp;Young families and rowdy girls’ nights out. This is an elegant, grown-up space better suited to more intimate get togethers.</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> A bit of a weekend treat. Starters cost between £9 and £14, mains are £19 to £34 for the beef fillet and desserts hover around the £10 mark. The restaurant is currently only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.</p>



<p><em><a href="http://www.woodborough-hall.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodborough Hall</a>, 1 Bank Hill, Woodborough, Nottingham, NG14 6EE</em></p>


Muddy reviews: Woodborough Hall, Woodborough

You may also like