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Review of Jack’s at Woodlakes at Stowbridge: ‘Excellent’ all-round meal with a warm welcome guaranteed - whatever the weather




I hadn’t visited Jack’s at Woodlakes for quite some time but having seen recent posts on social media of some mouth-watering-looking dishes and encouragement for people to not be afraid to “walk in” if they hadn’t booked, I thought a Sunday visit was in order.

So the weekend when the temperature was minus four, my husband Jerry and I decided to dust the cobwebs off our road bikes and head to the woods at Shouldham to work up an appetite and stop off at Jack’s for breakfast or lunch, depending on what time we decided to stop cycling.

After an hour and a half of exercise, we thought we could definitely do justice to a meal at the Holme Road, Stowbridge restaurant where we know, from past experience, a warm welcome and a very good portion always awaits.

Jack's at Woodlakes in Stowbridge
Jack's at Woodlakes in Stowbridge

It was bang on noon when we arrived, the car park was busy but it was not difficult to find space. We walked through the atmospheric arch decked with pretty lights and into the warm wooden restaurant.

I explained we hadn’t booked and were just chancing our luck on a table being available and were greeted with a very warm reception and shown to a table for two.

The menu had a great choice for all tastes with starters, mains and desserts and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options including roasts.

Our Sunday 'roast' of creamy chicken and mushroom pie with all the trimmings
Our Sunday 'roast' of creamy chicken and mushroom pie with all the trimmings

Added to this, there was an impressive list of specials with beef, pork, lamb, gammon and chicken for the roasts, others to choose from included home-made lasagne and even a Yorkshire pudding burger - which I saw someone tucking into and it looked immense with lots of trimmings. There was also a varied choice of sides to add to your meal including beer-battered onion rings, homemade coleslaw and halloumi fries.

We both went for the creamy chicken and mushroom pie which came with all the trimmings of a roast. We had two large roast potatoes which were crispy on the outside and flurry on the inside. The individual Yorkshire pudding was big and there was lots of lovely veg - cauliflower in a sauce, roasted carrots, broccoli, nice thick slices of roasted parsnips and some really tasty red cabbage in a sauce. All this with lashings of gravy.

Drink-wise, we both opted for a coffee (latte) which we had before the meal, my husband having a decaf, and we ordered a jug of water with the meal, which came with ice - fitting for the view outside which was still like a frosty winter wonderland. The coffee was very reasonably priced at £3 each and was just the right temperature to drink straight away.

We didn’t have to wait long for our food which was delivered to our table just as we’d finished our coffees.

Our Sunday 'roast' of creamy chicken and mushroom pie with all the trimmings
Our Sunday 'roast' of creamy chicken and mushroom pie with all the trimmings

The portions were more than ample and while Jerry managed to clean his plate, I just couldn’t manage the final two bites of my remaining roast potato - despite my best effort.

We were too full to top it off with a dessert - as tempting as it was - but we did take a look at the menu which included crumble of the day served with custard, cream or ice cream, brownie of the day, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, sundaes, options on the specials board, and vegan and gluten-free desserts. Desserts were priced at £6.95 each. You could have just ice cream at £1.75 a scoop and the menu said a choice of “mega-sized” milkshakes from £5.50 for adults and from £2.75 for children with extras of cream and marshmallows.

On previous visits, we have always gone for our favourites - the crumble with custard or the cornflake tart - and they have always been lovely.

Coffee for two with our lattes
Coffee for two with our lattes

The young waiter who served us and looked after us throughout the meal was very attentive, checking if we wanted more drinks, any sauces or dessert. Owner Jack Langford was on hand as usual welcoming everyone and he also checked if everything was okay with our food.

I asked my husband how he would rate the meal and he said “excellent all-round” for service, price and portion size and I’d agree.

Our bill for two came to £39.90 with our adult roasts at £16.95 each.

As we left around 45 minutes later the restaurant, which has a lovely atmosphere, was beginning to fill up and it’s nice to see friendly local businesses being supported.

I dare say, we won’t leave it so long before our next visit.

Ratings out of five:

Food: Lots of options suitable for all dietary requirements, and we couldn’t fault our meals. *****

Drink: We both really enjoyed our lattes and there seemed to be a decent choice. ****

Decor: Really welcoming inside and out. ****

Staff: Everyone was so lovely, helpful and friendly - a super warm welcome. *****

Price: We felt it was really good value for money. ****



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