The Woodford image

The Woodford

Bar Pub Cocktail bar Gastropub

Watering hole and weekend DJ bar with comfort food in a Georgian building with sofas and snug areas. People often mention good, staff, atmosphere, recommend, great, sandwich, chowder, nice, delicious, Woodford,


Address

20-21 Paul St, Centre, Cork, T12 XY84, Ireland

Website

www.thewoodford.ie

Contact

+353 21 425 3931

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 12 pm to 12 am
  • Saturday: 12 pm to 12 am
  • Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 12 pm to 12 am
  • Wednesday: 12 pm to 12 am
  • Thursday: 12 pm to 12 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (14) staff (14) atmosphere (9) recommend (7) great (7) sandwich (6) chowder (6) nice (6) delicious (6) Woodford (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Joseph O. 6 months ago on Google
    Been there a good few times, can't believe I never reviewed it. I've tried most things on the menu and every single one has been exceptional. Would HIGHLY recommend the prawns and the steak sandwich. Most places serve tough cuts but, this was extremely tender and easy to eat. Will definitely be there more often in the future. Staff are also superb! EDIT: You will notice the only poor reviews are from years ago. Any somewhat recent ones are non believable. This place has exceptionally high quality food and I'm surprised it isn't packed to the rafters daily. Absolute hidden gem.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lee D. 5 months ago on Google
    Only 1 of atmosphere as there was a strom outside keeping numbers down and we ate before the main evening crowd. You could miss this place if you don't have sharp eyes for the alley entrance or don't walk down the right road for the main entrance. (The alleyway entrance is more magical. Food was great. Burger had a great beef taste to it and they were happy to accommodate changes. (Picture I took doesn't do it justice.) Chips were really really good. More like fish and chip 'chips' but cooked a bit more. Seafood chowder was awesome. Only change suggested was for different bread (didn't ask them to swap it but from their helpfulness I suspect the might have done. )
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malgorzata W. 5 months ago on Google
    I have had yummy dinner, a nice glass of wine, and a delicious dessert . The caring staff and good atmosphere will bring me back there
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy G. 6 months ago on Google
    Thank you to the Woodford team! I love the atmosphere of this place! The place is generally not full for a Friday evening so you can find a seat eyes closed. The steak onions with gratin and peppercorn sauce (22.5€) is very delicious! Gratin was a bit overcooked but not something dramatic to enjoy the dish. What a good end with the choice of the very sweet and tasty dessert: Vanilla bean crème brulée with essence of orange, with a vanilla ice cream and a berry compote (7.50€). Enjoy a wonderful dinner at this pleasant restaurant!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas G. L. 1 year ago on Google
    Seafood chowder taste good, however one to two mussels have sand inside, the owner told me the mussels just arrived this morning and it's very fresh so the "purging" process might not sufficient to clean out all the sand; And those breads wasn't toasted, how could butter melt if the bread isn't warm? Environment is a relax restaurant & pub. Music is a bit too loud. Verdict: ingredients - 4 stars; service - 5; environment - 4; cooking and food quality - 4. Would I come back? Absolutely!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 9 months ago on Google
    No doubt, this is the nicest pub in all Cork. Knowledgeable bartending staff who know their whiskey, beautiful decor, and chatting with Dave behind the bar made this place the highlight of our time in the city. Definitely worth checking out 👍🏻
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark M. 1 year ago on Google
    Elevated pub food with an old fashioned atmosphere and friendly service to match. The fish and chips were light and crispy without being oily, the chicken sandwich was juicy with a lightly breaded and crisp skin, and the Guinness stew was flavorful, though the portion was smaller than expected for the price. This is a nice spot to take out-of-town visitors who want the pub experience but with a foodie experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rania 1 year ago on Google
    The butter chicken burger was delicious and juicy. We ordered their special dish of the day ( I forgot the name, but it was pasta with seafood) It was good but spicy. The place is very crowded and noisy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Erika L. 1 year ago on Google
    I ordered the seafood chowder and it was delicious, definitely recommend! Someone else mentioned the bread served with it not being that great and I agree. It was cold, maybe toasted would have been better or a different bread idk.. still get the chowder. My husband had the special of the day which was a pulled pork bbq sandwich and he really enjoyed that as well. We had mixed drinks and they were okay, nice presentation though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Martin K. 1 year ago on Google
    The bar is large and had a nice atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and the food was delicious. The price of a pint is on the high side 7 euro a pint. There was also a weird smell when we walked in. Like too much perfume or room air freshener. It was very prominent and rather unpleasant. Other than that it is a lovely place.

  • 4/5 helen b. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food ,service a bit slow , the staff were fab.

  • 5/5 Brianna H. 9 months ago on Google
    We were super excited about the restaurant. We loved the food and enjoyed our waiters. We recommend the Beef - it’s incredible. However make sure you check your bill before leaving. We realized the next day, after we’d left the city, that we were charged an extra €51.30!! They must have put another tables meal on our bill. UPDATE: Note that I've updated my review stars. Woodford owner Dave reached out to me directly - he confirmed it was an error on their part and returned the money to us. Very impressed with him going above and beyond on this!

  • 5/5 Bob S. 9 months ago on Google
    VERY good food and drink, AND they have a bathroom for patrons. The help is VERY FRIENDLY and the service is excellent!

  • 5/5 Emma D. 8 months ago on Google
    Live Jazz music, really good atmosphere- decor, staff and people, very relaxed and easy going, people dancing to the jazz music. Really good fun and nice venue.

  • 5/5 Matea B. 4 months ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I stumbled into an alleyway with colourful lights (back entrance), only to discover the coolest pub. I just have to commend the barman and waiter for the positivity and laughter they shared with us. We loved the atmosphere of the place. It has a real "New Orleans" feel to it. The music was just spot on, as were the Christmas decorations and the whole "vibe". We will be coming back to try the food for sure. 😊

  • 5/5 Ashton E. 3 months ago on Google New
    Beautifully decorated bar with a lovely cozy atmosphere! We had a delicious chowder and cold beer on tap!

  • 5/5 Harini R. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice cocktails. Highly recommend Ernest & Rita and Pornstar Martini. Very busy. A little on the pricier side.

  • 5/5 Griff J. 1 year ago on Google
    Stumbled here while looking for a sit down after a morning exploring. Just wanted a pint but ended up staying for lunch as the foot looked great. Fantastic food, extremely friendly and attentive staff. Cool snug place with plenty of space.

  • 5/5 Darren G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place. We were a day late for the jazz Fest. Food was good. Do recommend.

  • 5/5 DC r. 1 year ago on Google
    I have visited the Woodford on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. Whether it's their food, service or a simple beverage the Woodford is simply excellent for any of your needs. Would recommend their steak sandwich or sandwich and soup special for a lighter bite. Staff are also very friendly and helpful.

  • 4/5 Kevin O C. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was good all around. The chowder and sandwich I got were amazing, burger looked good, staff were very attentive, almost too attentive. But all were very friendly. If the management are telling them to hover around tables taking plates as soon as possible from the customers, they need to stop. Not blaming the waiting staff, they were fab!

  • 5/5 Scott M. 1 year ago on Google
    Went twice in a short trip over; was fantastic both times. Modern pub with a great selection of drinks and good food. Friendly staff (hi Murt) that were always looking to help.

  • 3/5 Thomas N. 4 years ago on Google
    Whilst the food and staff of The Woodford were fine, quite good actually, the midges buzzing around myself and my meal were most unpleasant. The Woodford seems to be a fine enough pub. A pleasant atmosphere, expected variety of food and drink, all of acceptable prices. But the insects really prevent me from rating this place more highly. Its a shame, but the midges made a great distraction to relaxation, and having them fly about and on my food was not what I was looking for.

  • 4/5 John M. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here with a large party after an event. Very covid compliant. Seated at required distancing and table numbers. Nice food. Burgers. Pizza, fish n chips, all above average. Staff were very welcoming and professional

  • 3/5 John O C. 1 year ago on Google
    It was Tuesday, it was quiet.... seems a nice spot.... not a lot of locals I'm guessing

  • 5/5 Susan G. 5 years ago on Google
    Great pub in Corn. Local beer was excellent, as were the nachos, Guiness stew and fish/chips. Moderately priced, wait staff was superb. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area

  • 5/5 Adam T. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely the best most friendly and professional pub restaurant service I have received in quite a while. Staff top class!!!!!!! Food is as you would expect from a gastropub. Can’t fault it in any way. The staff really made the difference: we will be back!

  • 5/5 Tom F. 1 year ago on Google
    Called in one afternoon for a Dirty Gin Martini the place was buzzing with that fantastic atmosphere you get from people conversing, background music and staff moving around. Staff went out of their way to make me a lovely Martini 10/10 to everyone

  • 5/5 Marguerite D. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a great afternoon evening here. The staff are second to none. Couldn't meet nicer people. 10/10 from me.


Call +353 21 425 3931 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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