The Woodspeen

Billed as a ‘smart country restaurant without formality’, The Woodspeen features an airy conservatory-style extension with a sparkling open kitchen, vaulted ceilings and picture windows – the perfect setting for Michelin-starred food masterminded by executive chef Peter Eaton. As expected, everything is “just perfect” – from sage and onion burrata, fermented cabbage, fennel crumb and buttermilk dressing or roast scallops with chorizo, broccoli and red pepper to roast cod with salsify, braised onion and potted shrimps or local venison with malt-potato gratin, parsnip, cabbage hearts and chocolate. There are also big porcine platefuls and ribs of beef to share, while puds maintain the creative streak – how about a combo of crème fraîche cheesecake, kumquat, oat crumble and basil. Service is charming, unobtrusive and efficient to a fault – although additional praise is heaped on the restaurant manager, who makes everyone “feel very special”.  

Tucked in amongst the verdant countryside of West Berkshire, The Woodspeen is a restaurant and cookery school, housed inside a lovingly restored 19th century farmhouse. Despite its credentials, this is a relaxed and welcoming space, which makes the most of its lush surroundings with large windows that frame the idyllic countryside views and an open kitchen which adds a touch of theatre to proceedings. Bare tables and pendant lighting add a rustic, countryside feel, while cosy banquettes on one side of the room and verdant greenery add warmth to the space.

The menu at The Woodspeen is a seasonally changing affair which is inspired by homegrown ingredients. Plenty of restaurants wax lyrical about the importance of provenance, but The Woodspeen really means it, often incorporating ingredients that have been plucked from the restaurant’s own garden. Otherwise, high-quality local suppliers are used wherever possible.

The Woodspeen is open for both lunch and dinner, offering an a la carte that showcases the best of what is currently in season. On your visit, you might begin with starters such as Cornish crab and spring vegetable risotto with lemon emulsion, or chicken and black pudding terrine en croute, before moving on to main courses including garden pea and caramelised onion lasagna with roasted morels or roasted lamb rump with white asparagus, local wild garlic salsa verde and rosemary potato rosti. If you still have a bit of room, round off the meal with a rhubarb and custard tart, or a strawberry and lime alaska with warm dark chocolate sauce.

A dedicated children’s menu is also available, as are plentiful vegetarian and vegan options, while on weekends, you can head here for a traditional Sunday lunch. Be sure to explore the illustrious wine list too, home to over 400 varieties.