REVIEW: Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe Sensational Spring Menu

We sampled the new Spring Menu from Hall and Woodhouse Wichelstowe and it the perfect pit-stop for indulging in the sun. Situated on the canalside, basking in the springtime sun, Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe is highly regarded as a space that continues to draw people in.

From the moment we stepped inside, the interiors made an impression. The space blends modern design with subtle nods to the area’s canal heritage. Think reclaimed wood, nautical touches and even a striking narrow boat feature built into the venue itself as a stylistic seating area. Large windows make up most of the walls, allowing for beautiful natural light but without the chill of the outside air. The atmosphere was calming yet cheerful and we felt extremely comfortable as soon as we arrived.

The Spring menu itself confidently reflects the season, with a focus on fresh ingredients and classic dishes given a lighter twist. There’s a clear effort to keep things approachable, offering amix of pub classics alongside more seasonal plates, something Hall & Woodhouse has always done well.

For drinks, we had a Virgin Mojito and Virgin English Garden. Both were hugely refreshing, with just the right amount of flavourful ingredients.

To start, we sampled a trio of small plates that set the tone for the menu nicely. The hummus with bread batons was a simple but well-executed opener, featuring a smooth, creamy hummus topped with whole chickpeas and a light sprinkle of paprika, which added a warm, slightly smoky depth of flavour. Paired with crusty bread, it made for an easy crowd-pleaser.

With a contrasting taste, the chorizo with pickled pineapple and hot honey brought a more vibrant, punchy combination to the table. The richness of the chorizo was balanced by the sharpness of the pineapple, while the hot honey added a subtle sweetness with a gentle kick of heat. 

The Hall & Woodhouse fried chicken rounded things off with a crisp outside and tender inside; it delivered exactly what you’d hope for, with a well-seasoned coating that added plenty of flavour, and was paired with a mayo that complemented it perfectly.

Together, the starters offered a good balance of light, bold and comforting options, giving a great first impression of the Spring menu.

There were plenty of other tempting options available as well, including spicy lamb meatballs, crispy cauliflower wings, patatas bravas, and falafel bites.

For mains, we opted for two classics: the fish and chips and the chicken parmigiana. Both of which leaned into that comforting, crowd-pleasing side of the menu. The fish and chips delivered on all fronts. The batter was light and crisp, with tender fish inside, while the chips were golden and generously portioned. The familiar favourite brought balance from all sides and was served with a choice of garden or mushy peas, and pot of tartar sauce.

The chicken parmigiana is a tender chicken breast beneath a crisp coating, topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese that added plenty of flavour without feeling too heavy. Served with a well-balanced side of hash brown bites and salad. It was ideal if you’re in the mood for something comforting with a bit of depth.

There are plenty of delicious mains and house favourites, from the steak and Tanglefoot Ale pie, to a delicious nourish bowl to a wide range of burgers with unique and flavourful twists, while lighter bites include sandwiches, toasties, and bagels such as the fish finger sandwich, coronation chicken toastie, and a chicken and bacon mayo sandwich.

Overall, the Spring menu at Hall & Woodhouse Swindon is worth trying. If you are looking for a classic dinner or more of a tapas style dining experience, it serves on all fronts. You can enjoy the menu inside the well decorated interiors or on their canalside dining area whilst enjoying the sun.

They also run a range of appealing weekly specials that make it worth visiting more than once. From Monday to Thursday, there’s a Happy Hour running from 4pm to 7pm, you can get 33% off food on Mondays, while Tuesdays feature a great-value 2-for-1 on mains.

On Wednesdays, burgers are priced at just £11.95, or you can upgrade to the ultimate combo by adding fries for only £12.50. On Fridays, you can enjoy two pizzas for £20, adding another tempting offer to round off the week.

The venue is also dog-friendly and kid-friendly, with a dedicated children’s menu featuring classics like a beef burger and battered fish goujons, making it a relaxed choice for groups and families. It also doubles as a great spot for remote working, with the option to settle into the bar area with a drink while you work.

To find out more or to book a table please visit their website here.

When are Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe open?

Opening Times

• Monday – Thursday: 10am – 10pm
• Friday: 10am – 11pm
• Saturday: 9:30am – 11pm
• Sunday: 10am – 9pm

Food Service Times

• Monday – Friday: 10am – 8:30pm
• Saturday: 10am – 9:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Where is Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe located?

Peglars Way, Wichelstowe, Swindon, SN1 7DA

 

 

 

 

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