Food review at The Parson Woodforde in Weston Longville

And by boasting a traditional, oak-beamed country pub vibe, I'm in complete agreement that the Parson Woodforde is a must-visit. 

As stated on its website, you won’t find games machines, alcopops, or microwaved meals at the Weston Longville eatery. 

But what you will find is a huge bar, exceptionally friendly and down-to-earth staff, and a menu that will take you at least ten minutes to salivate over. 

And salivate we did. 

The menu is succinct but offers a variety of different dishes to suit most taste buds and features subsections including Nibbles While We Cook, Salads and Boards, and From the Char Grill. 

For the starters I opted for the scorched mackerel (£10.95). The dish was served with a blow torched fillet, rustic pate, beetroot puree and apple matchsticks with horseradish cream.

Mr W. picked the Moule Marinieres (£10.95) – this can also be served as a main (£18.95) – which was made with local mussels teased open in a smooth and deliciously rich classic shallot, parsley, white wine, garlic and cream sauce with a side of baked ciabatta (gluten-free adaptable).  

While the main menu offered a variety of traditional meals, such as beer battered fish and chips (£16.95), Tikka Masala (from £14.95) and surf and turf (£22.95), I fancied something from the Specials menu. 

It was a difficult choice, bearing in mind that I turned down cornfed chicken breast, hake fillet, and homemade gnocchi, but I decided on the slow cooked pork belly (£20.95). 

I was presented with a giant portion of pork belly which was tender and flavoursome. It was served with creamy mash, tenderstem broccoli, celeriac puree and a sublime apple gel and Aspall’s cider jus.

Unable to resist both seafood and a platter, Mr W. picked the seafood board (£22.95) which was filled with a tian of crab meat and crayfish tails, shell on prawns, smoked mackerel (Mr W.’s favourite part of the meal) and fillet, crab bon bons, crevettes, salad leaves, freshly baked bread and butter, lemon and dill mayonnaise and a Marie rose sauce.

Overall, this was a lovely main, but the bon bons were a bit disappointing as we feel they would have benefitted from a stronger flavour. However, that is just personal preference, really.

Were we full? Yes. Did that stop us from looking at the dessert menu? Obviously not. 

There was no way I was going to turn down a boozy Black Forest sundae (£7.95). I’m not usually a fan, as I find most sundaes are just posh ice cream, but this was spectacular; ice cream with brownie pies, Chantilly cream, Kirsch griottines (brandy-softened cherries), berries and coulis. 

Wow. This alone was worth the drive out there. 

Mr W. decided on the pick and mix cheeseboard (£9.50), offering a choice of three cheeses from its cheese truckle selection. 

I won’t list them all, but it’s a good selection, and Mr W. picked the Baron Bigod brie, Norfolk Dapple, and Binham Blue.

They were decent-sized chunks and went perfectly with plenty of crackers, fresh fruit and celery, and caramalised onion chutney. 

He couldn’t quite finish it all but as we are getting married next month, it seems only fitting that he shared it with me (I can’t say the same about me fitting into my wedding dress now though!) 

The Parson Woodforde is based on Church Street in Weston Longville, near Norwich. 

Setting  

Whether you want to perch at the bar, enjoy a traditional Norfolk pub experience, or relax outside, this really is the place to suit a variety of needs. It’s a stunning pub, both inside and out, and really makes for a lovely visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.   

Value     

Our meal, three courses with two drinks each, came in at £98.50. It is at the more expensive scale of dining out, but I would say that it is easy to see why. Fresh ingredients, great food offerings, and exceptionally lovely staff. 

Well worth the price tag for a special evening out to celebrate, but also a nice destination pub to enjoy some quality grub and time with your nearest and dearest. 

Drinks  

There is an extensive wine list here and I enjoyed a glass of Hawkes Peak blush zinfandel (from £5.75). There are also the usual suspects of spirits and lagers, ales, and ciders on tap. 

Toilets     

Roomy, bright and clean. You couldn’t ask for more really. 

Accessibility     

Although the car park is graveled, there is a decent path laid out at the back of the pub for wheelchair and pushchair accessiblity. Once inside, the floors are level and there is ample room to move about. 

On the menu, there are options on several dishes to be adapted to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. There is also a vegan menu. 

A children’s menu is also offered here too.

Service 

The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable about the food. They seemed just as excited to have us eating there as we were to be there. There’s a really lovely atmosphere here.

Highlight     

Reading the menu. There were so many delicious-sounding meals to pick from, it was hard to pick – which is never a bad thing. Mr W. and I really enjoyed talking about all of the dishes. 

In summary    

Well worth the drive out, even if it just for a drink. 

Disclaimer    

Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.  

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