The Woods opened its doors on Glasgow city centre’s Waterloo street just less than three months ago. Sister to the well-established west end version ‘The Hill’ bar on Byres Road, The Woods exerts the same stylish, sophisticated atmosphere.
The Venue
The interior is contemporary, warm, and alluring for an after-work tipple or Saturday night out. There is added quirky character and, rustic outdoorsy vibes from the tree trunks on the walls and woodland creature-themed modern art in grand frames, among luxurious dark coloured velvet and leather seats. The Woods is a large bar and restaurant with plenty of tables for its eaters and drinkers; including intimate booths for dining or bar-style high tables for groups to catch up over pints, and also a delightful seated, fairy-lit outdoor patio area with heaters, for when the weather is less frightful!
Quirky yet contemporary, there's nothing off putting to be found at The Woods.
The Food and Drink
Despite the fancy surroundings, the menu at The Woods is full of affordable classic comfort foods; pizzas, burgers, pastas, and a main menu of casseroles, curries and the likes; perfect for a winter warmers and ideal for both seasoned palates and fussy friends. I was totally starving on arrival for my evening meal, so went for a portion of their Thai fishcakes (£6.25) to start which were absolutely to-die-for, followed by a rich Thai Green Curry (I’m seeing a pattern) with prawns at £10.50, which was spicier than expected but deliciously moreish. No, Michelin dining this is not, but accessible flavours in recognisable and well-loved dishes? You got it. The menu is extremely reasonably priced, with all starters in or around the £5 mark, and mains around £10. I was ready to roll out the door after two courses, so definitely arrive hungry.
Drinks-wise, there’s everything you could desire behind the bar, with a huge selection of wines and spirits, whiskey in particular, whilst The Woods also boast that their drinks feature is the innovative cocktail list. For those who are super keen on their cocktails, The Woods also offers cocktail masterclasses for groups on certain nights. I went for a pint of Heineken extra cold which came in at £4.65.
Cocktails sit alongside a menu of foodie favourites.
Ambience and Clientele
Every table in The Woods appeared to be occupied when I arrived at peak after-work drinks time, and the clientele were very much young (and old) professionals, groups of lads having a laugh, couples, and some larger family groups having meals together. The surroundings are on the posher end, but the atmosphere is definitely casual. Halfway through my meal I was pleasantly surprised to realise that some live music had just started, with a two-man band treating us to some alternative rock, which added a real buzz. The waiter informed me that this was part of a night they were trying out called ‘Rocktail Thursdays’, and acoustic Sunday sessions are on the horizon too, with DJs also taking over on weekend nights, making for a lively atmosphere which is bound to attract a young clientele for pre-club drinks.
Try Rocktail Thursdays at The Woods for a dose of live music with your meal.
Summary
The Woods is pretty much everything you want it to be. It’s a watering hole for drinks with your pals with good music; it’s a quick pint while you wait for the train (being right next to central station), an intimate date or an opulent family dining experience at a great price.
