The Woodford

Atmospherically located in the old Woodford Bourne wine merchants premises, this unusual bar has been a hit from the day it opened. It’s in a traffic free zone in central Cork’s eighteenth century ‘Huguenot District’ and, with entrances from both Paul Street and Daunt Square, there’s always a buzz.

The large space features a mixture of bright high ceilinged areas with soaring pillars, arches and smaller more intimate partitioned snugs, some with lovely stained glass. Décor is quirky with antique tables, odd chairs and some comfortable banquette seating. It’s a busy, buzzy place that visitors will love and locals of all ages have taken to their hearts.

But, interesting as the surroundings may be, it’s the food that sets The Woodford apart. With catering by Harold Lynch and Beth Haughton of the Club Brasserie it should be no surprise to find that, while casual, a meal here is a treat.

Quality ingredients sourced from the best local artisan food producers and the nearby English Market provide the delicious foundation for simple and very flavoursome food that goes far beyond the standard expected of bar meals in Ireland.

Although it’s casual dining, it’s wise to book ahead if you plan to eat here, or you may have to wait for a table. (And bear in mind that the loos are up three flights of stairs!).

While The Woodford is, for most of the time, a comfortable and relaxed place that suits customers of all ages, Friday and Saturday nights are aimed at a young crowd, with a late bar, resident DJ’s and dancing until 2am.