6 Reasons to Visit The Woodmans Arms this Winter

This is an advert for November 2022 and based on a visit in November 2022. Any edits / shares after this date have not been asked or paid for. 

The Woodmans Arms in Whickham is one of our favourite restaurants / pubs in North East England. It is one of our go-to places to dine as a family where we consistantly receive great service and I know there is something on the menu to suit everyone. 

Here are six reasons to visit this winter: 

1 - It's a Beautiful Festive Setting 

They really go all out with festive decor at The Woodmans Arms. If you're looking for a magical setting with lots of twinkly lights , christmas music and festive feels, I think you'd struggle to find a better option than here. 

From the stunning Harry Potter themed Christmas Tree which welcomes you on arrival to the lovely woodland scene by the bar and little festive corners throughout with twinkly lights and real fires, The Woodmans Arms is the kind of place that really feels special when you dine here. 

2 - Super Easy to Book

If you're looking to book a restaurant in the Newcastle area, it couldn't be easier with Open Table. You can instantly book a table at The Woodmans Arms here (choose from the bar, restaurant or outdoor areas - dogs are welcome in the bar). 

Please make a note in the special request box how many of you will be dining from the festive fayre menu. 

3 - Delicious Christmas Fayre Menu 

Christmas Fayre runs from now until the 24 December (excluding Sundays) and is reasonably priced at £25 for 2 courses or £30 for 3 courses including a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival (for both options). 

I am such a traditionalist and opted for the Smoked Salmon to start (served with dill cream cheese and orange). This dish was super fresh and zesty and one I would definitely recommend. 

It had to be traditional turkey with all the trimmings for my main. Everything was cooked perfectly and served nice and hot. I felt like the portion size was just right too. Not too small but not huge either which meant I *just* had room for dessert. 

Other options include a nut roast, braised beef or herb crusted baked cod. All sound delicious. 

And to finish it had to be Christmas Pudding for me. This version was lovely and light and served with traditional brandy sauce and red berries. I almost ordered the Chocolate Delice which also sounded fabulous. Maybe a good reason to go back. 

As well as a complimentary glass of fizz when dining from the Christmas Fayre menu, The Woodmans Arms' bar is well stocked. They offer a good range of cocktails and mocktails (I recommend the Woodmans Cooler) alongside a large selections of gins, spirits and beers. Or you can go all out and order from their Champagne menu if you're feeling fancy. 

Wines are priced between £22 and £55 per bottle and their cheapest option  (Chilean Merlot) is perfectly decent. 

It's nice to see Gluten Free Beer and 0% Beer options available as standard.  

4 - It's Brilliant for Teens 

The main menu runs alongside Chritmas Fayre which is ideal when dining with teens who if they're like mine, would much rather order a pizza over a roast dinner every day of the week. 

I like that some of you can dine from the main and some of you from the Christmas menu here - it means there will almost certainly always be something for even the most fussiest of eaters.

My teens highly rate the Log Fired Pizzas and nearly always order them. Other teen favourites include the BBQ Pork Ribs (below) and Fish & Chips (with proper homemade chips). There are Ve, V and GF options as standard. 

We nearly always order the Sticky Toffee Pudding which is just the best however on this particular occasion, the teens decided to go for ice cream sundaes which they really enjoyed. 

5 - Perfect for Kids 

The Woodmans Arms offers a dedicated children's menu which is £8 for a main course and ice cream. Options include: 

• Half fish with fries, beans or peas 
• Chicken goujons with fries, beans or peas 
• Pork sausage with mash, beans or peas 
• Veggie sausage with mash, beans or peas 
• Pizza with a selection of toppings 

Kids will love all of the beautiful decorations and are made to feel super welcome. As a special festive bonus, if they are able to find the secret Golden Snitch which has been hidden in the Harry Potter Tree and let staff know where it is, they will receive a small prize for their efforts. 

It is very well hidden so will keep them entertained for ages (we didn't actually manage to find it despite being assured it was there). 

6 - Near Gibside, Land of Oak and Iron & Metrocentre 

Like many, a festive day out followed by a meal in a lovely pub is my idea of a day well spent. The Woodmans Arms is ideally located next to lots of lovely days out in the North East including: 

• Metrocentre (Shopping / FREE Ice Skating / Santa's Grotto in the Festive Forest) 
• Land of Oak & Iron (Frost Fest / Mischevious Elf Trail) 
• Gibside (Evening Light Trail) 

If you're visiting Gibside's evening light trail (pictured above), you can receive a 10% discount on your dining bill (both main and Christmas fayre menu). Simply mention this deal when booking and ordering. Proof of tickets may be required. 

As I mentioned in the intro, we are big fans of The Woodmans Arms and this Winter's options are as fantastic as always.