Gourmet pizza and lashings of craft beer – yes please!
NOT too long ago it was a challenge to have a fine dining experience in Gordonton. There was a time when even fish and chips weren’t on the menu.
Those days are gone, over a long time ago, and Number 8 Network ventured out to Prof’s @ Woodlands to partake of their Friday night pizza special, with some craft beer on the side.
It was a perfect evening; the last rays of the sun gave enough light for young cricket players to perfect their technique on Woodland’s cricket oval – we had a front seat view – and it truly felt like summer.
Since taking over earlier this year Kate and Allan Wilson have adjusted and added to the menu of this country café, nestled within the Woodlands estate. They have also – bless – installed a bar, bringing a range of craft beers and ciders to Gordonton. These include Good George IPA and Drop Hop Cider and they’re looking to increase the range.
Another welcome initiative of this friendly café (toys for kids, books and puzzles for adults) is complimentary sparkling water upon arrival. The service is equally sparkling and attentive – Mr N8N and I were unsure which beer sounded best. To help us decide, Kate, wearing her customary bowler hat, brought us wee tasters of each. We settled on the Good George IPA and King Country Pale Ale. Both were delightful.
There was a good range of starters to tempt us, and we chose the shrimp twisters – whole shrimp encased in a crispy wonton-like pastry and served with their own sweet chilli sauce. Deliciously crisp and moreish. It was lucky there was an even number of these or trouble would have ensued.
Then it was time for the gourmet pizza. From the specials blackboard we chose salmon with cream cheese and capers – it was a luscious little pizza, full of flavour and perfectly cooked. The pizza base was delicious.
By this time the cricketers had packed up and we were happily replete with great food in a gorgeous setting. It was a thoroughly delightful and special way to end the week and so very close to home.
I doff my hat to Prof’s. A gem of a cafe in the bucolic countryside of Gordonton.
- Click here for an early story about Kate and Allan and their vision for the cafe.
• Prof’s @ Woodlands is open from 9am every day, and on Friday, until 7pm. Phone 824 3985. The Woodlands Homestead has been decorated for Christmas – drop by during the day to view.
