🥊 Food Fight: Tale of the Tape 🥊
In the blue corner, hailing from the charming harbour village of Solva, Pembrokeshire, we’ve got The Hats and Barrels – a cosy pub with a nautical soul, known for its hearty plates, warm fireside seating, and a pint that always feels like a local’s welcome.
And in the red corner, representing the rolling Somerset countryside, it’s Woodford Lodge, Chew Magna – a lakeside favourite where rustic meets refined, serving up classic dishes with a modern twist while overlooking the tranquil waters of Chew Valley Lake.
Two eateries, two distinct settings – one seaside and snug, the other countryside and serene. But only one can take the crown on The Gourmet Gauge. Let’s see who delivers the knockout bite!
Taste:
🥊 Round 1: Hearty Hits from the Harbour: In the blue corner, The Hats and Barrels come out swinging with a menu full of crowd-pleasers – from hanging chicken skewers to juicy burgers and a roasted root vegetable gratin that packs a punch. We landed here on one of our first nights and were knocked out by the flavours so much we came back for round two. The star of the night? The Roasted Root Vegetable Cheesy Bake, which had my husband and mum cheering in delight. I went for the chicken burger with bacon and cheese, backed up by cheesy garlic bread so indulgent it practically scored a TKO.
🥊 Round 2: A Refined Right Hook: In the red corner, Woodford Lodge enters with a more refined, seasonal menu, sleek and measured. I opted for the British classic thick-cut ham, egg and chips, while my husband tackled a chunky fish finger ciabatta, and our friend enjoyed a hearty salad. The execution was solid and the ingredients were fresh, but the punches in flavour just didn’t land as hard – it lacked that extra kick to leave a lasting impression.
Presentation:
🥊 Round 3: Rustic Uppercut: When it came to presentation, The Hats and Barrels keeps it honest – rustic and unpretentious, reflecting its cosy pub roots. Plates land on the table with a “pile it high and serve it warm” approach, which perfectly suits the hearty menu. Not flashy, but there’s charm and comfort in every plate.
🥊 Round 4: Polished Plates: Woodford Lodge matches its refined menu with neat, well-considered plating. The plates themselves could even be hand-thrown ceramics, adding to the stylish, country lodge aesthetic. Presentation complements the setting beautifully, giving the food a polished yet approachable feel.
Ambience:
🥊 Round 5: Cosy Corners: The Hats and Barrels brings the classic pub charm, with low beams, wooden panels, and a warm, cosy atmosphere. There’s a sense of history here, and on busy nights, the chatter and laughter feel like an arena full of fans. On quieter nights, it can feel a little flat, but the homely vibe always lands a solid jab.
🥊 Round 6: Lakeside Knockouts: Woodford Lodge steps into the ring with lakeside views and natural light streaming in, giving it a calm and refined aura. The serene scenery of Chew Valley Lake adds knockout points to the setting, though it feels slightly more formal and less buzzy than a lively pub.
Service:
🥊 Round 7: Friendly Jab: Service here hits with friendliness and warmth. Staff make you feel at home and are attentive without hovering. It’s the kind of pub service that feels personal and genuine, landing consistent, solid jabs in the hospitality department.
🥊 Round 8: Polished Punch: Woodford Lodge delivers polished and professional service. Attentive, efficient, and courteous, the staff maintain the lodge’s refined vibe without losing warmth. They make sure every detail is handled smoothly, giving the dining experience a confident uppercut.
Value for Money:
🥊 Round 9: A Wallet-Friendly Swing: Portions are generous and prices are fair, meaning you leave satisfied without a bruised wallet. The hearty meals and indulgent sides make it easy to justify every penny, landing solid points in the value round.
🥊 Round 10: Priced Precision: While the setting, service, and presentation are impressive, the slightly restrained flavours and more refined approach push prices a little higher. Still, the quality and setting make it worth the spend if you’re after a polished experience.
Pros & Cons:
- Hats and Barrels – Hearty, comforting flavours✅
- Woodford Lodge – Refined seasonal dishes✅
- Woodford Lodge – Scenic lakeside location✅
- Hats and Barrels – Homely rather than polished ❌
- Woodford Lodge – Slightly more pricier❌
Gourmet Gauge:
At the end of the fight, it ended up a very close battle. In two tie-scoring rounds in Presentation and Service, Woodford Lodge takes the win on Ambience, but The Hats and Barrels pulls one out of the bag with two winning rounds in Taste and Value for Money. 🥊
Hats and Barrels:———————–Woodford Lodge:
Taste: 9/10 🥄————————–Taste: 8/10 🥄
Presentation: 8/10 🍽️ —————–Presentation: 8/10 🍽️
Ambience: 8/10 🕯️———————Ambience: 9/10 🕯️
Service: 8/10 🧑🍳————————-Service: 8/10 🧑🍳
Value for Money: 8/10💰————– Value for Money: 7/10 💰
Total: 41/50 Highly Recommend!——Total: 40/50 Highly Recommend!
You can find The Hats and Barrels website at: https://hatsandbarrels.co.uk/
You can find The Woodford Lodge website at: https://www.woodfordlodge.co.uk/
You can check out our Gourmet Gauge standings by visiting the blog post below.
https://tastetrekker.co.uk/2025/02/03/our-gourmet-gauge-rankings/
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any favourite eateries you’d like us to review, please let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow our blog for the latest reviews and foodie adventures. Stay connected with us on social media for more delicious updates, mouth-watering photos, and engaging discussions. Your feedback and suggestions help us bring you the best dining experience!
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The Taste Trekker 
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