Once the biggest post-war ‘Estate of the Future’, now one of Europe’s largest redevelopment projects, Woodberry Down is a place in flux. But beyond the blocks and building site it’s a thriving wildlife oasis with a boating lake and wetlands centre. With the addition of The Naturalist, it can now add a gastropub to its credentials, too.
The pub’s seasonal menu features homegrown faves like roast rump of lamb, fish pie and sirloin steak. We’d have liked more veggie mains, but took the cue to go all-out on sides: the Cornish samphire salad and braised carrots slathered in local honey stood out.
At the bar there’s a good selection of wines (TWO pinot noirs), and some local beers. Cocktails are what really sets the Naturalist aside from other haunts, with a creative menu packed with botanicals.
Mains were highly insta-friendly for pub food and we liked the local touches. These were most apparent in the desserts: the chocolate torte with honeycomb left us sweet and wanting more.
