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Woodview Cafe
CM'S roving gourmet finds no-frills value for money at the Al's Woodview Cafe where even on a summer's day wholesome plain cooking is served hotter than the inside of an oven.
The journey up the northbound carriageway on the Al towards Wittering took place on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year so far.
An exit poll seemed the most appropriate way of assessing customer reactions to the day's offerings at the Woodview Cafe so I button-holed Stewart Hayter, a driver with Royston Concrete Pumps. Q: Why did you decide on this truckstop? A: 'They always look after you here. The prices are fair and the food is reasonably good."
Stewart, it transpired had been a regular at the Woodview for seven years.. An Eleco Distribution driver from Barnsley also described himself as a regular customer.
0: What did you think of the quality of the food?
A: "The quality is consistent; I'd say about 5 out of 1 0 on average." Things were beginning to look promising. Q: What makes you choose to visit a new truckstop?
A: "A truck park full of vehicles. It has to be some kind of recommendation," said Gary Felt. He was not a truck driver but had deliberately driven up the Al because of the probability of finding a traditional transport eating house.
The absence of frills at the Woodview puts it in that category. Although a carnivore, Gary had selected the vegetarian breakfast for a change. Fried potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and two slices cost £2.65 with tea. "It was excellent," he said. His wife Jill added: "I had bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomatoes and a fried slice. Then I had the strawberry sponge, which could have been home made. I loved it."
Satisfied that they were not stooges for management, I went in to find a main area for about 60 people and a second TV room.
As expected, the breakfast was a winner. The Truckers Breakfast at £3.20 looked a steal. Fried potatoes, sausage, bread and tea were added to Jill's mouth-watering description. Given the heat outside a ham or cheese salad at £3.25, might have been a good choice but all these were sok targets. I went for the steak and kidney dinner at £3.35, including tea (alternatively, fresh coffee was available on the counter).
even though several drivers arrived at once. Owner Adrian Law was rushed off his feet Waiting time was kept to a minimum, but still found time to smile at the customers as he delivered Food to the table at high speed. When the meal arrived I discovered his secret. A piece of pie warmer than this one would still be cooking in the oven. It was accompanied by four large boiled potatoes, cabbage, chunkily cut carrots and gravy which was not far below boiling point. All of which made the plate itself exceedingly hot. Without gloves, it's no wonder he worked fast.
I couldn't fault the pie and you don't come to a traditional place like this for imaginative food presentation. However, the vegetables on this occasion had lost much of their distinctive flavours.
Martin Simmonds of Essex-based Abdi Haulage and Storage was just leaving.
0: What do you look for in a traditional truckstop?
A: 'Value. I've just had corned beef, egg and beans, a slice of bread and butter and a cup of tea which cost me less than three quid; there's good parking and you can have a laugh with the people here too. You can't ask for much more than that."
Overall opinion was that the Woodview Cafe gives good value but is low on frills. An overnight stop costs about £4 but includes the cost of a £3.35 evening meal. That's good value. The small washroom at the back is functional but was inning to suffer From midday fatigue. RAF A few frills here
would be worth it. WOOPV1EVi Shell Garage!' L Sound-off returns next week.