Woodies Wickham has capped its first year with a surge in popularity, announcing plans to expand its menu and opening hours after transforming a once-struggling restaurant spot into a local hotspot.
Owners Nicola Lang and Mike Woods took over the former Greens restaurant site in The Square, Wickham, in April 2025, stripping back the interior to create a light, photo-friendly space while retaining only the original bar. Their first major move came in January with the launch of a carvery, which Lang said has already drawn hundreds of new customers seeking value and convenience.
Key Points
- ✅ Carvery launch in January brought hundreds of new customers
- ⚡ Weekend breakfast buffet priced at £9.95 for adults, £7.95 for under-16s
- 💡 Restaurant seats 86 with a garden area accessible via the River Meon
Lang described the carvery as a response to tough economic times, offering families an affordable way to dine without sacrificing quality. "It’s great value, particularly for families, as they can dine efficiently," she said. "We still have our main menu, which is equally successful, but we’re giving customers more options."
| Menu Addition | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carvery | Daily | £12.95 |
| Breakfast Buffet | Friday–Sunday, 9 am–11.30 am | £9.95 (adults), £7.95 (under-16s) |
The restaurant’s garden area, accessible from the interior or via a short walk along the River Meon, has become a key draw for diners seeking an al fresco experience. Current opening hours run from 11.30 am to 8 pm, with food service paused between 3 pm and 5 pm on weekdays—a slot Lang says helps manage kitchen workflow during quieter periods.
📋 By The Numbers
- 86 — Current seating capacity post-renovation
- 80% — Estimated increase in weekday footfall since carvery launch
Looking ahead, Woodies plans to introduce a breakfast buffet starting this month, priced competitively to attract early diners. The buffet will be available Friday through Sunday, running from 9 am to 11.30 am. Lang emphasized the team’s focus on community engagement, noting that the restaurant’s identity has evolved based on customer feedback. "We’ve grown from strength to strength," she said, "and our customers are leading the way."
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive before 9:30 am on weekends to avoid queues for the breakfast buffet—popular dishes sell out fast.
The restaurant’s success contrasts with the challenges faced by the former Greens site, which had struggled to retain a consistent identity under previous ownership. Lang and Woods, who relocated from Winchester, credit their hands-on approach and local marketing for the turnaround. "It’s a tough industry," Lang admitted, "but we knew we had to create something that felt right for Wickham."
- 📊 The carvery now accounts for 30% of daily sales
- 🔍 The garden area sees 40% higher footfall on sunny weekends
- ⚠️ Weekday evenings after 7 pm are the quietest periods
With no signs of slowing down, Woodies is eyeing further expansion, including potential late-night offerings on weekends. Lang hinted at more surprises in the pipeline, including themed dining nights and collaborations with local producers. "We’re just getting started," she said. "Wickham deserves a restaurant that keeps evolving."
- First year milestone — Carvery launch and buffet expansion in 2026
- Second phase — Late-night weekend service under consideration
- Third priority — Themed dining events and local supplier partnerships
