What's the draw
The Woodford has been winning admirers from all over London since it opened in E18 at the beginning of the year. The location hasn't stopped hoards of diners making the pilgrimage to try 24-year-old Pierre Koffman protégé Ben Murphy's inventive, Michelin-baiting fine-dining cuisine, though.
What to drink
There's a compact cocktail list, but we went with wine, wine and more wine. A glass of Pommery to start was a perfect intro, and we made the most of some wine pairing by the glass courtesy of GM William Yarney, who's worked alongside Murphy for most of their careers. A crisp Roubertas Côtes de Provence rosé and a flinty Gavi were the pick of those matched with our starters, and a Laudun Côtes du Rhône Villages, made with a classic blend of Rhône grapes, had more than enough body to stand up to our lamb.
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What to eat
You can go all-out on the tasting menu – seven dishes, plus a few extras, for £70 – or, if you feel like the hit your Oyster card's taken means you'd prefer to keep it à la carte, two courses for £37 and three for £47 is decent value for cooking of this exceptional standard. Textures of beetroot, with fresh and dried fruits and mild but tangy goat's cheese was an intriguing starter, and our main – saddle of lamb with punchy smoked yoghurt and spiced aubergine purée – was a showstopper. Desserts can be a little off-piste, but you'll make the journey back to Zone 2 with no doubt that you've tasted the cooking of one of London's most promising young chefs.
Two courses: £37; wines from £27 by the bottle. 159 High Road, E18 2PA; thewoodford-e18.com
