Woodies, Claremont

Updated: 28-03-2019

Woodies have closed their V&A Waterfront branch and are now trading from their Claremont banch. The review below is of the V&A branch but the food offering is the same.

HOUSE REVIEW:

I’ve been hearing about Woodies for some time and happened to find myself at the V&A Food Market on the Wharf located next to the craft market and wellness centre, close to the Portswood parking, about a month ago. I went upstairs where they are located and was faced with a throng of people queueing and clamouring at the various food stalls but predominently in front of Woodies. It didn’t help that it was right on lunch time but I thought that if a place was that popular those burgers must really be something else. Note to self, come back soon to sample the madness. Of course not even days later I found out from their Facebook page that they were closed. Not long after that there was talk of re-opening again. So I’m glad to say they are in fact back at the market on the wharf. Still in a bit of a set-up stage but operating and churning out those burgers.

We decided to try it out on Heritage day. Not that burgers have much to do with our heritage. Thankfully they were not as busy as the last time and the queue was quite manageable. Their list of burgers is short and sweet and includes only 9 types of burgers and nothing else. They are not allowed to sell any drinks as per the Markets rules so you need to buy your drinks at one of the other vendors downstairs and bring them with you.

We ordered a Chilli Burger and a Creamy Mushroom and Green Pepper Sauce burger, both with fries. Took a seat at one of the wooden tables in the cosy food court and waited for them to call my name to pick up the order. They also supply paper plates if you’re eating there. Both burgers came with 2 hand-pressed beef patties (or you can opt for chicken), lots of salad, sauce and cheese.

The burgers were of the better ones I’ve had from any fast food place. Loved the Jalapenos on the Chilli Burger but the Mushroom Burger was not nearly as saucy as I was expecting. The fries, served in a styrofoam cup are good if you’re in the mood for the “slap tjips” variety which sometimes I crave although I generally prefer the Mcdonalds variety. Pre-salted and vinegary just like from the local fisheries just thinner cut. I am ashamed to say that although I went there hungry, I was unable to finish my burger. Good food but with a high messy factor. You’re going to use the entire stack of serviettes they put in your paper bag. Don’t go there on a first date.

For what you get it’s great value for money. It’s a well stacked burger at R45 and R50 respectively with an extra R10 each for chips. Only the Colossus weighs in at R80 but with four patties you’re going to need to come with a big hole in your stomach. Also a well priced entry level Cheddar Burger at only R25.