Tucked away in a residential suburb, away from the high streets and spotlight, shines a hidden gem.
Woolf & Social is located on Nelson Street in the NR2 area, just off Dereham Road, and is surrounded by terrace rows and homely pubs including the Fat Cat which sits directly across.
We arrived at 1pm on a Saturday but the streets were quiet and the atmosphere calm.
Once arrived, we were greeted immediately and chose to sit outside on the patio area since it was warm enough to do so and which is covered in part by an awning, and I imagine in the summer months there's a real bustle when the sun is shining and the wind is calm.
We didn't see much of the inside but through the windows, I could see the interior was simply decorated and comfortable, with plenty of space between tables.
To drink, I ordered the maple old fashioned which came in a lowball glass with a large square ice cube and was plenty strong and citrusy - no half measure.
To start, we had the smashed cucumber and Norfolk cheese croquettes, as well as a side of sourdough and seaweed-infused butter which was a welcome reprieve between dishes, with the seaweed subtle enough not to overpower and overwhelm.
The smashed cucumber comes in a sauce that is perfectly tart and tangy, which paired very well with the mellow but mature cheese croquettes whose crusts were fried to an excellent crisp crunch.
Woolf & Social's menu comes similarly to that of other tapas-style restaurants, with two to three dishes recommended per person.
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Our waiter was more than helpful in suggesting choices and letting us know her favourites, and we went for the aubergine curry and fried chicken, miso and shimeji to follow up.
Once ordered, the food comes as and when it is ready which is more than ok since it arrives promptly, and we tucked in.
The aubergine curry was fragrant and lightly spiced, with a side of rice expertly cooked - maintaining a fluffiness but also firmness that is difficult to master and essential for a curry of this kind.
The fried chicken was second to arrive and was of the Korean kind, with a healthy serving of miso paste which was new to me but a faultless companion to the chicken which was juicy and buttery.
I used the dabs of honey that came with the croquettes on the chicken and altogether it was absolutely lovely.
For dessert, my partner ordered the mascarpone, rhubarb and shortbread which she loved and I had the chocolate cake with Laphroig cream.
A whiskey-infused cream turns out to be just the thing to go with chocolate - the cake itself being rich and deep and hearty, not at all the overly sweet and fudgy sort that most other restaurants stock.
I was eager to try another dish but was by this point completely full and satisfied.
All of the dishes on the menu seemed to jump out and next time I will definitely be trying the crab, pork belly, and lamb - although it's worth noting the menu is subject to change depending on the season.
Although sublime in its base components, the food stands out most when paired together - as was the recommendation from the staff - with the culmination of eclectic tastes and textures elevating it to a much higher level.
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Once finished, we were not ushered away and could enjoy finishing our drinks, and the bill came in good time.
Altogether, our meal totalled £61.50, which included two alcoholic drinks, two starters, two mains and a side.
Overall, Woolf & Social surprised in its affordability and simplicity and deserves every accolade.
The service was excellent and attentive, the setting urban but tranquil, and the food simply delicious.
Highly recommend.
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