Woodman Pub Reopens in Southgate by Heartwood Inns

Key Points

• Heartwood Inns has opened its 35th pub, The Woodman in Southgate, north London, following a comprehensive refurbishment.​
• The launch event on or around 3 February 2026 included local community members, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and a welcome speech by Heartwood Collection CEO Richard Ferrier.
• The pub features warm, welcoming interiors in Heartwood’s signature style, a new rear extension for more space, and a landscaped patio.
• General Manager Filip Tlustochowicz and Head Chef Ram Rana Magar lead the team, offering a seasonally changing menu with sustainably sourced British ingredients and classic pub dishes.
• Drinks include local cask ales, craft beers, extensive wines, and classic cocktails.​
• Weekly events: Steak Nights on Wednesdays (complimentary wine for two steaks), live music on Fridays, quizzes and games on Tuesdays.​
• Additional February events: Meet the Brewer on Mondays, Paws in the Pub (dog-friendly) on Saturdays with complimentary tea/coffee and dog bandanas.​
• The pub is dog-friendly, family-welcome, near Grovelands Park, with kids’ menu, dog menu, Sunday roasts, and gift vouchers redeemable across Heartwood Inns.
• Richard Ferrier stated: “We’re incredibly proud to be opening our 35th pub with The Woodman in Southgate. This is a fantastic community pub, and we’ve taken great care to restore it as a warm and welcoming place for everyone. With a full calendar of events from steak nights to live music and dog-friendly gatherings, we’re excited to become a true hub for the local area.”​
• The Woodman, built from cottages dating to 1727 and established as a pub in 1868, previously closed in 2012 prompting local petitions before reopening.​

Southgate, North London (North London News) February 4, 2026 – The Woodman pub in Southgate has reopened under Heartwood Inns as the company’s 35th venue after an extensive refurbishment, drawing local community members to a celebratory launch event featuring live music, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting.

What Triggered the Reopening of The Woodman Pub?

The Woodman, a historic pub in Southgate, has returned following a full refurbishment by Heartwood Inns, marking a key expansion milestone. As reported by the Hospitality & Catering News team, the opening celebrates the revival of a much-loved community venue with thoughtfully restored heritage elements and modern additions like a new rear extension. Guests at the launch explored redesigned interiors reflecting Heartwood’s trademark warm style, emphasising its role as a social hub near Grovelands Park.

This reopening revives a site with deep roots; as detailed in a PG Web UK local history piece, The Woodman originated in 1868 from two 1727 cottages, with its first landlord a retired police officer, and one of England’s smallest bars. It faced closure in 2012, sparking local dismay and petitions against owners Marston’s, leading to a brief reopening.

Heartwood Collection, formerly Brasserie Bar Co under Raymond Blanc since 1996 and now backed by Alchemy Partners, acquired it to breathe new life into such venues.​

Who Attended the Launch Event at The Woodman?

Members of the Southgate community joined Heartwood representatives at the launch, as covered extensively by Hospitality & Catering News. The event featured an official ribbon-cutting, live music, and a welcome speech from CEO Richard Ferrier.

Travel and Tour World reported it as a lively gathering of locals, business leaders, and hospitality enthusiasts, highlighting the pub’s community focus.

Richard Ferrier, promoted to CEO in 2024 after roles from business analyst to managing director, emphasised growth during the pandemic and acquisitions. Morning Advertiser noted the event underscored Heartwood’s investment in community-led environments. The Woodman’s official site confirms the pub opened to the public on 3 February 2026, inviting visitors post-stroll in nearby Grovelands Park.

What Does the Refurbished Interior Look Like?

The refurbishment preserves heritage while introducing Heartwood’s signature warm interiors, including a stunning light-filled rear extension, spacious bar, cosy areas, and landscaped patio for al fresco dining. As per Hospitality & Catering News, the transformation creates an inviting space for eating, drinking, and socialising. London Now described it as thoughtfully refurbished to reflect the brand’s design style.[cite (user input)]

The Woodman’s site highlights enhanced comfort with more space, ideal for quiet pints to late-night cocktails. This aligns with Heartwood’s approach, as seen in their 35-pub portfolio, blending tradition with contemporary appeal. The investment increases dining covers and refreshes throughout, per Morning Advertiser reports on similar openings.

Who Leads the Team at The Woodman Pub?

General Manager Filip Tlustochowicz and Head Chef Ram Rana Magar helm operations, as announced by Hospitality & Catering News and echoed across sources.

Tlustochowicz oversees the front-of-house, while Magar, with experience in Asian, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines from his Instagram profile, delivers Heartwood’s menu standards. Travel and Tour World praised their stewardship for quality British food.

Magar’s background includes prior Heartwood roles; LinkedIn posts note similar chefs building teams post-pandemic. The team recruits for chef, front-of-house, and manager positions, offering training and benefits. Heartwood’s model relies on such leadership for seasonal excellence.

What Food and Drink Can Visitors Expect?

The menu features seasonally changing, sustainably sourced classics using British ingredients, paired with local cask ales, craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Hospitality & Catering News detailed comforting pub dishes, while the pub’s site lists à la carte, Saturday all-day, Sunday roasts with bottomless trimmings, kids’ menu, party menu, bar menu, and even a dog menu.​

Specifics include hearty Sunday roasts and vibrant seasonal flavours. Heartwood Inns’ à la carte exemplifies fresh ingredients. Drinks curate local options for authenticity. Gift vouchers cover food, drink, and stays across sites.

What Events Are Scheduled at The Woodman?

A vibrant calendar anchors community ties: Steak Nights Wednesdays (free wine for two steaks), live music Fridays, quizzes/games Tuesdays, per Hospitality & Catering News. February adds Meet the Brewer Mondays and Paws in the Pub Saturdays with tea/coffee and dog bandanas.​

The user-provided London Now snippet matches: steak nights Wednesdays, live music Fridays, quizzes/games Tuesdays, plus dog-friendly gatherings.[cite] Pub site promotes family and pet events. These foster regulars, aligning with Ferrier’s hub vision.​

How Does This Fit Heartwood Inns’ Growth?

This marks Heartwood’s 35th pub, part of ambitious expansion post-2024, as Ferrier leads into hospitality leadership. Hospitality & Catering News called it a significant milestone. Morning Advertiser links it to nationwide trends in openings and refurbishments.

From 25 pubs pre-acquisition, growth continues with pubs-with-rooms. Instagram teases the 35th. Southgate’s Woodman boosts local hospitality for residents and tourists.

What Is the History of The Woodman Pub?

Originating from 1727 cottages turned pub in 1868, it boasts a tiny bar and police officer origins. Closures and petitions mark its past, now revived by Heartwood. Other Woodmans exist, but Southgate’s is this Heartwood site.

Why Is The Woodman a Community Hub?

Ferrier stressed restoration as a welcoming spot with events. Near parks, dog- and family-friendly, it targets locals and visitors. Recruitment invites passionate staff, ensuring vibrancy.