No 4 Wood Street is sited in a very special building, two hundred years old. Formerly in operation as a maltings, it was converted to a restaurant keeping as many original features as possible. Care was taken whilst the building was being converted - creating a more up to date use, but making sure that everything was done in a sympathetic fashion.
The result, mixing the modern with the traditional and the more unusual, including inserting a magnificent stained glass window, designed by a Forest Town student, has created an eclectic and different feel.
The restaurant is owned by chef, Michael Sindall. He is from the locality but was keen to come home and make a name for himself; he had trained in such excellent kitchens in London as those of the Roux Brothers(Le Gavroche) and Marco Pierre White(Criterion); he has recently won a few awards for his cooking further putting the place on the gastronomic map, including being included in the Michelin Guide in 2006,07& 2008
Everything served is freshly prepared, whenever possible using local ingredients, to such an extent that all desserts, bread, sauces, ice creams, biscuits, & pasta are homemade. The choice is ever changing, at one time every 6 weeks, now it changes on a daily basis.
At lunchtime we have a much lighter theme, with everything from goats cheese& beetroot terrine, to fresh soups, to pasta, like linguini with tomato fondue, artichokes, garlic& spinach, the selection changes frequently but the cost is much lower than in the evening; we have put £20, but it could vary from under £10 up to £35 for the full a la carte.
They also have an exceptional wine list with many wines being imported directly; Danny (the former owner) is the enthusiast in that field and has diligently sought out some special offerings, actually visiting the small cellars in France where many of them come from - often unique to 4, Wood Street - or using wine merchants that have more unusual and special bottles on their lists.
All those involved with No 4 have put a lot of love into their creation, and the results show it. They are also extremely flexible and are willing to cater for every occasion, from a special meal for two, through to a large family party or celebration.
