Yesterday saw the Grand Opening of our stunning pub, The Royal Forest, with a very special Royal visitor officially opening the doors to the public alongside invited guests. 

The opening saw historical reenactors in the guise of Queen Victoria and her attendants recreating the Queen’s visit to Epping Forest in 1882. At this time the pub changed its name from The Forest Hotel to The Royal Forest to mark the occasion and the dedication of the Forest to the public. 

The day saw guests enjoy a penny farthing spectacle in the car park, calligraphy of a bespoke copy of the history of the pub written by Morna Daniels and published in collaboration with the Chingford Historical Society, Victorian carols and a tasting from East London Brewery. 

The doors officially opened to guests at 1pm in an official ribbon cutting ceremony and we got off to a flying start with guests eagerly awaiting the chance to look round our beautiful refurbishment, treating themselves to a glass of something refreshing behind the bar and many more booked to dine in our restaurant.

Our pub, Heartwood Inns’ fifth pub with rooms, marks what has been a very special year for the group. Starting the year with no rooms, they now have five pubs with rooms and more than 175 bedrooms.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the restoration and opening of this gorgeous pub with 28 boutique bedrooms. The General Manager Rob and his team look forward to welcoming you!