Frequently Asked Questions

The Royal Forest offers a range of accessibility features to make it welcoming for visitors with disabilities. Here’s a breakdown:

Parking

Designated accessible parking spaces are available.

Ground Floor Access

Level access is provided throughout the ground floor. Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. One accessible bedroom with an en-suite wetroom bathroom is available.

Ramp Access

A ramp provides access to the rear of the building from the rear car park. A ramp is available at the main bar/restaurant doors.

Lift Access

A lift is available to access the first floor from the ground floor.

Limitations

Please note that other external doors may have thresholds and may not be level with the floor. If you have specific accessibility needs or require further information, it’s recommended to contact The Royal Forest directly to discuss your individual requirements. They will be able to provide more tailored advice and assistance. Our accessibility statement is available to view here.

We close the bar at 11.00pm (10pm on Sunday) to all our guests with last orders called 20 minutes before.

We don’t have a published corporate rate but would be pleased to speak with you to understand your requirements. Please call us on 020 8149 7879 and let’s see how we can assist you.

Cancellation policies vary depending on the rate plan you have booked. Details of the cancellation policy can be found on your booking confirmation.

Dogs are very welcome at The Royal Forest, with designated spots in the pub, water bowls, free treats and even a Sir Woofchester dog menu. Staying over? Our dog friendly rooms include a cosy bed, treats and access to a dog wash for a small additional cost for up to two dogs.

Heartwood Inns are part of Heartwood Collection, an award winning collection of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries at the heart of their local communities serving great fresh, seasonal food. Heartwood Collection has a dynamic and entrepreneurial past. We’ve been welcoming guests for over 25 years. Bustling kitchens, restaurants humming with life, bars full of chatter, all brought to life by our people and guests. It is a business which has been lovingly grown over many years into the vibrant and expanding collection of premium Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blancs. Our strength is in our enduring community of like-minded individuals; warm and genuine to our core. Unforgettable moments are rooted in our commitment to seasonality, the curiosity of our people and the pleasure of our guests.

We can accommodate small groups of diners in the dining room but do not have a private dining area and do not cater for wedding parties or private Christmas parties.

Heartwood Inns have been cashless for a number of years, but we accept card payments.

We have a large car park that spans around the property. These are taken on a first come, first served basis and reservations are not possible.

Our opening hours can be found by clicking here

The Royal Forest is situated within the enchanting Epping Forest, a vast expanse of ancient woodland. This picturesque setting offers numerous opportunities for leisurely walks and invigorating hikes. Here are some nearby places perfect for a peaceful stroll:

Epping Forest

Epping Forest itself boasts miles of well-maintained trails that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views and serene tranquility. You’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, from dense woodlands to open heathland.

Connaught Water

Connaught Water is a serene lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers accessible paths for a leisurely stroll. The peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge

The Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is a 16th-century timber-framed hunting lodge is a fascinating historical site. The lodge is nestled within the forest, providing opportunities for short walks and exploring the surrounding woodland.

Pimp Hall Nature Reserve

Pimp Hall Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and offers a range of walking trails. The tranquil atmosphere and diverse habitats make it a perfect place for a nature-filled walk.

Other local information

For more local information on attractions, dining, and activities, you can ask a member of staff or check out our local area guide to Epping Forest.

The nearest public transport links to The Royal Forest are:

Chingford Overground Station: The closest station, just 0.4 miles away – an 8-minute walk.

Buckhurst Hill Underground Station (Central Line): 1.7 miles away.

Loughton Underground Station (Central Line): 2.2 miles away.

Whilst lots of hotels offer this option, as a pub with rooms, we ask our guests to settle their food and drink bill on the day, in the dining room. This helps to make checking out of your room really quick and easy as there are no charges to settle and you can be certain that all your charges incurred are accurate.

We would be delighted to talk with you about a group booking for accommodation. Terms and conditions vary subject to the size of the group and as you’d expect, bookings are subject to availability. Please call us on 020 8149 7879 and let’s see how we can assist you.

We ask guests to vacate their room by 11.00am on the day of departure, so we can prepare them for the days arrivals. Late check out can be extended to midday at a charge of £25 per stay.

We will guarantee your room to be ready for arrival from 3.00pm, but if we can accommodate you earlier, we will, subject to availability. If you have booked directly, why not find out if your complimentary upgrade is available? Please note that this subject to availability so cannot be guaranteed.

Treats is our wonderful loyalty program created by us, Heartwood Inns, enabling guests to collect rewards every time they visit a Heartwood Inn. Guests need to spend a minimum of £25 in a day across food and/or drink to qualify for their next reward. Once you have paid your bill, your reward is automatically added to your app to use when you next visit. 

Simply present your server with your personalised QR code that is available when you tap the Treats stamp card to connect your payment to your app. Once you pay via card, the bill is automatically associated with your app and provided you have spent £25 in a day (00.01-23.59) your next reward will appear in your app next to your Treats stamp card. Scroll through to see what is available to use and redeem to your heart’s delight. 

Simply order a full priced main to redeem your reward. If your bill comes to £25 you will also unlock your next reward. Show your personalised QR code on your app to connect the bill and show your QR code for the relevant reward and this will be removed from your bill. Please check any terms for surprise and delight rewards as terms may vary.

Sadly no. You are only able to use one reward per table booking as our system does not allow for multiple discounts to be applied. Choose the reward you’d like to redeem and share the QR code with the server to get the reward removed from your bill. 

Sadly no, our system is not set up to do this so if you are dining with a friend who also has a reward to redeem you will need to choose which one to use. Save the other for the next time you visit. The only exception is the download reward that can be redeemed in multiples so get downloading and redeeming with friends and family.

Christmas Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are the only days you cannot redeem a reward, however you are able to collect your next reward by showing your QR code by tapping the stamp card which will connect your transaction to your app.

Yes! Simply use the same email that you used to sign up to the Loyalty scheme to book your overnight stay via our website. When you check out, your full payment for your stay will then trigger your next reward (providing you have hit your £25 min payment!) – slide across the stamp cards to see your latest reward. 

There are 3 – Bronze (visit 1-2), Silver (visit 3-4) and Gold (5 visits +). As and when you hit VIP status, your reward is valid for 12 months. Towards the end of your 12 month VIPs status, the number of visits that you have completed during this 12 month period will determine what tier you start your next month in. I.e if you have completed 5 visits during the 12 months of VIP, you will remain with your VIP reward, 3-4 visits you will start back in Silver tier, 1-2, Bronze tier.

Absolutely! You can sign up here. Please ask your server for assistance to sign up if needs be.

Via the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) or the web page (non app users).

Promotions and discounts will now appear via this scheme so don’t miss out and get signing up!

Simply go to your login screen on the app and follow the instructions to reset your password.

Click on the icon in the top right corner to see a breakdown of the following activity: My activity – shows the dates of transactions and rewards redeemed/collected. A great place to check when your rewards were granted My details – full name and DOB is displayed Preferences – manage your notifications to the app here such as push notifications

You are able to refer a friend by clicking on the Refer a friend block on the app – simply choose your preferred way of sending the referral code to receive a reward in your app. Once you refer your friend to join the scheme, this graphic will then disappear from your app. Thank you for sharing and telling your friends!

Absolutely! Keep an eye on your app for notifications of new offers that will appear directly in the app. There’s lots on offer but remember you can only redeem one offer at a time.

Typically your rewards will expire within a 3 month window. Birthday offer has 1 month validity (reward will appear on your app 2 weeks before your birthday). Please note that other ad hoc offers will come with different validity so tap on the reward to find out more as they will disappear when they expire.

Sadly not so be sure to always show your personalised QR code to your server to collect and redeem your rewards.

If the above FAQs have not answered your query, please email loyalty@heartwoodinns.com or call 020 3166 2727 Emails and telephone lines are manned Monday – Friday, 9-5.30pm

Absolutely not. Come one, come all. The award winning Heartwood Inns are renowned for being great local pubs serving up delicious food with the warmest of welcomes. Drop in for a drink or book a table for lunch or dinner here

Yes please. Heartwood Inns Sunday Roasts are legendary! Unlimited Yorkshires, roast potatoes and gravy with seasonal veg.