Hotel Review : Epping Forest Hotel
Once upon a time, Epping Forest, Greater London’s largest public space at 6,000 acres, was a Royal Forest. In those days this meant that commoners were allowed to use the area to gather wood and graze livestock though only the king was allowed to hunt there. This vast area of natural beauty is not only awash with ponds, parkland and meadows but also has a magnificent range of ancient pollarded trees – mainly oak, beech and hornbeam. It is also home to attractions such as Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, a Grade 11 listed building.
You could be forgiven for thinking this forest is far from the madding crowds in the middle of nowhere but despite its rural setting it lies just off the North Circular Road, a mere eight miles from London City Airport and only a 30 minute tube ride to Oxford Circus. It is also a few minutes away from the Epping Forest Hotel where squirrels dash up and down tree trunks and guests can expect to be roused from their slumber by morning birdsong.
The large, bright reception area has the words of ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ emblazoned across one wall. There are plenty of chairs dotted around to lounge in and small circular tables with wooden teddy bear bases. Interesting artifacts including a trombone, globe of the world and models of a sailing boat and glider line shelves. There is a computer on a ‘Work Bench’ here too which is available to use 24/7, while a nice – and healthy - touch is the big bowl of red apples on the reception desk.
Friendly staff checked us in and directed us to our room which was decorated in suitably forest-y colours of green, ochre, amber and brown. It could have benefited from some brighter lighting though. However, lighting aside, rooms here come with the bells and whistles guests might expect including tea and coffee makers, flatscreen tvs with Freeview, bath with shower and complimentary toiletries, white bathrobes, slippers and free WiFi. There are comfy green chairs, dark green curtains and a work desk. No need to worry if you happen to have forgotten anything, as complimentary accessories such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kits, comb and so on, are supplied free of charge from reception. Corridor walls are decorated with animal sculptures, tying in with the forest theme – rabbits, birds, foxes, hedgehogs – a lovely idea.
After settling in, it was time to venture downstairs to see what the restaurant had to offer for dinner. We had a drink in the pleasant Forest Bar first – it’s open for guests 24 hours a day and serves pub food too. The unpretentious, friendly restaurant – yes, it’s called the Forest Restaurant - wasn’t too busy on the night we were there, just a few locals and some business men who were staying in the hotel. It is an ideal place for meeting friends, for those dining alone or for families.
The menu is a many-splendoured thing of enticing sounding dishes sitting alongside popular comfort food. Tastes are great too: exquisite garlicky mussels, pumpkin ravioli zinged with herb infused oil and homely fish and chips, all finely presented with a genuine smile.
After a comfortable night’s sleep under a squishy duvet and soft-as-kittens pillows, breakfast is another pleasure. The help-yourself table has a toaster and plenty of thick-sliced bread, cereal, fresh fruit juices, yogurt, pastries and preserves. Those who can’t contemplate starting the day without a cooked breakfast can choose from the standard buffet choices of sausage, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and baked beans. What’s more, if you fancy something for breakfast, lunch or dinner that’s not on the menu, they will do their level best to provide it for you. Now, that’s what I call service.
Click on any image to enlarge (c) G & M Pickup
The large, bright reception area has the words of ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ emblazoned across one wall. There are plenty of chairs dotted around to lounge in and small circular tables with wooden teddy bear bases. Interesting artifacts including a trombone, globe of the world and models of a sailing boat and glider line shelves. There is a computer on a ‘Work Bench’ here too which is available to use 24/7, while a nice – and healthy - touch is the big bowl of red apples on the reception desk.
Friendly staff checked us in and directed us to our room which was decorated in suitably forest-y colours of green, ochre, amber and brown. It could have benefited from some brighter lighting though. However, lighting aside, rooms here come with the bells and whistles guests might expect including tea and coffee makers, flatscreen tvs with Freeview, bath with shower and complimentary toiletries, white bathrobes, slippers and free WiFi. There are comfy green chairs, dark green curtains and a work desk. No need to worry if you happen to have forgotten anything, as complimentary accessories such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kits, comb and so on, are supplied free of charge from reception. Corridor walls are decorated with animal sculptures, tying in with the forest theme – rabbits, birds, foxes, hedgehogs – a lovely idea.
After settling in, it was time to venture downstairs to see what the restaurant had to offer for dinner. We had a drink in the pleasant Forest Bar first – it’s open for guests 24 hours a day and serves pub food too. The unpretentious, friendly restaurant – yes, it’s called the Forest Restaurant - wasn’t too busy on the night we were there, just a few locals and some business men who were staying in the hotel. It is an ideal place for meeting friends, for those dining alone or for families.
The menu is a many-splendoured thing of enticing sounding dishes sitting alongside popular comfort food. Tastes are great too: exquisite garlicky mussels, pumpkin ravioli zinged with herb infused oil and homely fish and chips, all finely presented with a genuine smile.
After a comfortable night’s sleep under a squishy duvet and soft-as-kittens pillows, breakfast is another pleasure. The help-yourself table has a toaster and plenty of thick-sliced bread, cereal, fresh fruit juices, yogurt, pastries and preserves. Those who can’t contemplate starting the day without a cooked breakfast can choose from the standard buffet choices of sausage, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and baked beans. What’s more, if you fancy something for breakfast, lunch or dinner that’s not on the menu, they will do their level best to provide it for you. Now, that’s what I call service.
Click on any image to enlarge (c) G & M Pickup
