Located in the magical Epping Forest, The Royal Forest pub hotel and restaurant is ready to fuel you up after a busy day of exploring the great British countryside. The building itself can be traced back to the 19th century, with a preserved stained glass window and stunning vintage furnishings. On your visit, you may even be lucky enough to spot some deer, or even a swooping bird of prey. Onto the food – the seasonal menus focus mainly on pub classics, with dishes that are set to make you feel warm and cosy.
Order nibbles for the table to start, like a baguette with dips of saffron rouille, olive oil and balsamic, and roasted pepper and tomatoes, or free range scotch eggs with a pickled umeboshi plum ketchup. Classic starters include a cheese souffle with coastal cheddar sauce, French onion soup made the traditional way, and crab and sweetcorn bites with guacamole, brown crab mayonnaise, and an apple and pear chutney.
One of the seasonal favourite dishes is the guinea fowl en croute, made with a cranberry chutney, soused girolles, caramelised apple and Madeira sauce. Feeling fancy? Order the roasted pheasant supreme, served with sautéed Muscat pumpkin and purée, croquettes, potato dauphinoise, cranberry chutney and a rich jus. Classic bangers and matches have seen an upgrade with Jimmy Butler's free range pork, leek and pepper sausages, served with bubble and squeak, grain mustard sauce and crispy Savoy cabbage. The menu also features plenty of fish and veggie options, like the mushroom duxelle and oak smoked cheddar souffle.
Finish on a sweet note with a sticky toffee pudding, drowned in Normandy creme fraiche and butterscotch sauce, or the citrus crumble with spiced apple and sultana compote, and Calvados creme fraiche.