Epping Forest is a beautiful little gem of a place. It is the largest city forest in Europe and you can easily get lost in the wonder that is a mere 30 mins from central London. The Kings Oak is the main pub in the park situated as it is right by the visitors centre and the forest car park. It's a place that is certainly welcome after a long hike where lunch cravings take over and aching thighs scream for pity. The place itself is not only a pub but a full blown venue that can be used for weddings and as a hotel though I have to admit the decor in the brochure that proudly sits on each table does seem to less Notting Hill and more My Big Fat Greek Wedding, still it may be perfect for some. We had lunch in the 'gastropub', a place where if you look (not too) hard the theme of the brochures is very reflected. The massive cherubs, neon pink walls, over the top mirrors and plastic antlers are all there if you look hard enough. We didn't come here for the cherubs though, we came here for the food and embibement; that is something they did well. The whole place had a great atmosphere. We had a couple of pasta dishes, some huge grilled cheeses and a fish and chips. The food itself wasn't bad but not at 'gastropub' levels in either presentation or complexity. The satisfying fish was crisp and well cooked but a little greasy and the chips tasty, chunky but hardly crispy. The other food was tasty and offered good value. Overall this isn't a bad pub if you like some cherub spotting and a decent meal after a long walk. read more

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I had a couple of drinks with friends in the pub - I did not stay at the hotel. Amazing view from High Beach. Lovely place to spend some relaxed time. read more

We had our wedding here on 13th August 2017. With less than 2 months to plan our wedding for 70 guests Paula and her team at the Kings Oak Hotel could not of done any better. The planning experience was seamless and our meetings with Paula's excellent event management skills made the whole process stress free. The staff on the day could not do more, they were attentive and helpful and provided a perfect service. The ceremony in the beach club marque was romantic and all the guest commented how the venue made them feel like they were in a different world. The décor in the Kings Room was simply magical and made all our guest gasp upon entering. The DJ provided by the venue played a great selection of music keeping the party going. The food provided by the catering staff was excellent. Great quality canapés were served at the reception drinks. The 3-course wedding dinner was amazing and of very high quality our guest commented that the meal was one of the best wedding dinners they have ever had. For our wedding menu we had Starter Choices - Prawn and Crayfish Salad or Tricolore Salad, Mains - Roast Lamb with Trimmings or Jerk Chicken with Rice, Plantain and Coleslaw. Dessert - Chocolate Torte or Mango Sorbet.) The meal choices were perfectly served by well organised the team. The late night snacks were also of high standard. All of the food was amazing, ourselves and our guests will be returning. Thank you so much to Paula and all the team at the Kings Oak Hotel for making our day so perfect we couldn't of had a better wedding. Thanks you from Gary , Tania and all the family. read more

The Kings Oak is nice pub in the middle of the forest. It is child friendly and the food is really good. It has a nice atmosphere and setting :) read more