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