Heartwood Collection, known for its Brasserie Blanc restaurants, has opened boutique hotel The Royal Forest, following a multi-million pound refurbishment.
Chingford’s latest addition to the dining scene is the fifth pub with rooms from the Heartwood Inns part of the company.
The Royal Forest, originally designed by architect Edmond Egan in 1880, has welcomed guests since the opening of Chingford Station and was re-named in 1882 in honour of a visit from Queen Victoria.
Nestled next to the Grade II listed Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, it has enjoyed a regal reputation.
The refurbishment honours The Royal Forest’s heritage, restoring key features such as a stunning stained-glass window depicting Queen Elizabeth I. Guests can look forward to a welcoming 90-cover bar, a dining room seating up to 142, two outdoor terraces for up to 90 and 28 boutique bedrooms.
The Royal Forest restaurant works with renowned suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, Jude’s and ChalkStream trout to change their menus quarterly in line with the seasons.
Guests can enjoy dishes like beetroot terrine with horseradish sorbet and beetroot dressing or traditional French onion soup served with lashings of gooey Gruyère and croutons.
Mains include an eight-hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison served with a rich Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash and an artichoke and chestnut mushroom pithivier served with pickled girolles, braised baby onions, grilled leeks and accompanied by a red wine and port sauce.
Guests can enjoy modern British dishes alongside local ales including Cowcatcher, a pale ale from the East London Brewing Co, an expertly curated wine list and creative cocktails designed to celebrate the local area.
Children are catered for with their own dedicated menu filled with activities to keep them
occupied, with two courses for just £9.50 and three courses for £12.50. Dishes include grilled trout with homemade tomato sauce and ice cream served with an ultimate toppings platter (£2 supplement) which includes mini marshmallows, strawberries, chocolate sauce and more.
On Sundays, the pub serves a classic selection of roasts including 30 day dry-aged beef from Aubrey Allen served with all the trimmings including bottomless Yorkshires, gravy and roast potatoes.
With 2025 just around the corner guests can enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve Sleepover Package from just £124.50 per person which includes an overnight stay, a glass of bubbles on arrival, a festive seasonal dinner with live entertainment and a hearty breakfast with a late check-out in the morning.
The 28 rooma boast Silentnight mattresses, throws from The Secret Linen Store and duvets from The Fine Bedding Company.
Rooms range from a Comfy, perfect for the solo traveller, through to Really Comfy, Fancy, Really Fancy and the ultimate – Luxe room – with roll top baths (with luxury bath salts), original stained glass windows, comfortable seating areas, fluffy robes, slippers and Bramley sleep spray for the perfect night’s rest.
The pub also has a number of dog-friendly rooms for guests travelling with their four-legged friends.
Pooches are pampered with dog beds and Bramley toiletries for a charge of £20 (total cost for the stay for up to two dogs).
They also have their very own gourmet menu courtesy of Sir Woofchester’s which includes nutritious and tasty dishes such as “Fish & Chips” and “Bark Bangers”.
The Royal Forest is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, taking scenic walks, and immersing yourself in local history. Its proximity to London (30 minutes on the train to Liverpool Street station) makes it a convenient escape for city dwellers.
With 29 Heartwood Inns and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the UK, the group is on track to operate over 60 sites by 2027.