The Owl in Epping Forest

Honestly… if I could rate it lower I would. We went for a Mother’s Day dinner, and what a dogs dinner it was, and to be honest I feed my dog better. We had to send back 3 meals out of 9. One roast the meat was uncooked - was meant to be a slow cooked beef. Try UNcooked. One roast the lamb was all fat, the potato’s were rock hard. And the other meal (the owl burger) smelt off (we think they put out of date cheese on the burger) disgusting. Barely an apology from the staff and the other meals was not up to even a low standard. Speaking of the staff the man that was serving us had a fingernail hanging off his finger. All he had to do was put a plaster or a glove on so you didn’t have to look at it, the fact he was touching our plates as well. Disgusting. Cost us a fair bit - wished we had listened to our friends who told us not to visit here, and to be honest it was our fault because we left booking somewhere for Mother’s Day too last minute - won’t make that mistake again would rather eat out of the bins. Best part of it was the magician - all be it self employed not actually part of the service. If we didn’t have to eat there just to see him would have enjoyed it.

The enticing name of the "Slow Roast Pork Belly" proved to be misleading. What arrived at our table was a tough, unappealing lump of pork, reminiscent of chewing boot leather, with poorly rendered fat. Topped with chewy crackling and served alongside dry mash and scant vegetables, it hardly justified its £16.95 price tag. This misrepresentation prompted us to reluctantly bring our dissatisfaction to the attention of the understanding server, who graciously compensated us for one of the meals. Sadly, the new menu seems disconnected from the preferences of long-time patrons like myself, who have cherished The Owl for over three decades. While stalwart favorites like the fish and chips and Owl Burger remain, the rest of the offerings fall short of expectations. The attempt at gastro fare lacks both the quality and flavor that once defined this beloved pub. Furthermore, the exorbitant £5 charge for a posh packet of dried dog food on the new dog menu is simply unjustifiable. My second visit under the new ownership only reinforced my disappointment. Until significant improvements are made, I cannot envision returning. As a loyal patron, I implore the owners to reconsider their approach: Embrace simplicity and freshness in the menu offerings. Bring back beloved classics like bangers and mash, homemade pie with mash and liquor, lasagna, slow-braised beef and ale, gammon, egg, and chips, prawn cocktail, all prepared with care using locally sourced ingredients. In my extensive history with The Owl, I have never encountered such disappointment until now. The subpar ingredients coupled with inflated prices are disheartening. I long for the return of the skilled chefs who once made The Owl synonymous with quality British pub fare, standing out amidst a sea of mediocre chain establishments. While the staff remains exceptional, the current menu alienates longtime regulars like myself, who once considered The Owl a second home. Having experienced and enjoyed fine dining elsewhere, I can confidently say that the current offerings fall far short of the mark. It's evident when the owner dictates the menu, rather than the chef. This current iteration falls short of what The Owl once represented and fails to live up to its legacy. The Owner blocked me from their facebook page for saying this.

The Owl is getting better every visit. I can recommend the location, Service and food quality. Looks like a new menu and chef, this was my selection today. Dog friendly..

Lovely food. Lovely hospitality. Dog very friendly. Brilliant value. Puts the other mcmullan pubs to shame. My family had a fantastic lunch here today.

Just okay. The beer was good but the food was not as good as we'd hoped for given other reviews and pictures. Service from the younger members of staff was friendly, but a bit abrupt from some of the others. The pub is family and dog friendly and was a convenient stop for walking in the woods. We would go back for a drink, but not to eat I don't think.

Stunning views with excellent service and food

We have a reasonably large group for an evening birthday meal. Service was fantastic, the food was excellent, the choice was brilliant, with plenty of vegan options. Food was served hot and timely. We will be back again soon. Thank you

This bar is run by Ladys, lovely atmosphere plus they make you feel at home so welcoming

Lovely Sunday roast, great service, dog and muddy walker friendly.

Went there for late lunch. Staff weren’t particularly welcoming when we went in to ask if we were able to eat without a booking. The interior is very 70s and needs bringing into the 21st century

UPDATED 16/12/23 5 people and 3 dogs had an extremely enjoyable couple of hours at the Owl this evening. The food was excellent, and those who were carnivorous, vegetarian, or canine thoroughly enjoyed their meals. (They even have a Sunday roast for dogs on the menu) The staff were great, the service speedy and atmosphere is very friendly. Prices were reasonable, but the portion sizes were good. I had a very enjoyable family lunch here today, 19/08/22. The Owl features both indoor and outdoor eating and drinking, subject to the weather conditions. There is a good number of parking spaces available in two separate carparks. The staff are friendly and attentive and the service was quite speedy. The Owl has a very good menu selection and most tastes should be catered for, including your dogs as they also are catered for and are very welcome. The Owl serves a Sunday roast.

Beautiful British pub, surrounded by the park, with seats outdoors and also playground for kids. Inside in very spacious and it’s kept in good and clean condition. The food is so good and the service is amazing and fast! Lou our waiter has been amazing, kind, friendly, attentive and professional! Thank you! Highly recommend it and I’d love to come back in the summer.

We all had Sunday roasts - lamb shank, pork belly and turkey. All yummy and recommended. Good comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Will definitely be back for more

Love it here. We always try to come whenever we can. Food comes out fast and tastes so good. Also staff are lovely and welcoming even though we never had a booking they still managed to get us a table. Okay so updated as of 2023 very disappointing to say but food has gone down hill here. Not sure if they have changed chef’s but food is bland and dry, like they’ve literally just heated it up after days in the oven. So sad as the food was amazing 3 years ago but not sure if I’ll be coming here for a while now. Also place looks very old fashioned and brown, very dreary. Feel depressed when I look at the all the brownness going on. Hope they can get a better chef in soon. And decorate. But as always staff are lovely :)

Turned up not realising there was a special offer on and hadn’t booked so they opened up a closed conservatory to accommodate us. Service was fantastic and food even better and then we found out there was a half price offer on. What a fantastic and amazing value lunch.

Lovely food, great fast service. A shame that a group of people had their kids sit on a table screaming and shouting the whole time. Didn't even attempt to tell them to think of other people. The Owl is lovely though and I will return.

Lovely pub. Been here twice now for family events and its a lovely atmosphere, plenty of parking and a small park for the kids. Dogs are welcome inside the pub,but on a lead. Not alot of selection, which is fine. Food was lovely and reasonably priced. Highly recommend the place and if I lived closer to it, I would visit more

Nice informal atmosphere and variety of places to sit. Good location for a walk. We were pleased with our lunches (soup, liver). An excellent pot of tea! X

Had a very nice lunch with my wife and two friends 27th October. Really good food and very reasonably priced. The staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. Good for conversation because unlike some places these days no loud music etc.

Not safe for people with allergies. I gave a very clear list and discussed my meal to ensure I could eat it when the waitress was taking my order. I felt reassured when they confirmed there were none of my allergens in the food for me to have the lamb roast. Upon eating a few mouth fulls of the lamb, I tasted and the saw small peoples of cooked rosemary. The waitress came over and advised that "they said the rosemary is in the end of the lamb when it's cooked so it hasn't touched your lamb" ?! So the entire lamb is infused with rosemary and small pieces of rosemary have broken off during the cooking of the lamb to end up on my plate!!! I immediately stopped eating my food, and am 99% sure my step-father-in-law was made to pay the meal I couldn't eat. With a family occasion and a table of 8 of us, I didn't make a fuss. But I am absolutely outraged. What if my reaction was severe?! I literally provided them with a laminated list due to the health issues I encounter and there was rosemary cross contamination knowingly in my food.

Food was lovely and hot, staff were nice, they managed to find us a table even though we didn’t have a booking!

Literally no food available of the menu on Sunday. No pizzas, no burgers, no roasts. Real shame!!

Not safe for people with allergies. I gave a very clear list and discussed my meal to ensure I could eat it when the waitress was taking my order. I felt reassured when they confirmed there were none of my allergens in the food for me to have the lamb roast. Upon eating a few mouth fulls of the lamb, I tasted and the saw small peoples of cooked rosemary. The waitress came over and advised that "they said the rosemary is in the end of the lamb when it's cooked so it hasn't touched your lamb" ?! So the entire lamb is infused with rosemary and small pieces of rosemary have broken off during the cooking of the lamb to end up on my plate!!! I immediately stopped eating my food, and am 99% sure my step-father-in-law was made to pay the meal I couldn't eat. With a family occasion and a table of 8 of us, I didn't make a fuss. But I am absolutely outraged. What if my reaction was severe?! I literally provided them with a laminated list due to the health issues I encounter and there was rosemary cross contamination knowingly in my food.

This is a great location and stay. We enjoyed the food and the staff. They were very nice and helpful! One thing that kept us from giving them a 5 was that the room could have used a little TLC. There was a mysterious wet spot or leak on the carpet and the toilet seat wasn't secured. Other than that it is a beautiful place!

Food good, drinks a little over priced

Great child friendly pub with good food. Staff attentive and friendly

Service friendly and efficient. Food fresh and well cooked

Lovely pub, great spot for a countryside lunch. Would definitely come back here.

Great fish and chips, couldn't fault even if I wanted to.

Always enjoyable and haven't had a bad meal at all. The staff are always happy and helpful

Worst place we have eaten. It is manky and needs a complete make over and fumigation. I have a good mind to call in environmental health

The atmosphere was very nice. I love the outdoor space. The food was very tasty!

Great pub. Walked from North Chingford to the Owl pub. Always good. Recommend the owl burger.

Love everything about this place.

Haven't been there for years so it was nice to see it hasn't lost its appeal Good food and service with a smile

Can't score the food as a small group of us wanted to eat a reasonably priced meal....so we decided jacket potatoes and pizza....neither were available so we went elsewhere! Lovely pub....great views.....

Could not get served. Seemed to be loads of woman hanging around behind the bar chatting. No one seemed to be serving except one. The woman avoided meeting your eye. This went on for some time. Only wanted a pint and soft drink for my wife. Left saying I give up went to a pub down the hill instead. Will never be back.

Absolutely love being out in the garden. Our little dog loves the puppucinos and sausages there. We love the burgers

Amazing place in a beautiful location. The staff is very friendly and the food is very good. Highly recommended when you visit Epping Forest it is a must !!

Great pub in the middle of green space! Good pub food, great outdoor space for kids, brilliant and friendly service.

Love the owl, been coming here all my life, it's better now than it's ever been, especially lovely in the summer 👏👏👏

Popped in for lunch on Tuesday it was busier than I expected obviously very popular, despite this the service was great and the food was delicious it was a warm day and the staff even made sure their doggie customers had plenty of water while their owners relaxed. Would definitely recommend a visit. Good portion sizes and reasonable prices. Also a menu for dogs which is a nice touch.

Always a great lunch at the Owl after a gruelling bike ride through the forest.

Food wasn’t great especially for the price you pay. My wife ordered fish and chips and she only got 8 chips and the fish was more batter than actual fish.Nice beer garden though and that’s what the 2 stars are for 0 for the food.

Lovely peaceful spot, with large garden, dog friendly. Friendly staff and great selection of gin! We didn’t eat but menu and plates looked great.

Family pub. Food is ok, usual pub grub. Onion gravy with liver and bacon tasty but a little bit gloopy.

Food was ok and a nice atmosphere outside, however a member of staff was quite abruptly rude about our small dog sitting on the seat of the table next to my son that has severe learning disabilities. We were spoken down to as if we were scum in front of the other customers. It could have been dealt with in a more calm and professional manner!

We went to the Owl for dinner last week and the food was great and the staff were amazing. We will be returing!

Is there something I am missing here? Most of the outside picnic tables were old, damaged or on a decline. We basically got turned away from sitting inside for a function that was happening? Service slow, expensive over £6 a pint, views of some overgrown grass not very appealing? We will not be going back Whoever was on the BBQ was doing a good job of letting smoke blow on all the customers, whereby nothing was bought from them? Rubbish back roads to get there in the middle of nowhere What’s all the fuss about probably the worst pub in Essex

Good family type pub. Relaxed and nice location with kids area. However, very pricey overall. Especially on soft drinks and on the BBQ. Could do with a few vegetarian options on the children's menus (2023!) But overall a nice pub with good service....just need to review prices.

Went for steak meal with husband. Been here a few times over the years but due to Covid pandemic haven’t been for a while. Was a bit disappointed with the meal. Steak wasn’t cooked as asked for both of us. Dessert and starter was good tho didn’t need cooking. No peppercorn sauce available for the steak and no cappuccino to wash the dessert down. Saw online peppercorn sauce would have been £1 but on the menu today it said £2.50 which was a big jump. So as much as I loved this place before we won’t be returning.

Every time we are in the Owl,the service,food, and atmosphere are great .Highly recommended

Avoid this place. The venue is not well maintained with average food and atmosphere better in a library. Oh and the landlord is beyond rude.

Poor experience here. The food was ok and everything, average fare for this part of Essex but just an uncomfortable experience for my friend, who happens to be transgender, who was being gawped at by a short man in his 40's, who I am assuming is the proprietor. He did look very angry as she went to use the ladies, and some comment was passed about her wearing a face mask. She suffers bad hay fever and we are at peak tree pollen season. Whilst it was a pleasant place to sit and chat, this rather marred the occasion. They could also have some music on in the background, rather than GB News, as I am sure that isnt to most peoples taste. Wont be back

Quite possibly the worst experience I've ever had never mind the worst food. Dirty Pub, Dirty Staff, and the disabled toilet had faeces halfway up the walls. How this place hasn't been closed down by the health inspector, I'll never know.

Weekend walk in Epping Forest with friends we were visiting in Buckhurst Hill Not great although the setting is lovely. I’d stop for a drink but not the food again which was expensive and very average. We had Pizza between us and husband had a burger so were not expecting a gourmet experience for sure - dry, chips a bit cold.

Very good pub grub menu delicious food, dogs welcome there's even a dog menu and believe it or not dog beer! Highly recommended especially for dog owners.

Very nice place very nice staff and food

I assume it was the owner/Manager who served us as we ordered drinks on arrival at the bar. No greeting, no smile and when I requested a cappuccino I was firmly told, No, it's filer coffee,black or white! OK, that's fine but some friendliness would have been nice. We had a table booked so asked if we could open a tab. Answer, No! Not unless you sit at your reserved table and not outside. OK, that's fine but again some friendliness would be nice. So, off we went to our allocated table indoors. Menu turned up and soon after another unsmiling lady who asked; Dya want know what the soup is? Ha ha, funnily enough as we were there for lunch, we did! So, food arrived and was actually very nice. Sadly the next waiter couldn't tell us what the vege roast was but thought there "might be sausages" We decided to have it anyway, and yes there were sausages. We had a jovial lunch. We have been friends for many years and are generally happy people and easily pleased. So after desert, the plates were cleared and very promptly, without asking the bill was put in front of us. Immediately another waiter appeared with the credit card.machine. I made him aware we weren't ready, but once we'd had a moment to look at the bill it was paid promptly. Finally, when we booked we were told we had the table until 2.30pm but at 2.20pm we were told we had to leave as they needed the table. We had finished all our drinks, the table was clear and it was obvious we were just winding up to leave but to be honest if they had shouted "out" at us it would have seemed just as appropriate. The whole experience certainly made us laugh, but we won't be going back.

Great stop when out on a bike ride. We have also used their family room on a number of occasions and this has always worked well.

A bit tucked out the way but spacious great views only complaint didn't pour my Guiness properly 2 step pour. All.other largers cold and well poured

Nice pub with a large garden so great for dog walkers in Epping Forest

Had a great experience, had the cod, burger, pizza wow all food was great. Staff were so friendly and helpful Definitely recommend xx

Ordered cheesy garlic bread unbeknown to me was given wrong bread. When my daughter arrived she re-ordered. I explained this several times and was told the manager would come … he never. We ordered curries, pizzas in less than two hours I had spent £160.00. We had plenty of drinks and the table soon filled up - no one cleared the table I had to keep putting plates on the table next door. There were a lot of flies and it just wasn’t good enough. The chicken curry was tasteless and my husband said had a fishy taste. There was an enormous tasteless bone dry naan which he left and the popadams were not crispy. The smallest thimble of mango. The entire pub was almost empty and yet no one could clear the tables. The children’s play area was cordoned off with chairs! And when I asked why an older lady said “some parents smashed a glass and they couldn’t risk there being more glass around” ….. I would suggest get a hoover or dustpan and brush and a strong light to clear it there were plenty of staff doing nothing. We drove a long way to come here and certainly would not return. I am sad at so many pubs closing and we need better food and service to keep them alive.

Decent spot to stop in for a pint while walking through Epping Forest. Nice patio and lots of outdoor seating.

Lovely pub. Great staff. Good food and plenty of it. Highly recommended.

Great food, friendly staff, dogs welcome.

The Owl 🦉 is a lovely place, we had some food from the BBQ & roast dinner. Kids played in the playground we sat on the grass later and had some delicious dessert 🍨 staff were very friendly an very attentive.

First time visit, will be going back, friendly, lovely pub food, reasonably priced, it was quiet for a Saturday night, but preferred that, could actually have a conversation without loads of noise, really had a lovely time.

Lovely substantial food in wonderful surroundings

You need to book a table as gets incredibly busy. Don't go there if you want a quiet chat. Food was good but basic things, like roadts and reasonable price.

Took my 95-year-old mum for a birthday surprise with my family (12 of us, three in wheelchairs). What a fab day she had. The food was excellent but the staff were so very kind and helpful. The pub was extremely busy but the service we received was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you everyone who made her day so special.

Walked one afternoon from Waltham abbey to here , very dog friendly and good food however too many disobedient children on the loose ! Not the pubs fault . Lovely to recline on the grass or sit on a bench with a pint overlooking Epping forest

Cosy little pub! I'm sad to say that the barbecued food wasn't very nice. I loved the atmosphere and friendly staff nevertheless

Really great food especially the lamb shank of Sunday roast menu. The portion sizes are huge! Lovely service from all the staff and would highly recommend the deep fried Brie for starter and the classic prawn cocktail. The garden is huge with lots of seating and BBQ on Sunday’s too, prices were very reasonable. Will definitely return again!!

Decided to visit The Owl on the coronation Bank Holiday Monday on a whim. We fancied a bit of pub grub for lunch so stopped here at around 2pm. Despite the grey , gloomy weather, the pub was packed with patrons. Tables outside were available...

Went there to enjoy some food as I heard is quite nice, got there at 7PM exact, just to be told that the kitchen is closed without offering any alternatives such as snacks, drinks or anything, I felt like I walked to the wrong place, no times shown anywhere to know when the kitchen is closed. Wouldn’t return

Wow... popped up for beer... should of taken a mortgage out for drink let alone a meal... after taking a effort to get there as off the beaten track

Great location good service. Goats cheese salad lovely. Vegan burger ok but the chips were delicious. I

Really enjoyed the BBQ lunch today. Not sure whether it's a regular thing or just for the bank holiday. Served outside with your choice of BBQ meat in a box with amazing crunchy chips plus salad, pasta, rice and coleslaw. All really yummy and a big portion. £12

Fantastic pub garden especially on a sunny day Service with a smile

Great Great great food the Sunday roast was amazing

Just a poor pub all round, takes ages to get served despite there only being about 2 customers. Can’t say that the landlord is helpful, he is too interested in thinking he is famous. Never will I visit again, shame cos the previous owners were...

Can't comment on the food because, after having had a great walk up from Chingford and looking forward to a quiet lunch in the beer garden, we were disappointed to find that loud music was being played outside the pub, music that reached throughout on...

Possibly the WORST pub I've ever been to. Terrible food, awful service, poor decor and rip-off prices for the standard. Avoid at all costs

Very mediocre and expensive for what it was. The setting is nice but it's a shame the pub is dated and shabby. The staff were ok but the food was just about ok.

For the second year in a row, our group of friends decided to celebrate Easter at The Owl. We opted for Sunday roasts and also ordered some pizzas to share with the kids. The food was not only delicious and full of flavor but also...

1st time in many years I've been here ,and food was great, atmosphere very friendly & Top marks to Marie for keeping 12 blokes in order Lol... Thanks for making a midday leaving do a great experience...

The roast (heritage aged sirloin of beef) was top-drawer, truly the best I’ve ever had! The waitress (Daisy) was utterly phenomenal! I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Nice pub, friendly staff as well as being dog friendly good food and great selection of beers. The owner Adam Brooks runs a great pub and his mother Barbara is a local legend, lovely lady. Would throughly recommend.

Me personally I didn't enjoy it my girl she was sick i.e. vomiting . And I wasn't feeling good myself after eating a meal

Called in on way home from meeting for a drink. Most unwelcoming place I've been to. Certainly the locals were.

Really tasty pork belly roast with crackling, dog friendly pub.

Katie is amazing and took good care of us.

Nice/authentic place with a retro vibe.

Friendly environment. Tasty food and good portion. There’s a park for the children to play in.

We have been here many times and always had delicious food!!!!!

A group of friends and I stopped of here, while having a nice early afternoon walk. I had a crispy belly of pork roast with stuffing. Was delicious and filling. Service was welcoming and friendly.

My in laws use to live in the Elms mobile homes in the late 80s, 90s, & we use to go to The owl for different event there when Steve & vida ran the pub, had some great nights their, not been back since they moved from the elms or since I left the family, bet its changed since the 90s 🤔

Perfect indoor and outdoor seating area, quick service and nice atmosphere