The Speech House in Forest of Dean

We came here for lunch after visiting Ross on wye in the morning. We had lunch in the orangery. I would technically say this is a 4.5* review as wasn't perfect but very good. When we got there the lady serving seemed a bit stressed as it was busy but she had help about half way through. I had the sausage & mash, the BEST sausage & mash I've ever had. If they added onions to it in some description it would be 12/10. So yummy. Pudding was nice but not as wow as the main. Good value for money. Everyone at our table said it was the best meal of the week.

Excellent food with very high quality service. Good choice of menu and choice of two restaurants - one high class, one more informal

We had an amazing meal in The Orangery last night. Not often we are blown away by somewhere we haven’t been to before- but last night was just brilliant. A wonderful building and dining room, great service, lead by the fantastic Jacqui, and really tasty home cooked food from start to finish. Good menu choices, and very reasonable value for money for the quality on offer. Very highly recommended.

We'd hired a room for my 80th birthday. I didn't enjoy the food at all - either too sweet or too salty. The service was slow. I spoke to the Duty Manager to log my complaint but we were not offered any discount. I think that's poor customer service. I will never go to the Speech House again and would never recommend it to anyone.

As a party of 8 we were well catered for. The selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes was fantastic and so delicious. All made in house, compliments to the chef. It was so beautifully presented on cake stands. The tea pots and cups were a mixture of styles and designs which was so quirky. It felt like a proper English afternoon tea experience and we throughly enjoyed it. The staff were fantastic and the setting in the orangery was perfect. Highly recommended

We decided to stay as we had a funeral near by and we had quite a distance to travel . We stayed in a garden room which was compact , well furnished, and had everything we required . There was a meeting of friends and families after the funeral in the Conservatory, with an excellent selection of afternoon tea items. The restaurant was fully booked in the evening as it was St Valentine's day , our fault , I should have booked ! We didn't mind at all as we had a beautiful meal in the Orangery with such a helpful waitress , who was so attentive and advised us of places of interest as well . It was an excellent breakfast also . We thoroughly enjoyed our visit even though it was because of sad circumstances .

Delicious, inventive and beautifully presented dishes. Great. Chef. Friendly staff. Very good value for hand crafted locally sourced creations.

We had a wonderful Christmas Day dinner. The staff were so friendly and efficient and the atmosphere very festive. We were welcomed with Champagne and canapés. The three course meal was excellent, well cooked, hot and tasty. We ordered Vegan, Vegetarian and turkey options and all three meals were fabulous, well presented and good value. The tables were delightfully decorated and the atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were so attentive. I was a bit nervous about the Vegan option as other restaurants had not catered well but this place went an extra mile and produced an excellent well planned Vegan meal. Well done everyone - we had a wonderful time from start to finish.

We came here to meet friends for Sunday lunch. We were quickly greeted by a friendly member of staff who happily put together some tables in a room to the side of the Orangery. We were all made to feel very welcome, including the children. We all had roasts - delicious (the veg were incredible!). Puddings equally yummy. Highly recommend.

Very lovely place whatever the season. Very lovely coffee and scone Good table service recommended Dogs welcome which is plus for us

My husband stood at the bar to order food and drinks and 25 mins later he returned saying we’re not staying . The lady behind the bar was useless and couldn’t get the order right for the couple in front and couldn’t remember a simple order. Sorry speech house beautiful place but you need to sort out the staff , and it was fairly quiet It was our first and last visit

We googled the nearest EV charger and found this wonderful gem! Charging was easy, no app required just tap and go. We then enjoyed a morning coffee & cake in the orangery. Dog friendly and beautiful surroundings. The best charging stop we have ever found!

Lunch was really good, service excellent until we ordered drinks at end of meal, tea for three and coffee for one. Pot of tea for three, three cups and saucers with two tea bags 💼 Extra jug of water also served. Come on, whoever is responsible for dealing with this kind of blip, please get your act together. Totally disappointed with subsequent response from staff, wonder if that was because our bill had already been paid.

We had a very pleasant evening in the Verders restaurant for my Mum’s birthday. The hotel and the room could benefit with some updating that is more updating sympathetic to it’s historical past, (or even some white linen table cloths could improve it), but the food was very good. Delicious and interesting. Our waitress was efficient, professional and friendly.

Had a superb cream tea at the Speech House this afternoon. The service was excellent, and the presentation of the tea (in a fine china pot and with extra hot water) and scones was perfect. The scones were absolutely delicious. The dining area, overlooking the garden, was very pleasant and cooled by the open windows - welcome on a hot day. All in all, a very pleasant visit that exceeded our expectations.

We’ve visited many times and had excellent lunches in The Orangery. For a change we booked for Sunday Lunch. Everything was of a very high standard. Location wonderful,Verderers Court for lunch impressive ,food and service outstanding . A real treat Thank you.

We popped in here for a lunch following a dog walk in the local area. I chose fish and chips for my main and my partner chose bacon cheeseburger for his. Both meals were amazing, delicious, well balanced and best of all for me, the fish and chips is gluten free - no need to ask for a separate menu! The dessert selection was amazing but we both opted for a daily special, rum and raisin sundae. Rum and raisin is my absolute favourite ice-cream. The sundae was a generous helping of the ice-cream, interspersed with rum and raisin cookie dough and topped with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Heaven! I would come back just for this dessert! The service was fantastic, and the waiting times were minimal. I noticed that tables were cleared promptly on diners finishing and leaving the restaurant meaning new diners would not have such a long wait to be seated when busy. There is also outside seating but this is only a few tables and they fill up quickly. We were seated inside on our visit, the inside is well decorated, light and airy. Also, dogs are welcome! My dog also enjoyed the fish and chips :) All in all I would recommend this as a lovely place for a meal. Quality food, not the cheapest but the quality of the meal here makes it worth every penny.

Best buffet breakfast ever. Sausages and bacon some crispy some not. Eggs choices top notch. All piping hot . Fresh pasties really tasty. All set in old courtroom. Amazing.

Speech house has always been outstanding but the new chef and waiting staff have taken it to another level. Special mention for Ash our excellent waiter

Lovely pizza and steak lunches. Will eat here again. Good wines and lagers. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff.

We arranged a funeral reception at this hotel and had to change the numbers a couple or so times, but this was handled very politely and calmly by Hannah and her colleagues. The food (fork buffet) was excellent, but was VERY generous, so we could have reduced the numbers and still had plenty to eat. Thoroughly recommended.

As a Fern ticket holder I always fully enjoy my visits to the Speech House, we brought along a couple of friends for Sunday Lunch (26th) and dined in the Carolyn room. Lovely food but what made the occasion even more pleasurable were the excellent...

Average experience. Nice sandwiches. Scones pleasant (no choice of fruit or plain). Selection of sweet bits was strange- nice cheesecake but unidentified fruit cake type item, chewy profiterole in a glaze and macarons Quality of tea and coffee not great. Orangery nice but decor in...

Called in for a light lunch on Monday having had a recommendation. We ordered a pot of tea & a Guinness and 2 sandwiches. The tea came quite swiftly, was very nice a big pot and some hot water which was great. The Guinness took...

We thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas Day Lunch. From the initial drink and canapes and the main meal the staff were warm and friendly. As for our main meal, we all had the venison, it melted in the mouth, beautiful. The food made Christmas Day. We...

Went to the restaurant for a Christmas get together with friends. We had a chalet outside in the garden. The table had been laid up beautifully with Christmas decorations. I cannot praise the staff enough we had excellent service - we were never left wanting...

We had heard from friends that The Speech House Restaurant was worth a visit for a bite to eat and it did not disappoint at all! The staff were polite and friendly and the food was superb - the portion size was spot on, and...

Celebrating a birthday so booked Sunday lunch. Service slow. Food covered in pungent dried herbs. Beef very rare. Waited (and gave up) on desserts for 25mins. Ubiquitous allergy desserts - ice-cream, sorbet or fruit salad (groan). Will not be rushing back.

Brilliant selection for all ages, needs and dietary requirements. So refreshing to see something a bit different on the menu for vegetarians.

I rate this hotel despite its lowy 3 stars it has 4 star qualities. the hotel communicated with us well,. We were fortunate to be given an upgrade. The meal in the Verderers dining area was a taste sensation quite understated from the menu, all...

Meeting with friends from the area. Nice tea and sandwich/cake selection. Good ales. Fantastic venue which is reflected in the prices.

I recently had the misfortune to dine at The Speechouse and would issue a word of warning to anyone thinking of using this place to celebrate a special occasion. The service was poor with impatient waiting staff and food that I refused to pay for...

I stopped off for lunch and was welcomed by a very helpful member of staff. It was busy, but they managed to find a place for me and the two females who served me were really helpful. I had a light lunch, followed by a...

Attended the Speech House Hotel / Restaurant for a wake today and whilst the waiting staff were excellent those who were seemingly management were surly, unhelpful and really not what you expect when dealing with a family bereavement - they even got the name of...

Friendly service, superb food and excellent atmosphere. Fantastic location in the Forest of Dean with good parking.

I suggested Speech House to my friends as a lovely place to get together. I called a head and asked if I could book a table for 5 for Afternoon tea on the 9th April 2022, the lady on the telephone explained that they do...

We called in after our walk. It was busy, there was a big event going on. They were short staffed. We have quite specific dietary requirements- pescatarian and gluten free. The GF option seemed to be a selection of baked vegetables. My goats cheese and...

After receiving a present from our children for a family afternoon tea, we were rather excited to attend. Arrived, was put in a room all alone, no atmosphere and cold. Afternoon Tea arrived and had 2 selections of sandwiches, salmon and cucumber. When hubbie went...

Wonderful experience at Speech House for our "wedding breakfast". Due to Covid, we were forced to change our wedding plans but the team were incredibly accomodating. Sue, the wedding and event coordinator was really wonderful - from our initial meeting when we were just looking...

Sorry but I just do not want a dining experience sat on the next table to 2 barking dogs. Everyone must have heard the issue but no one chose to deal with it. I don't find eating next to dogs is hygienic and certainly irritating...

We have visited for 40 years after we honeymooned in here 1982. We have had lunch and morning coffee many times and always enjoy our visits. Our go to drink choice is a cafeteria of coffee either for one or two. The past couple of...

An excellent salad for lunch, a very congenial ambience and professional, friendly staff. Highly recommend and look forward to returning.

We have stayed at the Speech House several times in the past 40 years, usually to celebrate anniversaries, this was our ruby. We decided to eat in the Orangery two nights and the last night in the splendid verderers restaurant. The Orangery food was so...

Had morning coffee and scones (2 each plus cream and jam) in The Orangery. Our dog was made welcome, we were happy with Covid precautions, service was great and staff were friendly. It cost a little more than average but location and venue were upmarket...

We stayed here in June and had a great time. All the Covid protocols were in place and being adhered to by most people .As the weather was so nice we managed a couple of drinks in the garden during the afternoon. We also had...

Excellent service by attentive staff. will be back. We stayed 2 days and ate all meals in - that says how good we felt it was!

at first couldn t sit together which was sad as had come down from kidderminster to visit family eventually got table together. service was slow, waited 40 minute for food, food was lovely when it did come, my side of vegetables got forgotten asked for...

It was lunchtime and lucky to be given a table as the restaurant was busy and filling up fast. The sunny ambience and caring service felt so relaxing. We chose to have a luxury chocolate and a Americano coffee. Decided to have a slice of...

We stayed at the hotel for 3 nights and made use of the in-house dining. The first evening we ate at the orangery. The service was a little slow but we weren't in a hurry so that wasn't a problem for us. Food was very...

I have been to this place a handful of times and they have the worst service in the whole of the forest. Its exterior is nice but beware of terrible service that will have you reviewing your decision to take a seat. I was kindly...

We have been to the Forest of Dean many times and this the first time we have been here. We enjoyed Sunday an evening meal in the Verderers Court historic room, the room is steeped in history, the food and service was of a high...

The food was good and the cream teas were brilliant however two of the waitresses were a little surly and unhappy. overall it was an enjoyable experience.

Stopped here after a lovely walk in the forest with our dog. Made to feel very welcome by the friendly and attentive staff. Food was lovely! The vegan burger was really nice (a good change to have an actual homemade vegan burger instead of the...

Was advised to go here a not far from where we are staying In Gloucestershire. We went today with our 2 dogs and went to sit outside in the garden where we would be seated no one came to seat us so we sat down...

We ate here twice recently and on the 2nd occasion my partner's main course was overooked and of poor quality. The restaurant manager was attentive, sorted out a replacement dish very quickly and when the bill came we weren't charged for her meal. Mistakes happen...

Second time visiting here. First was lovely jsut for drinks. Today we spent the afternoon here after a rainy walk. Very slow service but lovely food and plenty of it. The orangery was freezing which was disappointing when soaking wet. Would visit again but probably...

Sadly due to covid we didn't make our Xmas day reservation, but the Speech House were amazing and very accomodating of our circumstances so wanted to leave a review to say how great they were, dealing with our change in circumstances and how we hope...

The dining experience at The Orangery was divine. Being able to enjoy a 3- course 5* culinary experience in a COVID safe environment in one of the outdoor garden dens was priceless. I cannot recommend the lamb rump enough. Also, the side of Brussels sprouts...

Recently stayed here due to work commitments and although the rooms are a little dated the hotel is nice enough. Food is very good, only really let down by some unfriendly reception staff. The waiting staff seemed very friendly and helpful.

We rented one of the new Den’s in the garden for the afternoon it was a great private dining experience. I would recommend wrapping up well as although heated the doors needed to remain open. It was nice not to have to worry about other...

Ate in Verderers Court as The Orangery was busy. We got married in this room so it holds special memories. Food did take a while to come out but the meal was superb as always. COVID safety measures throughout the hotel, tables well spaced and...

Have to say had a wonderful evening meal in the amazing verderers court last week. The food is all from local producers, tastes amazing and is very well presented on the plate. Excellent wine choice also. Staff are all attentive and are a real compliment...

Lovely food. Absolutely appalling service. Soup served hot. No spoon. Had to wait five minutes before a waitress appeared so we could ask for a spoon. Knife and fork to eat tagliatelle! Waited 35 minutes to order a drink during the meal. Will not return.

As I retired Home Economist who used to work in the industry, I can easily tell if a properly trained Chef has prepared and cooked a meal. Full marks to waiting Staff and Chefs for a wonderful meal and breakfast I had during my stay...

We wanted a memorable and special anniversary lunch in July 2019 as we would have both been too tired by the evening. Speech House really delivered. A grand tiered tray was brought to our table. There were finger sandwiches with ham, salmon and cheese, an...

We popped to the Speech House Orangery for a Sunday Lunch meal - they were one of the few places that didn’t take bookings, so it was easy to get seated.Set in the luxurious grounds of Speech House and the Forest of Dean, I had very high expectations. The staff were very friendly on arrival, being very attentive initially. However, by the end of the meal it was a little bit like we had been forgotten about and it took us a little while to flag someone down for dessert or the bill, but I can understand this during a Sunday lunch. The food itself was mediocre. I had the vegetarian option - the pie, which itself was delicious, but accompanied with slightly undercooked vegetables and a tomato gravy that I can’t work out whether I liked or not. A little different, but not sure it paid off. Had this been a standard pub Sunday lunch, I may have forgiven the vegetables, but given the standard I felt the restaurant was trying to give, I was a little disappointed. The pizza my partner ordered however was a definite miss. It felt a little like a frozen pizza, and was an average pizza at best. There was no attention to topics or making it ‘special’. For £10, I would have expected a little more.On the whole, the value for money was decent with reasonable sized portions. The food missed the mark, which was a shame - it didn’t have the same special feel the rest of the experience did.

My wife and I were bought some vouchers (£30) for Christmas and decided to use them at the end of March however world affairs prevented that. Speech House extended the voucher without complaint and, when circumstances forced us to cancel our early August booking they went out of their way to accommodate us. We arrived for our 18:00 booking to discover my wife had misheard and we were 30 minutes early, the staff sorted us (2 adults and 3 kids aged 11, 9 and 10 months) with a lovely garden seat and some drinks. We were called to our table a few minutes early, the room was stunning and the waiting staff made us so comfortable and welcome. Despite it being a fine dining restaurant, we were able to choose from The Orangery menu which had more kid friendly dishes on although the fine dining menu was comprehensive and great value for money. We had another round of drinks and a jug of iced lemon water, I order real ale battered fish, beef dripping chips, home made mushy peas and home made tartare sauce, my wife had hand made chicken, leek and ham pie, beef dripping chips and seasonal roasted veg. My daughter's had cheese and tomato tortellini with garlic bread (eldest) and cheese, ham and pineapple pizza with chips (middle). Youngest was ordered some soft chips and peas as well as having some fish and some pie filling. For dessert the girls had Kinder Bueno ice cream, my wife had clotted cream Panna Cotta, elderflower macerated strawberries and meringue and I had sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream ice cream and honeycomb. The portions were large, the food was delicious and the service was excellent. Speech House really delivered a splendid evening for my family. Now for the best bit, I went to pay the bill which was £65.60 but we went on a Wednesday which meant we took advantage of Eat Out to Help Out which dropped the bill to £32.80, we then had to take our vouchers off (£30) meaning our entire two course meal with drinks for 5 cost me £2.80 and was absolutely delicious. I know that we got an absolute bargain but, the food was more than worth the £66 it would have cost without promotions and vouchers. If you are looking for a sophisticated, welcoming environment serving superb food, please check out Speech House Hotel, I will definitely be back.

We have been to The Speech House in the past, the last time 5 years ago. Therefore when we were looking to celebrate our wedding anniversary and the OH 70th (postponed from May) we looked at returning to the hotel.Because of the COVID-19 restrictions staying in a hotel could have felt clinical or uncomfortable, however the team managed to give an air of being friendly, professional but still very aware of the risks.Cleaning tables, protected masks for the staff, no room cleaning (maybe the future for hotels) 2m space between tables, they didn’t scrimp on service, smiles and acknowledgement that they needed us to feel comfortable being at the hotel.Good quality food, cooked to order, excellent range of wines and good service. I am pleased we made the decision to go to an independent hotel. We stayed for 3 nights and whilst the weather was rubbish we still enjoyed our stay.

We ate here in the orangery during a recent short stay in the area. The food was excellent and inexpensive. The staff were friendly and accommodating and it was refreshing to see some traditional service standards without stuffiness. Would definitely recommend and will return if in the area.

Amazing food nestled in the Forest! What an amazing place to eat, great choices! Had 2 sets of meals her and could not fault any of them

Very much like pub food. If you’re looking for more than that then I’m afraid you’ll have to keep driving. This place could be so much more. It really does make me very sad that it isn’t.

We had a fantastic takeaway from here that was real restaurant food freshly prepared by a chef not fast food.It was all delicious including the sticky toffee pudding and the attention to detail in the packing and ensuring we had all the sauces, gravy etc for each dish went down well.Great value for money. Much better than cooking on our little stove at our self catering accommodation. Recommend it!

A real mixed bag. First off, Jack was fantastic and the experience would be so much better had the rest of the team had the people skills and customer focus that he had. The food was OK, tagliatelle was fantastic but the pie had very little filling which was disappointing. Having finished our meal (and placed our plates at the end of the table as a clear sign we had finished) we waited, and waited...and waited. Other staff members completely ignored us even though they weren’t waiting on other tables, we waited so long that we decided in the end against having desserts or more drinks. Luckily Jack returned and promptly arranged our bill. Our experience wasn’t a case of the restaurant being busy or COVID restrictions causing additional work, it was just poor customer service. Based on our experience we wouldn’t return, a shame as it is a lovely and convenient setting.

On holiday and looking for a safe, comfortable place to eat.This place is fabulous. It's spotless and Covid safe. Tables are cleaned between guests and it is clear that there are proper processes in place to ensure everyone is safe.The food is really, really good. We were there in the afternoon and had sandwiches, soup and an afternoon tea. It was all spot on and the rustic chips are a must.The customer service was superb. Jack, who looked after us, was attentive, friendly, patient and exemplary in his role. The rest of the staff we dealt with were just as good. I can't recommend this place highly enough.

so before I start ive read reviews on bed hygiene and poor service which I might add are way over exaggerated and frankly the way its written is something you really shouldn't care less for.jbmcbride really? Anyway.The place is clean and the service from a roseete point of view is exactly how it should be.Now I was here for lunch today and I cant help myself about saying this and being a former Rossette chef I had the pressed chicken and foccia dish and im not going to lie here frankly 4 hours on i am saying point blank one of the best dishes I've ever tasted.So good intact every mouthful I looked at the wife and repeated this is so good.That marmalade accompanying the dish is bang on que.Compliments chef and I sent the waitress in to tell him that there and then.And thank god for home made crunchy chips.Love it.And yes I will travel 81 miles from Northampton to eat again and no my review is not biased ive had good service and food in fast food places.Chef! It was that good I was tempted to order it again.That dish is not forgotten by me at least.And to the staff your all doing the job the way it should be.So thankyou for a lovely afternoon.People forget the staff are young too like us all once and to the bad reviewers sorry were not all perfect like you.People really need to get a grip seriously.

Not clean. Each table has a laminated sign that says all tables are thoroughly cleaned between customers, but we sat and watched other tables vacate and staff merely remove the plates then seat someone new. Other restaurants I’ve been to post-lockdown have sprayed tables and seats down carefully before allowing anyone near them. The staff here were friendly but seemed very careless. Wouldn’t be back due to the hygiene issues, plus the service was very slow.

Fabulous food and lovely beer garden. No need to go anywhere else as you can get everything in the hotel.

We stopped for lunch after taking the dog for a walk at the arboretum almost next door. We ate in the Orangery as dogs are allowed in with you. We both had a dish of the ‘burgers of the forest’ menu which came with a free pudding. The food was excellent, it’s not the cheapest burger, but it was much more, we would recommend the Deli and the Venison burgers. Dessert was also excellent.

Our visit was very memorable due to the floods on the day. Unfortunately after phoning to reserve a table, we were unable to try the Foresters Court room due to a wedding taking place. We took the gamble to see if a table was vacant in the Orangery, which is walk in, first come first serve. Having eaten here many times we knew the score and were lucky. Our meals were superb, absolutely delicious my roast pork with crackling was sure winner. The others had the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, all plates were cleared and we were thoroughly satisfied. Thank You Speech House.

Always well prepared and inviting. Food looks good enough to eat and it is. Fairly priced for a nice meal. Better than average for the area.

On a dismal wet January Sunday we were looking to inject some brightness in our day - as well as to have a good meat-free lunch. We selected the Verderers' Restaurant at Speech House and couldn't have chosen better. Gorgeous dining-room, excellent service from the promising and sociable Jack and an enormous amount of food of unquestionable excellence*. The white onion soup with sage held memorable flavours and was piping hot. For mains we had spinach and mushroom pie, and curried fish. The golden brown stand-up pie was every bit as tasty as it looked. The curried fish (NOT fish-curry Jack assured us) was simultaneously a picture and an adventure in taste. Both came accompanied by cauliflower cheese, carrots, swede, cabbage and mange-tout peas and there were roasted potatoes, carrots and parsnips with the pie. This was a real Sunday treat for non-meat eaters. No room for pudding or cheese unfortunately but we thoroughly enjoyed the coffeeand chocolate-brownie biscuit. This meal could have rated the elusive 10/10 but remember that * caveat? Well that was because the French bread was abysmal and indistinguishable from wonderloaf in (lack of) taste and texture. NO bread would have been better! So only 9.5/10 but congratulations to all concerned just the same.

Pleasant enough lunch until we were joined at an adjacent table by a couple with a a large wet, smelly dog next to us, to whom they fed titbits and drinks at the table. We were uncomfortable, the dog was also unhappy and attempted to drag the dining table away - his lead was attached to one of the legs. We cut our meal short and retired to finish our drinks in the dog-.free lounge. When we mentioned it we were told it was a dog friendly establishment. We like dogs but not when we are eating.

Menu in Orangery is very basic. No chicken at all. Must say food we have eaten is well prepared and presented. Staff friendly and cheerful.

I don't even know where to start with this review.Unfortunately my mother had passed away and we decided to go to the same place we had our dads (which was in the dark wooded room)We turned up one day between Christmas &new year to book &I apologise I don't know any names but there was a youngish dark haired girl at reception.we enquiried about why we were there &she didn't even look up from her screen...just passed us a buffet price list.we took this&went away and I said to my sister why would we give this establishment our money!considering the the timing we just went along with it&booked the function room at a rate of £150 extra.in between this time I'd made emails & messages about putting out photos etc...no reply.so I phoned &we was allowed to come up on the morning if the funeral.we came up livid that nobody seemed to care...luckily we was greeted by an older lady with grey hair &a nice guy who let us into the function room.its thanks to these two that didn't make us just say you know what that's my mum&you have no heart at all! For what you pay for the hard on the edges sandwiches it's not worth it...thing is it's local so they think they have the monopoly &can treat u however.bearing in mind we are talking nearly £800 for some is the day you should be getting things rightbig kudos to the lady working reception on the 16th of January as if she hadn't of been so nice there would of been a stand off.if your gonna take bookings for wakes at least have the staff who can deal with it the correct way

Went a walk on May Hill on New Year's Day.Decided to drive to The Speech House for lunch.Was happy & surprised to get a table in The Orangerie.The staff all very dog friendly & didn't mind my friends v large dog.Really nice menu with loads of vegan vegetarian options.Had the fish & chips which were delicious ! Very fresh & hand cut rustic fries.Staff were all lovely,food served timeously & service absolutely spot on.Very enjoyable.Will be back soon

A return visit for Christmas lunch and what a treat. Superb homemade ham hock terrine and welsh roast beef that was so tender and beautifully cooked that we bypassed the turkey. It felt very Victorian in its atmosphere and "like Christmas" as you imagine it with log fires etc. A great effort from the staff and a lovely time as they were extremely busy. Again, these parts of the forest do not have phone signals which is really rather quaint for us but a headache for the establishment! Do try this at anytime of year as it is a great experience.

Lovely restaurant in the Orangery. They were very busy when we arrived for lunch and were warned that we might have a wait. We didn't. The service by all the staff was brilliant, they were all helpful, extremely professional and friendly. I had the sprout and chestnut soup followed by loin of venision. Both dishes were excellent, so well cooked and presented. The only regret I have is that I didn't ask for the soup recipe! I can't recommend this restaurant enough.

I stumbled upon this place by accident whilst looking for a car park. Finding one, I realised I was beside a forest walk, so I had a wonder along it. Well I wasn’t expecting that!!

Stopped in here for some dinner with the family (2 kids, aged 10 and 7). They couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating. The staff really were great and a credit. The menu was varied, with the usual options for children, but it was all cooked well and no complaints on that side at all.

Stopped in for a coffee break with friend, 10 of us, on a recent motorbike trip. A lovely garden at the rear where we sat for our coffee. Only problem was with many wasps in the garden. helpful and friendly staff.

Lunch is very good value as the food is really tasty and the service is first class. The restaurant has nice views and is surrounded by trees, fields and gardens.

A great location and an impressive building from the outside. We sat in the orangery which did feel a little dated however it was bright and the staff were very friendly.

I stayed overnight at the Speech House & had dinner & breakfast in the restaurant.

We have stayed here many times and have never had a bad experience. The rooms are nice and the staff are very helpful. A very nice hotel set in a wonderful area.

A nice selection of Teas, served in Silver pots. Classy cups and saucers. It was a lot to eat, but really very tasty, from the sandwiches over the scones to the sweet little desserts. Very friendly staff, a welcoming place.

The Speech House is special, especially to people born in the Forest of Dean who are so proud of its history.

We visited for a family meal in the A la Carte restaurant. 6 adults and 4 children

Lovely place to stay. We had a courtyard room which was VERY comfortable. Breakfast was excellent. Served by really good staff. Evening meal was good but not a lot of choice for us.

We sat outside the Orangery at a table on the beautiful lawn, very relaxed and perfect for families with kids. The Sunday roast was nicely presented and tasted delicious. We will definitely return if we are in the area again. Most enjoyable!

My wife and I stayed here and ate with friends in the Orangery. The food was tasty, well cooked and nicely presented. Just a tad expensive for what it was but the service was excellent and the surroundings very pleasant. However there are better places locally, but that of course means driving, which in some way negates the reason for staying in a hotel with a restaurant!