The best restaurants in Epping Forest East of England

One of the main reasons for the visit was due to the iconic name, made famous by the film of the same name.. of which my boys are huge fans Visited after a cold visit from Suffolk with my 2 teen boys after a cold visit to the Fort, wanting to warm up with some food. We definitely saw a local that we thought of as 'Blank'. 🤣 For a Saturday afternoon it was extremely quiet, which concerned me a bit. (Usually strikes me as not a good location if this quiet) Ordered drinks and food for 3 of us and food from a very limited menu. One thing was immediately noted... How damn cold it was in there, a fire, or should I say, hot coals, was in the fireplace but it was freezing on a winter day, even the staff were bundled up in winter coats. We sat at the back of the pub in the Samuel Pepys room where we were quickly joined by the local 'village council' having their meeting and glaring at us as we chatted! (Sorry.. pubs are for chatting) Our food arrived swiftly and to our delight and I have to say suprise, it was really tasty and of large portions... Fish was a tad on the greasy side, but was still edible. So, 10/10 for that. Overall. A welcome stop off after a visit to the Fort and yes, I would visit again.... It wasn't terrible.. but it really lacked the love and attention it dearly needs in order to attract more clients.

Fantastic food, nice and friendly environment. I can’t recommend a better Chinese in this town, if you are visiting the Swan is definitely a must visit.

When going for one of our walks we always try and end near this lovely Deli in Chigwell. Normally a coffee, which are excellent and although we try not too, we always succumb to one of the pastries or cakes which are sublime! Everyone working here are so welcoming and friendly. There is seating inside and outside and everywhere is absolutely spotless, as soon as a table is empty it is cleaned ready for the next lucky customer. Thank you to all at the Chigwell Village Deli and becoming part of our walking ritual! Jill & Warren

4 friends met for lunch. 2 had pan fried fresh skate with chips and peas. Gorgeous skate, top of the range chips. 2 enjoyed perfect jacket potatoes, one with thousands of prawns, one with beans and cheese. Perfect home cooked food. Friendly staff. Great value for money. Will definitely be back.

We used to come here all the time and have for many years, this place used to be the only chicken / wing shop around and every Wednesday it would be rammed with people and you’d be lucky to get a seat! Nowadays it’s soulless, I’d seriously suggest checking your staff for drugs because they all seem to be doped out their minds and can just about string a sentence together. We had to go next door to buy them some halloumi out of our own pockets just so we could get them to cook the halloumi and mushroom burger - absolutely LUDICROUS. Why are there no chairs?? It’s like one day they decided they don’t want people to eat in so just removed all the chairs, why is the director of wing shack not coming down and inspecting this? It’s embarrassing. This place needs a whole new refurb and new staff need to be employed ASAP, they are lazy, slow, don’t care about their customers and the food portions just get smaller everytime I come here especially for this price they sell it at. I will not be returning.

Had a mixed Shish the chicken was dry and lamb was just lumps of fat. Very expensive for what you get. Although the staff were very good. This was a very large family event and all 8 tables were charged extortionate service fee and it total that came to £280 an absolute joke when we only had 2 servers. It took them over an hour for us to all pay as there was items on the bills that we didn’t get and unfortunately we decided just to pay and get out. But most certainly will not be returning.

Waited 30 mins before acknowledged & given menus. It was then 40 mins before our first drink on a Sunday morning. My latte was curdled (milk) which I sent back. Exchanged without fuss. Breakfast arrived much quicker than the menus did and was ok. Waitress delivering did not seem very happy or enjoying her work - very lacklustre This was our first and last visit. If you are in a hurry you will be disappointed. Easy like a Sunday morning I understand but I do not appreciate being actively ignored.

delivery was on time, the food unfortunately was cold, I had to reheat, which defeats the object of the excersize. The salad was lacking jalapenos, but having said all that the wings were as always delicious, the chips and chicken was cold

My second visit to this coffee shop and it was identical to the 1st, my friend wanted to go it. It’s grubby, coffee weak and I couldn’t believe that for the 2nd time they closed the area I was sitting in around us to prevent others contained in the front, take about rushing you as they needed to clear up!

I've ordered from here a few times, my partner likes the sushi but I can't eat raw fish so I usually pick something hot. This time it was the Teriyaki Chicken, no, sorry, I meant old tasting chicken in a nest of beansprouts and raw onion. There was no sauce or teriyaki flavour at all. Just endless beansprouts. That was officially the last time I'll order from here.

Having read one or two less than complimentary reviews. I can confirm we had Pie and mash as expected. No soggy bottoms. Good size pies full of scrumptious meat, plenty of mash and liquor.All washed down with a cup of tea. Nostalgia personified. Eight old boys who all used to live nearby and frequent this pie and mash shop in their youth. Same location for over 60 years. And a friendly welcome from the staff. Walked in and was sitting down to eat and drink in less than 3 minutes. Beat that MacDonalds. Give it a try if you are around the Debden or loughton area

It wasn't a very good experience.Ordered from this place first time after reading recommendations on FB. Waste of money:could taste that meat and prawns were not freshly prepared, chicken balls dry and slightly burnt, ribs soaked in a filthy sauce. Too much sauce on everything and overcooked veg!

Great cafe with a smashing atmosphere. Food was priced cheaply and of very good quality. I loved it and will be going again. Well done.

What disgrace out with friends, group of guys started fighting, no security staff, evening ended abruptly with police being called..

I like their Birthday cake so much, but it is little bit expensive. And I am also happy to see them open during lockdown for takeaways.