This acquisition adds a further 28 rooms to the 150 rooms that the Group has acquired over four sites.
Following completion of The Royal Forest, Heartwood Collection remains on track to hit its target to grow to over 60 inns and brasseries by June 2027 with an estate of more than 500 bedrooms.
The Royal Forest is a historic public house, designed by architect Edmond Egan, first opened in 1880 as The Forest Hotel and subsequently renamed The Royal Forest in 1882 following a visit by Queen Victoria.
The inn is located on the edge of Epping Forest, the largest open space in London and a haven for keen walkers and wildlife, next to Queen Elizabeth’s hunting lodge, a Grade II listed building used by Elizabeth I to watch the infamous Epping Hunt.
Originally opened to receive visitors from London who disembarked at the newly opened Chingford Station, The Royal Forest will once again welcome guests from far and wide after undergoing a multi million pound refurbishment that will restore original features including a feature window on the stairwell that references Elizabeth I and her connection to the area.
Infused with Heartwood’s signature quirky style the refurbishment will transform the existing bar and dining space into a warm welcoming pub with 80 covers together with a dining room seating up to 142 guests.
Richard Ferrier, CEO, Heartwood Collection, said of the latest acquisition:
“The Royal Forest is an exciting acquisition for Heartwood as it marks our first pub with rooms in Essex. With its excellent transport links and beautiful location close to Epping Forest, we are confident this pub will be a fine addition to the local hospitality scene.”
Extremely pleased it will remain public house, was talk that luxury apartments would replace Royal Forest . So glad you have acquired this beautiful building.
Extremely pleased it will remain public house, was talk that luxury apartments would replace Royal Forest . So glad you have acquired this beautiful building.
Absolutely delighted that The Royal Forest Hotel /Public house and restaurant will be saved a bug part of my families memories and my mother who is 91 frequented back in the early 60s with my late father. My mother still a a local chingford resident
Thanks be for a hopefully decent place to stay. As a former long-time North Chingford resident,I enjoy occasional visit but there is nowhere to stay apart from the place down at South Chingford,which is not ideal.
( Incidentally, Chingford has not been Essex for many years now, although probably more appealing than East London.)
I love going there please keep open as a place to eat and enjoy its a beautiful building and area
Many hart felt memory’s of the Royal Forrest Hotel from the 60s/70s