Originally known as the Forest Hotel when it first opened in 1880 in Chingford, it was renamed the Royal Forest Hotel in 1882 after Queen Victoria’s visit to Epping Forest to dedicate it to the people.
The hotel catered for the hordes of visitors to the Forest by train from the newly opened Chingford Station.
The photo above from c1900 shows the detailed design by Edmond Egan, the Loughton architect who was also responsible for some of the very decorative houses in The Drive and Crescent Road.
The hotel’s busiest period was around 1910. However, a serious fire in 1912 resulted in the hotel being re-built minus its top storey.
Today the building is run by Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre.
You can find out more about Chingford Historical Society via this link.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel