As the preparations for Christmas ramp up, our choice for Pub of the Month is a place you can enjoy a festive lunchtime menu with friends.  Equally you could escape to this off the beaten track hostelry, avoid more gift shopping and opt for a thirst quenching pint of Brentwood Beer and a gourmet burger and chips instead.

Wishing you a Merry, Christmas,

Roland Kannor

The Forresters Arms in High Ongar

The chef at The Forresters Arms, Peter Goodwin, admits he’s a perfectionist in the kitchen.

“I like to treat my diners as I like to be treated when I dine out.  I’m a perfectionist and I try not to disappoint,” added Peter.

On the menu are all the usual pub food favourites like ham, egg and chips at £6.95 and an array of gourmet burgers with a cheeseburger and fries costing £4.75.  Whilst Peter’s filled Tiger Bread French Sticks, bought fresh every day, are legendary locally, the most popular dish on the menu by miles is the 14oz T-Bone Steak at £12.50.

A Sunday roast with a choice of meats, home-cooked roast potatoes, Yorkshire Puddings, three kinds of freshly cooked-while-you-wait vegetables and gravy will set you back £7.95.

“We are in quite a remote, rural location but people make the effort to find us,” said Landlord of ten years, Keith Morgan.

Walkers often visit the pub for a pit-stop as they tackle The Essex Way which runs from Epping to Harwich.

“The Forresters is a local, traditional, community pub.  There’s good real ale with Brentwood Beer always one of the four cask ales we offer and good food too,” added Keith.

Every Sunday night The Forresters Arms hosts an open mic night, giving people the opportunity to pitch up and perform music – singing or playing.

From 1st – 24th December the Christmas Party menu is available lunchtimes only from noon onwards – except Mondays.  Two courses is £15.95 and three courses, £21.50. Turkey and all the trimmings or salmon steak or vegetarian roast are the main course options.  There are four starters to choose from and for dessert, individual Christmas Pudding or two alternatives.  Both involve chocolate, making the decision a potentially tricky one.

A cosy inglenook fireplace, traditional decor with wooden beams and a quietly quirky sense of humour await at The Forresters Arms.  As a brass plaque at the front door demonstrates.  It reads ‘In 1832 on this spot nothing happened.’

Brentwood Beer and Food Match Suggestions to Try  at The Forresters Arms:

Hope and Glory 4.5% ABV with a gourmet cheeseburger and fries.

Tasting notes:  Full-bodied red premium bitter.  Well-balanced with full malt flavours.  A lightness of hops comes through, leaving a pleasing end note and lingering bitterness.

Lumberjack 5.2% ABV with a T-Bone Steak

Tasting Notes:  Strong, slightly sweet, full-bodied bitter brewed with traditional English Fuggles and EKG hops to give a round, hoppy finish.

The Forresters Arms High Ongar Opening Times:

11am to midnight every day

Kitchen Opening Times:

The kitchen closes on Monday.  Lunchtime food is available from Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 3pm.  Wednesday to Saturday evenings the kitchen opens 6-8.30pm.  Sunday lunch is available noon to 4.3opm.

The Forresters Arms,The Street, High Ongar, CM5 9NH

01277 366 656

www.theforrestersarms.co.uk

Love Beer, Love Brentwood