The Owl, High Beech, Loughton

Owl pages at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk

The Owl is a large sprawling McMullens pub high on a hill in the middle of High Beech with a large garden which provides fantastic views over Epping Forest. There has been an Inn on this location for a few centuries but this incarnation was built in the 1960’s when the existing building was condemned and demolished. Internally it is mainly set up for dining, but does have a separate bar area with a more traditional feel of dark wood and leather chairs. It’s targeted at diners and families and can get very busy in the summer months, especially when there is a bouncy castle in the garden, and at these times the food can be a bit hit or miss. The beers are the usual McMullens cask ales and are generally OK, but nothing exceptional. So to conclude, a decent enough McMullens food orientated chain pub, where the biggest attraction is the wonderful views from the beer garden. There are still signs referring to a ‘Water Otter’ in the garden. This was reference to a long standing joke where there was a large water butt with a 'Don't tease the water otter' sign above. When you pulled the chain you found a kettle on the end. It amused the kids…