The Forest Tavern, Forest Gate, E7

Pub SignMan left this review about The Forest Tavern

This is a good sized former Antic pub with a perfect location right next to the station. The pub has a spacious, single room set up, albeit with distinct areas situated either side of the centrally positioned servery. The room is bare boarded, with mix of exposed brick and plain painted walls plus some sections of former partitioning wall done in a darker shade. Tables with chairs and tub chairs can be found in the front space, under large windows with leaded upper panes and a ledge full of books, vases, pots and other bits, whilst high tables and stools fill the space directly opposite the bar. The servery has an uninteresting counter and unusual bar back comprising metal frame shelving where a traditional bar back would otherwise have been, but much of this has since been lost due to the knocking through of two formerly separate rooms. At least one quirky feature has been retained, with a set of windows above the bar set in a bare brick surround, providing an unusual point of difference. The room extends to the rear, down the left-hand side, with lots more seating in what feels like more of a dining space, with similar styling and some plush banquettes around the perimeter. I spotted several TV screens around the room, but they were all switched off so that everyone could focus on a clearly very popular pub quiz.
On the bar, just the two cask ales - Portobello Star and Five Points XPA - although these were supplimented by a pretty solid keg range representative of those seen in other Portobello pubs. The bar staff seemed friendly enough, the XPA was in good nick and the place was heaving on a late midweek evening thanks to the aforementioned quiz.
This is a nicely presented, modern pub which looks like it's popular with a good cross section of the community. I found it a pleasant place to settle down for a quiet pint, even with the hubbub of the ongoing quiz, and enjoyed the well-kept ale. With its ideal location alongside the station, this is a good option for anyone passing through the area.

Date of visit - 1st October 2024

On 2^nd January 2025 - rating: 7
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