Get Involved

Food & Drink

Travellers Friend, Woodford Green

A fantastic local pub which has been recently refurbished and lovingly restored. Known locally as the 'Spivs' this is one of Woodford Greens oldest public houses and was originally a beer shop which dated back to 1841. Offering a wide range of special ales and craft beer which change daily and a varied seasonal menu this is definitely worth a visit.

Travellers Friend website

Grand Trunk Road, South Woodford

Based in South Woodford, this contemporary Indian restaurant is inspired by the chronicled stretch of land built for traders in the 16th century. Rajesh Suri's Grand Trunk Road is a culinary dedication to a historical staple of the varied flavours of India. Formerly of Mayfair's Tamarind, restauranteur Rajesh Suri has teamed up with Head Chef Dayashankar Sharma to create this amazing restaurant.

Grand Trunk Road Website

Sheesh, Chigwell

This landmark building was restored to its former glory in 2009 by local entrepreneur Dylan Hunt. The project took over a year to complete and now this sophisticated eatery is famous countrywide and has won the award for 'Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the UK' on more than one occasion. As well as a fantastic menu there is the Upstairs Cocktail Bar that enjoys live music five nights a week, which if you are a fan of TOWIE, I am sure you will recognise.

Sheesh, Chigwell website

Mezze,Woodford Green

Just around the corner from our office is the go-to Turkish restaurant in Woodford Green. This stylish eatery has been super busy since the first night of opening. There is an extensive menu with everything you would expect and a fantastic cocktail bar. Our favourites are the spicy chicken livers, the slow cooked kleftiko and the sticky baklava to finish. If it's a great value lunch or a more intimate dinner date, then this is the place to go in Woodford.

The Green Owl, Buckhurst Hill

The Green Owl in Buckhurst Hill is a great little place for a brunch or lunch. Situated opposite Waitrose in Queens Road this friendly little cafe offers a wide range of tasty treats from a simple sandwich to hearty home cooked meals. Everything they serve is sourced locally and only the freshest ingredients are used. Well worth a look.

The Green Owl website

The Nightingale Pub, Wanstead

The Nightingale pub in Wanstead welcomes regulars and first time visitors with the same warm welcome. There are two bar areas which are both very comfortable and have the feel of a traditional east end pub. There is a menu with food ranging from good old British fare to a Thai Green Curry, so something for everyone.

Nightingale Pub website

Robins Pie & Mash, Chingford

Robins Pie & Mash in Station Road, Chingford has a very loyal following, with many of the customers returning every week for their pie and mash fix. The Robins family have been producing traditional pie, mash and liquor for five generations and are renowned for their quality and authentic recipe. The only thing that has changed in recent years is the addition of a 100% Vegan Veggie Pie.

Robins website

The Ginger Pig, Loughton

The Ginger Pig butchers is a welcome addition to Loughton High Road. This is the place to visit if you are looking for that perfect joint for your Sunday roast or some prepared and marinated meats for that impromptu BBQ. If you are looking for a hot lunch on the go they also make the most fantastic lamb sausage rolls and the biggest scotch eggs in Essex.

The Ginger Pig

Family

Barracudas Holiday Clubs, Woodford Green

Barracudas are a family owned company that offer Easter and summer clubs to keep your children entertained during the school holidays. With over 80 activities for kids to enjoy at the multi activity camps and being graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted on multiple occasions this is one place you and your kids will love.

Barracudas website

Ray Park, Woodford Green

Ray Park is situated on Snakes lane East, Woodford Green. This lush green park is ideal for a family day out as there is so much to do with many different play areas for children of all ages as well as tennis courts, basketball courts and an outdoor gym. The Leal Centre is on hand for when you need to re-energise with some food and drink.

Loughton Leisure Centre

Loughton Leisure Centre is a real community hub. It aims to bring local people together in an environment that encourages everyone to be more active. The range of facilities and classes include a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, group cycling, body pump, body attack and for those who prefer something gentler, there are yoga classes.

Loughton Leisure Centre website

Connaught Water, Chingford

Connaught Waters is situated on the outskirts of Chingford and is one of the most popular local lakes. Surrounded by the Epping Forest this area of natural beauty is a haven for a range of wildlife and dog walkers alike. You can head south through the forest to reach the equally beautiful Highams Park Lake and Knighton Woods.

Baby Sensory, Buckhurst Hill

Baby Sensory hold classes in Buckhurst Hill, Chingford and Loughton on Mondays through to Saturday and give new Mums the opportunity to meet with other new Mums and babies in the local area. The classes provide ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home.

Baby Sensory website

Creative Biscuit, South Woodford

Creative Biscuit in George Lane, South Woodford is perfect for childrenï¿½s parties and those rainy days when you are stuck for something to do with the kids. The owners Karen & Tim have created the perfect place for Mum & Dad to enjoy the cakes and coffee whilst the children get to show off their pottery skills.

Creative Biscuit website

Out and About

The Bike Shop, Buckhurst Hill

Colin and Justin have been running The Bike Shop in Buckhurst Hill for over 10 years. It is a family run business and this really shines through with their friendly and attentive service. If you need a set of wheels to enjoy the local cycle routes or the trials in Epping Forest then look no further. They sell and rent a fantastic range of road and mountain bikes ,as well as electric bikes for those of us who like to take it a bit easier.

The Bike Shop website

Bikram Yoga, Loughton

If you like things hot then this Yoga studio could be for you. Located on Loughton High Road this studio offers both Bikram and Vinyasa yoga classes, as well as an intense HIIT class, which is all practised in a room with temperature around 40 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity.

Bikram Yoga Essex website

Woodford Rugby Club, Woodford Green

Woodford Rugby Club in Woodford Green is popular with local people of all ages due to its family friendly atmosphere. There is mini rugby for both boys and girls through to junior and senior teams. The 1st team XV secured an automatic promotion to London 1 North league and the 3rd XV became league winners in March 2019. They are due to be launching pop up restaurant nights in May 2019, so why pop along and enjoy the family friendly clubhouse for yourself. For more events visit their website.

Woodford Rugby Club website

Epping Forest Walking Group, Woodford Green

This group started off as The Epping Forest Rambling Club in 1938. Since that time, they have been enjoying the countryside that surrounds the City of London and in particular Epping Forest. Their current membership stands at about 120 walkers who will generally meet up on a Sunday morning to enjoy all that Epping Forest has to offer.

Epping Forest Walking Group website

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Chingford

Why not go back in time to Tudor England. At the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Chingford you can do just that. You can visit the Tudor kitchen where you can learn about Tudor cuisine. There are also Tudor outfits that you can try on for size whilst enjoying the views of Epping Forest from the second floor of the lodge.

What's on?

Chingfest, Chingford

Ridgeway Park in Chingford hosts this annual event which year on year just gets bigger and bigger and pulls in some big names in the soul and RnB world as well as some great tribute acts. There is a new DJ dance tent, a comedy tent, wildlife photography workshops, kids show, amazing festival food and of course a festival bar. This family fun day out is generally held in early August - Enjoy.

Chingfest website

Bikram Yoga, Loughton

Donkey Derby, Theydon Bois

Held in July this event is now over 30 years old and is held in the beautiful village of Theydon Bois. With more than 4,000 visiting the Village Green each year for this charity event that raises money for the local Scouts and guides as well as other worthwhile causes. There are so many family things to do including dog shows, fair rides and bouncy castles, but on the day but the main event is the Donkey Races where local children ride the donkeys bareback in some nail biting races Why not pop along and have a flutter on your favourite.

Epping Farmers Market

The Epping Farmers Market is held on the High Road, Epping on the first Thursday of every month. There is a huge selection of local produce for you to sample, enjoy and take home including heart warming winter soups, organic seasonal vegetables, freshly baked breads and eggs laid that morning. With similar markets held in Loughton this is the perfect way to support your local farmers and producers.

Haven House Sparkle Walk 10k

The Sparkle walk is a yearly event which often raises in excess of Â£20,000 for the Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Green. This Charity walk starts in Wanstead with the new route taking you through Epping Forest, South Woodford, Woodford Green and ending back at the Cuckfield pub in Wanstead. Why not get involved and raise some money for a very worthy cause.

Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill

If you are looking for a shopping experience away from the usual High Street names then look no further than Queens road, Buckhurst Hill. There is a vast array of independent shops including perfumeries, high end clothing stores, some fantastic restuarants, hair dressers and even a good old fashioned tailor.