Forest Tavern

Forest Tavern has successfully rebranded itself as one of Forest Gate's most welcoming gastropubs, and it shows. The spacious dining room feels genuinely local - you'll see dog owners, families, and regulars all mixed together. The food is where this place really shines, particularly their Sunday roast which locals swear is the best in the area. The meat is succulent, the roasties are perfectly crispy yet fluffy, and the gravy is generous.

The value proposition is strong with their £4.95 Portobello Perks happy hour running daily from 4-7pm, offering a pint or gin and tonic plus a glass of wine. The weekday lunch offer at £12.50 for a meal and pint is equally compelling. While the menu sticks to classic pub fare like fish and chips, the execution is solid and the sides like cauliflower cheese and stuffing balls add that extra touch. It's not fancy, but it's honest, good-value pub food in a genuinely friendly atmosphere.

The location in Forest Gate means you're right in the heart of a neighborhood that's been transforming, with the weekend market and annual festival adding to the local charm. This is the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick pint or settle in for a proper meal. Dog-friendly and unpretentious, Forest Tavern is exactly what a neighborhood pub should be.