Nestled in the heart of Epping Forest, beside the ancient village of Coopersale, the Theydon Oak has been going about its business for nigh on four centuries – and the Grade-II listed building
still looks a pretty picture with its flowering baskets and mature trees all around. Baguettes, ploughman’s, jacket potatoes and omelettes are served in the traditional bar, or you can move up a
gear in the restaurant – think chicken and bacon Caesar salad, braised lamb shank in red wine with rosemary jus or calf’s liver and bacon in sage butter followed by treacle sponge pudding. Sunday
lunch is a four-course blow-out with all the trimmings, and the pub has a good stock of CAMRA-endorsed ales, plus well-priced wines to suit any occasion. The huge garden and kids’ playground is a
perennial hit with families.