The Foresters Arms - High Ongar

Let’s talk about The Foresters Arms in High Ongar. It’s not just a pub. It’s a little time machine with a very good beer selection.

The Building That Can’t Decide What Year It Is

This place has serious history. Parts of it date back to the 16th century. That’s older than Shakespeare’s first draft.

It started life as a farmhouse. Then it became a pub, a post office, and even a shop. Poor building has an identity crisis, and we love it for that.

Walk inside and you’ll feel the crooked floors. They aren’t a design choice—they’re 400 years of gravity doing its thing.

What’s in a Name?

Why “Foresters Arms”? It’s not about lumberjacks with big muscles. The name honors the Royal Forest of Essex, which once covered this area.

Back then, you might have seen deer, not delivery vans. Today, you’ll see a very cozy pub instead. That’s progress.

The Quirky Details That Make You Smile

There’s a fireplace so big you could roast a wild boar in it. Or at least a very large chicken.

The Foresters Arms - High Ongar, Ongar - Restaurant menu, prices and

The ceiling beams are original oak. They’re blackened from centuries of smoke and ale fumes. Touch one—it’s like shaking hands with a Tudor carpenter.

And the garden? It’s a sun trap. Locals call it the “secret garden” because you can’t see it from the road. Finding it feels like winning a small lottery.

The Ghost You Might Meet (Or Not)

Rumor has it there’s a friendly ghost here. A woman in a long dress who likes to rearrange your pint glass.

Staff swear they’ve seen her. I’m not saying I believe it, but I’d definitely order a pint of the local ale just in case she wants to join me. Safety first.

Why You Should Go Right Now

The food is pub classics on steroids. Think bangers and mash that make you forget your own name.

Foresters Arms High Ongar 003a (front of scan) | The Street,… | Flickr

The beer selection is small but mighty. They have real ales from local breweries. One sip and you’ll understand why people in Essex smile more than you think.

And the best part? It’s impossible to have a bad time here. The vibe is so relaxed, even your phone gets less stressed.

A Final Fun Fact

In the 1800s, this pub was a coaching inn. Horses would stop here for water. Travelers would stop for something stronger.

Now, you can stop for a Sunday roast. The horses are gone, but the spirit of hospitality is still galloping.

Go visit The Foresters Arms. Sit by that massive fireplace. Order a pint of something dark. And if you see a ghost, just nod politely. She’s probably just thirsty too.