Seemor

The Forester, EalingB+Worth Trying

Name: The Forester, Ealing
Address: 2 Leighton Rd., London W13 9EP, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

2 Leighton Rd., London W13 9EP · Pub, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1240 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Handsome Edwardian Fuller’s pub with a popular Thai kitchen and big garden; food ranges from very good Thai dishes to mixed Sunday carvery experiences, with lively atmosphere and occasionally slow service.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

The Forester delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional setting appeal—a Grade II listed Edwardian gem with genuine character and a welcoming garden. Food quality shines in the Thai kitchen, where pad Thai, wings, and dumplings earn consistent praise, though inconsistent execution across service days and the variable Sunday carvery prevent a higher grade. Service warmth is genuine, but variable speed during busy periods limits reliability, making this a worthwhile local choice rather than a destination restaurant.

Restaurant Summary

An Edwardian beauty with stained glass and wood paneling, The Forester feels warm and bustling when the sports are on and relaxed earlier in the day. Guests praise the big garden and staff who often feel genuinely friendly. One diner summed it up: "Beer well kept, Thai kitchen humming, and the place looks fantastic." Occasional reports of slow service and busy carvery queues suggest peaks can stretch the team. The cooking blends a full Thai menu with British pub staples rather than chasing trends—think pad Thai and fish and chips over theatrics. When the Thai kitchen hits, it really hits: wings, dumplings, and noodle dishes get frequent love; the Sunday carvery divides opinion, ranging from generous to short on the good bits if you arrive late. Drinks can feel on the pricey side for some, while food is widely seen as good value for London. Families are well served here. There is a dedicated kids pricing on pub classics, plenty of simple sides, and Thai options that can be toned down. The garden’s covered space hosts birthdays with ease, though on busy afternoons it can be very lively with children. For picky eaters, the pub menu is a safety net if Thai spices are not their thing.

At a Glance

Gorgeous Grade II listed pub with a large, covered garden
Thai kitchen delivers flavorful starters and noodles at fair prices
Sunday carvery quality varies; best earlier in service
Service can be slow or disorganized on busy days
Drinks pricing feels high to some (£6-7.80 pints reported)

What Sets It Apart

grade_ii_listed_interior
large_covered_garden
thai_kitchen_inside_pub

What People Love

Charming historic interior
Spacious garden with cover
Tasty Thai starters and noodles
Community feel with staff who remember regulars
Well-kept cask ales

Points of Concern

Service delays and occasional order mix-ups on peak nights; experiences vary by section
Sunday carvery can run short on items later in service and meat can be dry
Drinks perceived as pricey compared with local averages
Lively family crowd at times; not ideal for quiet seekers during peak hours

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£26-38 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Add jasmine or coconut rice (£3-3.50) to curries as they do not include rice
Kids can stick to fish and chips (£8.50) or nuggets and chips (£8) if Thai is too spicy
Vegetarians have options: veg spring rolls, cashew stir-fry, and multiple rices

Perfect For

Match-day pints and Thai plates
Family birthdays in the garden
Casual date night with comfort dishes
Group meetups with space to spread out

Location Insights

Area: Leafy residential Northfields with locals, families, and pub-goers; relaxed suburban vibe near Ealing attractions.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked neighborhood pub; occasional busy match days increase footfall.

Nearby: Near Northfields Tube; beer garden, multiple rooms, sports screens; community events and parties common.

EalingEaling is a well-established residential neighborhood with a village-like atmosphere, featuring a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The dining scene is a blend of traditional British pubs, modern eateries, and multicultural options, attracting locals who appreciate a relaxed and community-oriented environment.

South EalingSouth Ealing is a quieter, more residential pocket of Ealing with easy access to transport links. It has a modest selection of local dining spots and pubs, catering mostly to neighborhood residents and commuters seeking casual dining options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–23:00 Tuesday11:00–23:00 Wednesday11:00–23:00 Thursday11:00–23:00 Friday11:00–00:00 Saturday11:00–00:00 Sunday11:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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