Eating Out in the Forest of Dean
Parkend
Parkend is a charming Forest of Dean village with excellent facilities for visitors looking to eat out, pick up supplies, enjoy woodland beer gardens and sample some of our lovely local produce. We even have two great pubs, a cafe and a village shop all within walking distance of us. Foodie heaven!
Edale House B&B is next door to The Woodman pub and restaurant and less than a 5 minute walk away is The Fountain pub. Both serve a delicious range of meals, have outdoor space and are regularly open. If you’re looking to discover some of our local beers and ciders these are the places.
There is also a cafe at Dean Forest Cycles in Parkend just a 5 minute walk from us. It’s near the Dean Forest Railway station and opposite beautiful woodland, perfect for enjoying a day out exploring the Forest of Dean. Their cakes and hot chocolates are divine.
Parkend Village Shop sells a wide range of local produce too, including jams, cakes and groceries and there is a small takeaway providing coffees and snacks.
Places to Eat in the Forest of Dean
Within a short driving distance of Edale House you also have a wide range of excellent pubs, restaurants, cafes and delis:
Forest Deli – if you’re planning a day out in the Forest why not pop in to Forest Deli in the nearby town of Coleford, collect a pre-prepared picnic hamper or takeaway lunch or order a gift hamper full of local goodies. Ask Simon or Debbie for their recommendations and find out about the great range of local produce made here too from cheese to beer, pies to cider, and don’t forget to stock up before you leave so you can take a little bit (or a lot) of the Forest of Dean away with you. We highly recommend the local gins!
The Speech House Hotel – just 3 miles away from us and a truly historic venue, having been built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King Charles II! You can dine in the Verderers Court or the Orangery and they have a lovely beer garden surrounded by forest too.
Severn & Wye Smokery – if you love seafood this place is heaven, known for its wild salmon which reaches plates around the world. The venue includes a huge deli and modern barn restaurant.
Hanley Farm Shop – on the outskirts of Chepstow you can enjoy their cafe as well as shop a range of local produce, gifts and groceries.
Food Festivals in and Around the Forest of Dean
Interested in food festivals? There are several annual festivals nearby including:
May: The Stroud Food Festival – the Cotswolds are well known for their local produce, especially cheese, juice, meat and vegetarian and vegan food.
June: The Cheltenham Food Festival – this historic town has many lovely restaurants and cafes as well as a thriving foodie scene.
September: The Abergavenny Food Festival – world renowned this attracts many well known chefs for demonstrations and the streets come alive with stalls.
October: The Forest Showcase Food Festival at Speech House just up the road from us. This is foodie heaven, tons of local produce, samples, demos, catering and activities for kids. A highlight of the year in the Forest of Dean.
All are within a short drive of Edale House and are ideal opportunities to explore the wide range of delicious local food and drink made here in the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Of course if you have any questions or would like a recommendation about where to eat, just ask us! We love sampling the local delicacies too.
