The Orangery

Great food, right in the heart of the Forest.

The Orangery is the beating heart of The Speech House. Open all day, every day, it’s a bright and welcoming space where the food is always good and the welcome always genuine. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, settling in for lunch, or making a proper evening of it, there’s always a seat for you. Find a spot in the Orangery itself, or settle into the Hunters Bar, a characterful side room lined with photographs and stories from the history of the Forest of Dean and a lovely place to linger.

We’re open all day, every day, to anyone who’s hungry. Hotel guests, locals, walkers still pulling leaves from their hair, families celebrating, couples escaping – all are welcome. The food is the point, and we take it seriously without making a fuss about it.

Our kitchen is rooted in the landscape around us. Homegrown meat from Plump Hill Farm. Venison and game from the Forest itself. Wye Valley vegetables at their seasonal best. Coffee from James Gourmet, roasted with the same care we bring to the plate. Ales and ciders from producers who know this patch of England as well as we do. And when evening comes, a drinks list that includes gins and spirits from Silver Circle Distillery, our neighbours just down the road. The result is a menu that changes with the seasons because it has to, not because it’s fashionable.

Children are warmly welcome. We have a dedicated children’s menu and high chairs on request. Dogs too, well-behaved ones, naturally.

All dietary requirements catered for, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. Just let your server know.

We offer a walk-in service so pre-booking is not necessary. Tables are subject to availability on the day, and during busy periods there may be a wait. If popping in to visit us on a Saturday, it may be worth a call ahead of your visit to see if we have a wedding taking place at the hotel, which could cause delays in tables being available.