Forrester Park is happy to welcome you and your party. You may have in mind a dinner dance or a drinks party, a buffet or a barbecue - we have experience of them all. It is the ideal venue for birthdays, anniversaries and christenings, office parties, charity events and, of course, Christmas celebrations.

The building is based around a 16th century Essex barn which was converted into a family home during the last century. It has since been sympathetically extended to keep the original character, with exposed oak beams, an open fire and traditional furnishings. The different parts of the building, together with the garden area, can be put to use in whatever way best suits you. Downstairs is the main clubroom area with bar, dance-floor and cloakrooms, while upstairs is the 120-seater Forresters Restaurant, with its own bar, toilets and dance-floor.

The choice of menu is so wide that it is difficult to choose examples. You may wish to go for a sit-down dinner, a carvery-style meal or a buffet. For more information please download our information pack by clicking here.

Our booking form is available here.

Here are some extracts from letters from people who have held parties and functions at Forrester Park recently:

"I just wanted to express my thanks to you and your staff for the excellent BBQ that you provided for my guests last night. I have received many compliments on the quality of the food that was served and your staff were superbly organised, ensuring that my guests were served as quickly as is possible with a BBC and in a very friendly and helpful manner. They also ensured that they were well looked after with drinks and any other requirements. It is always very gratifying as Chairman of the District Council to be able to "show off" the establishments that we have within the District to other Councils and I certainly felt very proud of the evening that you provided for my guests."

"This note is to thank you for organising and ensuring the efficient, smooth operation of Laurie's party last night. We thought it worked exceedingly well and many of our friends commented on the quality of the food as well as the service. A number of people also remarked on your constant vigilance and were impressed by the manner in which you conducted the entire operation. Laurie's father has considerable experience of large gatherings not only as part of his working life but also as an active member of a number of golf clubs over the years. He felt that the occasion last night was one of the best in his time and, considering he has refused to eat Indian food all his life, even he was tempted by the food and indeed appeared to enjoy it."

"On behalf of Great Totham Bellringers and their guests, I should like to express our thanks to you and your staff for the most enjoyable lunch on Sunday. Each year seems to get better and from the comments we received on Sunday, many of the guests agreed that this year's meal, being our sixth annual celebration with you, was really splendid".

"On behalf of the Witham and District Lioness Club we would like to offer our thanks for a wonderful evening last night. The service and atmosphere were excellent and the food this year surpassed itself. As always we all enjoyed ourselves but this year everything seemed just a little bit better. Thank you to all your staff who made the evening so special for us."

"Everybody was so helpful and considerate, the staff could not have been nicer, more polite and efficient. We felt we were in the company of friends and true professionals. Everything and everyone was wonderful."

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, though it's not surprising as everything was perfect. Apparently it's going to be "same time, same place" next year!" (Longfield Pharmacy).

"The function is beginning to become a fixed event in our calendar, much looked forward to by our supporters, and the fact that they do so is very much due to you and your staff, the excellent food they produce, and the cheerful and charming manner in which they serve it." (King George's Fund for Sailors).

"I thought I would just take a moment to put 'pen to paper' to say thank you for your outstanding service at our TVR car club Meet yesterday. My decision to move venue for the club, never to be undertaken lightly, has certainly proved to be a wise one. The Forresters played host to 99 cars on our Ferrari Guest Meet, with a probably 200 visitors, most of whom arrived at the same time requiring the carvery dinner. Please may I congratulate your staff on the most efficient service under a great deal of pressure, always assisting willingly and with a smile. I am convinced that the always exceptionally good carvery and the warm welcome extended by your staff go a long way in promoting the success of our Club. On your own management side, both yourself and Rob are always keen to accommodate any suggestion I may throw at you which makes my life a lot easier given the size of the event. May I also take a moment to thank you golfers, who are always so patient whilst we park up our TVRs. Many thanks to you and your staff...your efficiency and friendliness is appreciated by the entire Club."

"On behalf or Robin and all the staff at Quest Motors, may I thank you and your staff for a fabulous evening. The food was superb as always and your staff efficient and courteous. I am sure you will agree that the atmosphere during the evening was relaxed and comfortable and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

"Just a quick not to say how very much I enjoyed my surprise party on Saturday night - made especially more so by being so well looked after by you and your team, nothing was too much trouble and everything done with a smile."