'I live in 'tacky' commuter town full of reality TV stars - it's not all as it seems'

To those that have heard of but never been to the town of Loughton, the likelihood is that they will associate the suburb with the slick and the spray-tanned, driving flash cars and living in gaudy houses, thanks in no small part to the runaway success of The Only Way is Essex in the early-2010s.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this depiction of some Loughton residents is as true as their eye-lashes are false. But, as someone who’s spiritual home is found in the west Essex commuter town, I’m keen to attempt to dispel the image.

Sure, it’s got more than its fair share of footballers, city boys and estate agent-types, but I’d like to take the opportunity to reset the record and say that most people living in Loughton don’t drive white Range Rovers.

Some of them are silver.

Motors aside, the town has produced an impressive list of cultural and artistic figures including QI funnyman Alan Davies, Number One album-selling soprano Joanna Forest, and The The frontman Matt Johnson.

But its real draw is its wildlife, sitting as it does on the edge of Epping Forest - a site of “international importance” because of its “unique” mix of habitats and species.

The forest is around 8,000 acres and with Loughton only a 25-minute London Underground ride from bustling Stratford, it offers easy-access escapism to those weary of urban living.

It’s home to 85 percent of UK’s veteran pollarded beech trees, which cut through the landscape, providing sanctuary for “hundreds” of animal species. At least one such beech is 800-years-old. Not bad for a tacky Essex town, eh?

Getting lost in Loughton’s woodland used to be a locals’ pastime, but Covid saw London’s hankering for the great outdoors shoot up faster than any of its ancient trees. During the lockdown visitors increased 300 per cent.

Once you’ve done enough rambling through the forest, careful of course to avoid the Longhorn cattle meandering around Chingford Plain, you may be in need of a drink. Fortunately, Loughton is well-stocked with quaint boozers in which to quench your thirst.

The Victoria Tavern, built in the 1870s, is an ideal stop-off for those seeking a quiet corner to sit in after an afternoon’s exploring. For those that can brave the steep march uphill, the Gardeners’ Arms is blessed with stunning views of the city to the south-west as well as a quirky bar interior. And then there’s the Forester’s Arms, positioned, as the name suggests, on the edge of the forest.

The Only Way is Essex may have sullied Loughton’s reputation, and indeed the whole of the county it sits in, but don’t be fooled, this commuter town has treasures to offer beneath its bleach blonde exterior.