Center Parcs has announced it will expand its The Dozing Duck gastropub concept to additional UK villages following strong performance at the Sherwood Forest location. The holiday company plans to open a gastropub at Longford Forest, followed by a similar venue at Elveden Forest in Suffolk in 2027.
Plans for Elveden Forest
At Elveden Forest, the existing Foresters' Inn will be transformed into The Dozing Duck, according to plans lodged with West Suffolk Council. The proposal includes extending and refurbishing the pub with a new dining space, indoor and outdoor play areas, shuffleboard, and crazy pool. A new lobby, extended terrace with four dining pods, and a buggy park are also planned.
A Center Parcs spokesperson told Propel Hospitality that The Dozing Duck has ‘gone from strength to strength’ since its 2024 opening and is now ‘the blueprint’ for other villages. They added: ‘Our guests were clear in their feedback to us – they were willing to pay more for a premium experience and environment.’
Gastropub theming and menu
Each gastropub will feature bespoke theming with a local focus, reflecting local heritage. The menu includes pub classics such as toasted sandwiches, black pudding scotch eggs, fish and chips, burgers, sausage and mash, and apple crumble.
Despite the company's enthusiasm, online reviews are mixed. The Dozing Duck holds a 2.9 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, with some guests calling the food ‘lovely’ and ‘delicious’, while others describe it as ‘school dinner quality’, ‘overpriced’, and ‘average’.
Other changes: The Entertainment Hive
Center Parcs is also rolling out The Entertainment Hive, a ‘competitive socialising space’ featuring immersive gaming experiences like The Bat Cage and The Arena. First launched at Woburn Forest in 2025, a second location opened at Whinfell Forest in 2026. The concept has generated over £1 million in revenue, with The Arena achieving an average daily occupancy of 95 per cent.
