The Horse & Groom Inn

Previously a very highly regarded gastro pubs but sadly deteriorated now it’s owned by Butcombe. Service was average, lacked any warmth or personality, no management presence. Dropped the brunch menu listed in the website - why? Food was ok but nothing special. Gents loo is via a very scruffy area. Pricing is slightly excessive for what’s on offer.

This is British hospitality at its very best. Charming manager Kes is welcoming and so friendly throughout as are her staff. Nothing is too much trouble. The pub is cosy and comfortable. We stayed 3 nights and dined well . The pub is popular with the locals at which makes for a great atmosphere. Would definitely return.

This Butcombe Pub needs a little care and kindly upgrade. Whilst obviously being an old Inn, hundreds of years old, there was a distinct lack of care & attention to its decor and surroundings. Lot's of cobwebs and dust in easily accessible places! Curtains hanging off curtain rails and windows that need a good clean. There's a lot of travelling noise from other guests too, spent most of the night listening to an argument - could hear every word, and snoring. However, the food was good and the staff could not be more pleasant or do enough to help. Nice vibe and friendly atmosphere. A little care and this venue could be very good.

We visited this place over 2 years ago and said we'd never come back after such an awful experience.. Now part of the Butcombe Chain and to celebrate our anniversary, I thought we should at least give it another chance and my god I'm so glad we did. The pub itself has always had character as a traditional country inn and as soon as we entered on what seemed like a very busy mid week evening (which was a good sign) we were greeted by the friendly bar staff who took us to our table. Restaurant staff were equally as friendly throughout the evening and the menu was varied and reasonably priced. My scotch egg starter was delicious and my wife had the steak for her main course which she tells me was the best she has ever tasted. We eat out a lot so this was a real compliment from her. My battered fish was equally as tasteful and all cooked and presented to perfection. Upon paying the bill, the restaurant manager (I think) came and sat with us for a few minutes taking time to listen to our comments telling us that her partner was the chef, very proud of his job as he absolutely Should be. A very nice personal touch at the end of a very enjoyable evening. Never give up on bad previous experiences is my message and credit to staff and management here for the turnaround.

It was lovely to be welcomed by Kes the manager who made sure I had some oat milk in my fridge — a genuine first for when I’m away from home. And the girls that helped me out while I was there with a vegan breakfast bag were also friendly. Room was comfy, and the radiator in there was very welcome. I knew there was going to be a roll top bath tub in there instead of a shower — was prepared after looking on the website. Lovely feature of the bathroom! However, the shower curtain around it was very discoloured at the bottom and a bit icky. The floor in the bathroom also wasn’t super clean, I made the mistake of walking around the first night in white socks. There was a thick layer of dust on the top of the headboard but other than the bathroom floor and the headboard I had no other cleanliness issues. Thank you for a lovely stay! I would absolutely recommend it.

Stayed two nights at the Horse and Groom Inn, the rooms are truly stunning, fitted out to the highest standard, the ladies who looked after our group of 5 were brilliant, nothing was to much trouble, would defiantly go again and recommend the Horse and Groom to others