The Horse And Groom - Mendip

After reading Sarah C's review, I couldn't help but feel that she was completely unaware of the situation. I feel the need to set the record straight. On that Friday night, the chef unexpectedly fell ill (suffering a stroke, to be exact). While Sarah was complaining about trivial matters, the staff and the chef's partner of over 20 years were awaiting the arrival of the ambulance. I want to thank Sarah for her disrespectful review, but she is not welcome back at our restaurant.

New to the area and was delighted to find this little gem. A typical country pub hidden at the end of a single track lane. We visited at night so we’re unable to appreciate this 200 or so year old pub from the outside so will have to visit during the day. The menu was extensive. The staff very polite and helpful, the food was delicious and for the price portion sizes were huge. My only complaint, too many peas. But if that’s my only complaint you did well. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Be warned that this is not a child friendly pub. We went for lunch and were yelled at by bar staff that nobody under 14 is allowed in the bar. There were no manners or pleasantries used in telling us this at all and when we clarified given there were kids menus on the tables we were told that it was on the door. We looked on the way out to see a tiny note that everyone would have missed. In this instance we left understandably angry and went elsewhere. Staff could be heard laughing when we left. Can’t comment on food or drink as we were given no opportunity to try it. Don’t recommend going here with family.

We are ashamed to admit that it 's been several months since our last visit, but the meal last night was excellent, so we will not be away for so long until our next visit. We all opted for Steaks, our wives went for 8oz Ribeye, medium rare, whereas us guys opted for the hearty 16oz TBone rare. The pub was busy and we are aware that they have a very small kitchen and I guess our food was served about half an hour after ordering, but as always, very much worth the weight. Steaks were cooked to perfection, every time we have we always say, that was the best steak so far , again, it was the same last night. Even the fact that the plates are full, hot, we plenty of peas. Chips and the onions were cooked to perfection. To see four empty plates, apart from the TBone says it all. We all went for pudding, which I regret, as my stomach was too full, so I gave half of mine away to my friend. But again, these puddings were all delicious, between us we had, treacle sponge pudding with custard, apple crumble cake with Chantilly cream and a Limoncello sponge pudding with ice cream and berries. Thought this was lacking in flavour. But was still a good pudding. It was also nice to see that the rickety furniture has been replaced with more robust pieces and that the lighting appeared to be more brighter. A much more comfortable than before, not that this really put us of. All of the above with plenty to drink, that left you with a bursting stomach, for less that £100 is still good value for money. We 'll be back!!

The food and beer were both mediocre and the decor could use some updating. We probably won't be back in a hurry. However, the beer garden is quite nice during the summer months.