Dark Horse Espresso in Solihull

As a local I often used to pop in here for a cuppa and to meet friends but my most recent experience here was very disappointing. One member of staff made me wait a good few minutes to even acknowledge me at the counter whilst she continued to make a drink for another customer. Once I gave her my order she was sullen and impolite. She then brought the drinks over, having forgotten half of the order (which was hardly difficult as we only ordered 4 items) and then she almost threw the cup of tea at us on the table once it was ready. Then, a whole hour before closing time, we were asked to moved from the rear of the premises to the front (presumably so that staff could start bleaching the floor and get off home on time or early?) and then she went out the back, put her coat on and left. Her customer service skills are very lacking and I won't be returning. Sad really, as pervious to this I have found the staff very friendly.

Went to this fantastic cafe on Saturday around 10am expecting it to be full and having to wait, what a surprise we were able to get a table, ordered within minutes had a Tomoto and Mozerella ciabatta, which was delicious ,the Coffees were amazing, stopped there for about 2 hours, delicious cakes bought 4 for some Family and Friends for a treat, Had a further cappuccino and latte, The staff were attentive, had a few giggles with the staff, think it is important that they are happy and even offered to buy them a drink as they were busy!!!! There was a young lad who laughed at my jokes brought over our food, a young lady called Elise who was great fun brought over our drinks which were full to the top I could not stop laughing as I would not have been able to do carry these it was a full cup, not half measure as you do at some places great value, did not have to ask for cutlery or napkins. Had a great morning left full, bought some cakes for friends and Family. There were some amazing drinks and unusual beverages to cover all ranges of tastes, great food, great value for money and generous portions. Finally thank you to the lady as I was leaving who I had not thanked previously. Well done Elise who dealt with tact and decorum with rather an unusual request from a customer!. continued success and a great find. It was on our list of Coffee Shops to try, we were recommended by a group of friends who had visited this little gem In March. Well done .

The so called manager is an embarrassment, needs training in her customer service skills and management the way she pushes around her own staff

I'm a regular in the Dark Horse and you can't fault the drink or cake quality - I really love the coffee shop and would certainly recommend! However I do believe the savoury food options needs improving, the soup my partner had a few months ago was terrible - real need for an improved quality offer or remove from menu. Also focus on attention to detail, remove the old tatty covid signs from the floor and replace the broken light bulbs, know these are only small things but things as a customer I've spotted and take a shine away from this amazing coffee shop that I love.

I tried the dark horse for the first time after my broadband internet was offline at home. They were extremely welcoming and even helped me get set up with a glass of water and coffee. I stayed and had breakfast and a hot jacket potato for lunch. It was delicious! I have been back several times over the past few weeks to work and the staff are nothing but helpful and friendly. Safe to say I have found a second home to work in.

We can't rate this place highly enough. Great modern decor, good music, It's dog friendly, great place to meet, superb coffees, great range of food and lovely staff. Thank you for all you do!

You can tell the locals take this place to heart and that all feel welcome - one table had mothers and babies, one had an elderly gent reading the paper with a magnifying glass, another table with a work laptop, a group of runners and a couple of dog owners and pets. Good, leaf tea in an individual pot accompanied by toast and marmalade made a most satisfying breakfast.

Popped in for a takeaway coffee, ended up staying a while with friends because they were dog friendly which was a huge bonus for us. Our dogs were pampered with fuss and treats and me and my friend decided to stay for lunch and tried a jacket potato. They were delicious and a great portion. We will be sure to make this a stop on our walks more often. Staff were super friendly and did not hesitate to bring over water for us (and the dogs) as they had noticed wed been walking.

It is my opinion that the service here is poor and in some cases verges on being abrupt. Furthermore , It is my opinion that there has been a steady decline in customer service offered here over the past few months. It used to have a fantastic atmosphere and one would always be greeted with warm smiles. I shall take my business elsewhere.

I’ve been here a few times with friends, it lacks atmosphere & it definitely needs some attention to detail, it’s very sparse in there, no soft furnishings & the flooring is like a factory floor which is strange, very young staff that didn’t make eye contact when we ordered, however coffee was good so I will keep coming back as I’m all about supporting small businesses but they need to buck their ideas up, there’s a lot of competition out there….

Nicely furnished, friendly staff and the drinks and food are all lovely, what more could you want really?

I’ve been going to Dark Horse ever since it first opened. I don’t know why I haven’t posted a review before! Since I retired, I’ve become quite an expert on coffee shops in the Solihull area. This is by far the best. They have a passion for coffee and for getting things right. They only use top quality ingredients. The coffee is excellent. The cakes and pastries are excellent, if sometimes a bit too sweet for my liking (the maple flapjack is excellent). When I take my granddaughter she loves the caramel frappe. They make the flaps with top quality ice cream and they are wonderfully smooth, creamy and indulgent. My granddaughter says they are the best frappes she’s had! There’s been a bit of staff turnover over the last six months, but their recruitment and training standards are excellent. Staff are always very friendly and know what they’re doing. It’s also very dog friendly. They’ll always offer your pooch a treat.

The coffee and cakes here are always wonderful. Certainly the best out of all the coffee shops in the area. The staff are always really cheery and friendly every time I visit. Lockdown would have been much worse if Dark Horse had not been here. A lovely coffee shop which adds loads to the local community.

Drinks were wonderful. White hot chocolate divine. Music chilled. Just what we needed a lovely independent coffee shop.

My grandma, brother Thomas and I had been playing on all the new swings in Bentley Heath park. As promised, afterwards we all went into the Dark Horse. There was a menu for hot chocolates. The smiley lady asked what we would like and she served the drinks with super WOW! Marshmallows, tons of cream sprinkled with chocolate and a flake. Super yummy and everyone was so cheerful and nice to me, it’s the best place to go, even with adults. Joshua

This is by far the best coffee in Solihull. Consistently good, always hot and served by some of the friendliest staff. Particular shout for Megan. Also got to say that the carrot cake is to die for! Worth a trip even if your not passing.