Dark Horse Espresso in Solihull

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.

What a horrible experience for lunch. Poor quality & awful customer service. Staff clearly have zero enthusiasm. Melted chicken panini arrived with some of it hanging over the plate & spread over the napkin which made it useless. Small things but totally lacking attention to detail & not cheap either. Take a leaf from the staff & don’t bother.

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.

Finally paid a visit to here having been told constantly by the local residents that the coffee is amazing (as are the cakes)! Today my daughter and I decided to try their milkshakes and they are WOW. Absolutely gorgeous. The staff were so friendly and...

Very personable staff, and well set up with clear entrance and exit during lockdown. Local social media had recommended so gave it a go for the first time and it's clear why there are queues outside a lot of the time. Will need to try...

Great coffee, cakes and paninis. All staff are so friendly and make a real effort to get to know their customers.

If you're looking for a coffee on your daily walk, Dar Horse is by far the best around Knowle and Dorridge. I would go just because the coffee is so lovely and always consistent. However, the great customer service really sets it apart from other...

Delicious coffee with charming and helpful staff. Worth going to as the coffee is so good served by knowledgeable staff.

This was our first visit to Dark Horse Espresso. The best coffee we’ve had in a long while. They really understand the importance of a good cup of coffee and understand their product. Delightful customer service. Shall return.....probably tomorrow!

DH Espresso never fails to serve up top quality velvety smooth coffees, in my opinion better than the big high street rivals which give me a head ache. Cheaper too. Lovely relaxing surroundings and staff who are just the best, which makes every visit a...

I recently popped into the new coffee shop in Bentley Heath where I was warmly welcomed, and promptly served even though they were busy. I spoke to a bubbly server called Megan who spoke to me all about their coffee, and vast selection of hot...

I was driving past the Dark Horse Espresso Bar and thought I'll stop and buy a Cappuccino for my journey, it is the best coffee I have tasted in a very long time. Staff are ever so friendly the deco is so relaxing too. Can't...

I visited this morning for the first time. What a lovely welcome from the staff and they were so knowledgeable and friendly! I would honestly say the coffee (which I was taught is from Guatemala) is DELICIOUS! One of the best coffee's i have had...ever!...