Horse and Groom in Braintree

My partner and I visited here with our family for Sunday carvery lunch. I have to say we have been to many carverys in our time but this was by far the best! We are not the easiest of people to please as I am coeliac and my husband is vegetarian, however the wide range of options to suit me was fantastic as I believe so was the nut roast. The host Martyn was very attentive and made sure we had everything that we needed. We are looking forward to going back in December with a group of our friends! We highly recommend this gem of a place

We hold a monthly Land Rover meet here catering for between 8-15 people. The landlords could not be more accommodating, and welcoming. The food always arrived together, hot and is good quality. Tonight we came impromptu to try the new pizza menu which was really tasty

We went to the Horse and Groom for the first time and quite frankly were completely unimpressed. We heard an argument from our table in the kitchen, the toilets were dirty and the food not the best. We spoke to the manager about the food ad she quite frankly said it was fine and offered no alternative. Safe to say we wont be returning

Six of us went for a marvellous meal this evening. They have a modest menu but this is made up for by the quality of the food and selection of drinks. Between us we tried four different starters and five of their main course options. None of us had room for a pudding. Six very happy people and under £140.00 including drinks so very happy to leave the staff a generous gratuity. Highly recommended and they welcome well behaved dogs. Will not hesitate to go there again.

Visited for lunch midweek. We arrived just after they opened and were the first customers. Got our drinks at the bar, picked up menus and went outside to sit, planning to enjoy lunch in the sunshine. Sadly the tables were dirty, ashtrays had not been emptied from the night before and the chairs dusty. We went back inside and told the server we couldn’t sit outside as it was too dirty. No response! We sat at a table inside and ordered. The table was clean but the same could not be said for the carpet, ( needed to be vacuumed), or the windows which had cobwebs. When the food arrived it was very good, plentiful and nicely presented. Such a shame that they let themselves down for the sake of a 10 minute clean up. The bar sever stood, arms folded, staring into space for most of the time. Only 6 other people came in whilst we were there. I would have thought that in the current climate businesses would do anything to encourage and retain customers. Sadly this does not seem to be the case here. We won’t visit again.

Visited on a Friday lunchtime, making a booking as was not sure how busy it would be. Met by a very friendly lady who arranged drinks and showed us to a window table. We ordered sandwich’s and fries which were delicious and perfectly filled. The wait time was minimal and the environment was relaxing. Great value for what we had and would definitely return to try another menu.

Visited the Horse & Groom for the first time..,absolutely lovely village pub. My new Go To without doubt. Great food, atmosphere and superb decor. Very comfortable chairs/dining experience. Debbie and Martin are welcoming and you don’t want to leave!!! If you haven’t tried the Horse & Groom then you are missing a lovely village pub. Worth a visit….

We were first time customers, party of five with two dogs. From the phone booking I could tell it was going to be a well run place. Polite and efficient booking, agreed timing to fit our plans but also smooth the flow for the kitchen/servers and arranged a garden table. Greeted well on arrival and since not too busy they came to the garden to take drink and food orders, including refills. Although we sat in the beer garden the slightly more formal gazebo seating at the front looked very nice too. Menus was broad and a simple 1, 2 or 3 course pricing. Food was good quality and well cooked, the BEST chips! Handy to have an adjacent recreation ground to walk the dogs ( or kids). We’ll definitely return. Just one note and nothing to do with the pub itself, the road in en route to Finchingfield and hence you get a bit of motorbike traffic noice albeit slow as they come through the village, we actually found that interesting to watch.

Had a family meal here on Saturday 16th of July and got to say what a great experience, polite staff, fast service, the food was amazing, great portion sizes, and great value for money, will look forward to returning here again soon.

Visited with friends who live in the area for Sunday lunch, but new to both families! Good choice for adults and children and the food was delicious, and portions amazing! Fab value and the pub, staff and service were great!

We had wonderful meal with the extended family celebrating my father’s 80th birthday. Speaking in advance to the owners to ensure they could cater for my gluten-free (coeliac) requirements put my mind at rest; there would be an exceptionally good variety of menu choices for me as well as for the rest of the family. We were 11 in the end as so I was emailed the menu (& a children’s menu) for us to choose from a few days ahead. All of us were very pleased with the wide choice available, none more so than myself with EVERY dessert being gluten-free! Heaven! Well, pretty hellish having to select just the one! I’ll be back! The ambience within the pub was very relaxing. The interior decor is very light and refreshing and the young bartender/waiter was second to none. Every member of my family was very impressed with their meal. I had an extremely generous serving of salmon, and all the others’ meals looked pretty sizeable! I LOVED my sticky toffee pudding. I really cannot fault the Horse and Groom in any way. If they can cater for a group of 11, in the exceptional manner that they did from start to finish, then you really should not pass them by without calling in for a bite! 10 and of 10! Thank you!

We see the reviews good and bad but we always like to try places for ourselves and make our own decision and are very pleased we did. What a lovely place, food was fantastic service was brilliant and the people seemed very nice too. We will be returning that’s for sure! My partner phoned to book and requested disabled parking which the owners had put two parking cones out for us near the door with a ramp and also the table nearest to the door which was great for us Thank you for everything we WILL be back soon Caroline and Ian

Two excellent dinners 10 out of 10! Fantastic roast & a lovely chicken & mushroom pie. Can’t wait to go back again. Karen you are a great asset to this lovely country pub. Also great value compared to other pubs we have tried. Suitable for pensioners pockets! Great walk after down a quiet country lane next the pub to burn off those tasty calories!

I went to this pub to see a band, after the band had finished the drunk owners physically and verbally attacked me because I'm unvaccinated. They declared it by shouting to all the people inside the pub this private information about me, saying they want me out I'm barred I'm not welcome because I'm unvaccinated. They physically manhandled me but luckily I managed to get out of there. They then verbally attacked my husband who was inside defending me. These unhinged characters abused and lied about us and were both completely drunk and unprofessional. They are an utter disgrace and shame on them for treating paying customers this way for not having the same medical procedure as themselves. They were the most intoxicated people there, disgusting!! If you're clever you will boycott this shameful place...

Thank you to Debbie and Martyn for making our grandson’s christening a really special day. The food was exceptional and plenty of it, most of our family and friends commented how lovely the food and venue was. Nothing was to much trouble, and the staff were on top form to make everything run smoothly for a perfect day.

Short story, when we tried to give feedback about our meal, the publican asked us if we wanted to take it outside. Unbelievable. Full story. We have recently moved to the area and had been recommended to go there for the food, so we went with my son and his partner last Saturday in the hope that it would become a regular thing. My son ordered muscles for his main, which were overcooked. The sauce which they were in was so salty he couldn't eat it - and even if he could it had lots of bits of shell in. We brought this to the attention of the landlady who said she was sorry he didn't like his dish. I said it wasn't a case of not liking his dish, just that it was too salty and had lots of bits of shell in it, she said they're always salty as they're from the sea, but said she'd take on the feedback and offered him another choice of meal. My son picked a chicken burger. He took one bite when it arrived and said he couldn't eat it. We took one look at it and could totally understand why. It was like a slice of a ground chicken roll you'd give to your dog - in fact I wouldn't give it to my dog. It looked disgusting and from one mouthful, tasted awful.My husband and my son went to the bar to pay. Politely saying they would pay for the meals, except my son's. That's when the landlord started mumbling under his breath about us; then started waving his phone about. We asked him what he was doing and he said he was taking their picture so we'd never set foot in there again! He also commented that we complained about two meals. My son said he wouldn't feed the burger to our dog and the publican then said "well do you want to come outside and sort it out then?"We hadn't even mentioned that the 'crispy' chicken wing starters were soft, soggy and very fatty; or that the chips with the main meal weren't cooked inside! So Lord knows what he'd have said then. We were made to feel a nuisance for bringing this to their attention. Whereas we'd purposely spoke to the landlady at the bar rather than causing a scene in front of other customers. I have worked with the public for years and would be ashamed if I failed to apologise to paying customer AND my partner wanted to fight them. Absolutely shocking. Needless to say, our first and last visit.

This pub is a must, the pub owners are friendly and so welcoming, the food is cooked fresh and the meals are made with a lot of preparation and thought. The mussels are truly awesome and the steak and ale pie is a must. We have been to this pub on many different times if the week and they never fail to disappoint . These landlords care about their customers and that is is a rare gem .

Both owners were very welcoming and helpful in the booking arrangements and upon arrival. The Horse and Groom has a lovely atmosphere and the owners have obviously spent money on the establishment which is nice to see. We had a two course meal bottle of wine and a couple of beers. The cost was slightly higher than we usually pay for pub food where we live but not extortionate. The food was average my starter was very nice though. Very large portions. My only criticism was the main meal came almost as soon as we had eaten the starter. This meant I wasn’t able to finish or enjoy my main as I hadn’t had time to digest what I had eaten. A rest time between would have been better for me personally. Apart from that it’s s nice local pub restaurant.

We ordered fish and chips. Fresh local ingredients and cooked perfectly! Value for money and really big portions...5⭐

Debbie and Martin make you feel like family. Debbie's skills in the kitchen are remarkable. Jack is always prompt to take order. Food arrives hot,flavoursome and plentiful. Our plates go back empty.If you are at a loose end,give them a ring, book a table, you will not be disappointed.Phil and linda

This is the best pub for miles around. Food is always delicious and served with a warm welcome from the landlord and landlady. Despite all the challenges of this year, this pub has adapted professionally and safely each time. Highly recommend the Horse and Groom and look forward to continuing to support this lovely hub of the community throughout restrictions and beyond!

had the classic burger and I must say that that,was bloody fantastic. My partner had chicken n leak pie, veg, an mash. Very impressed. Food was excellent, hot and flavoursome. Do yourselves a favor and give it a try, you won't regret it!!!!!!

Enjoyed our recent visit to this pub on bank holiday Monday. My husband and I had a lovely meal with my parents, would highly recommend

Went here today for lunch , me & my husband both had the chicken strips to start and ribs for main and our son had chicken goujons and chips , all were pretty average quality - ribs didn’t fall off bone and meat was bit fatty. Not sure if owners have changed since last visit - wouldn’t be in a rush to return or recommend!

We have enjoyed Afternoon tea twice now from The Horse and Groom. Takeaway Afternoon tea was delicious, mix of Sandwiches, scrumptious cakes and Scones with Jam and Cream.

Sunday Carvery,bestest in the area,excellent value for money at £9.95,large plate,3 meats,large selection of veg including everyone’s fav cauliflower cheese,selection of potatoes,cooked with pedantry of Flavour

Very hospitable pub with great food and plenty of parking. As you would expect good beer, but very good food and friendly staff. I always take friends and family to the Horse and Groom as I know we will get good food and good friendly service.

Wow!! Amazing quality food, perfect size portions. fantastic and friendly atmosphere, made us very welcome. We booked online and last minute so loved that service. Great value for money and looking forward to visiting there again soon.

Just been for lunch, had turkey carvery which was the best turkey we have ever had. Sourced locally from Priors Hall Farm, so great to see local produce being used. Inside has been recently decorated and looks lovely, wood burner lit and some nice soft music playing - all round 10 out of 10, Thank you

This was our first visit since the new owners - and we were plesantly surprised , The pub has been re-decorated and is light and clean. The menu was nice and included several fish options and a good selection of other dishes.The staff were polite and service was relaxed. A very pleasant evening and will definately return

Tried this pub for the first time since new people have been in. Lovely decor & comfortable pub. Excellent food & good value. Very welcoming staff & Jack the waiter was brilliant. Will definitely use again.

We booked for Sunday lunch at The Horse and Groom today. The pub has just been redecorated and looks much brighter and modern. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. We had the tempura prawns for a starter which were delicious and then had the Sunday carvery. The beef, turkey and pork we're all plentiful and excellently cooked and there was a wide selection of vegetables. All in all, it was one of the best roast lunches I've had in a very long time and also exceptional value. The only little objection I had was that the beef was cooked with garlic which I felt overwhelmed the flavour of the beef (an excellent joint like that just didn't need it). I actually like garlic but many people don't. It's just a minor thing though. We will definitely be back.

Very nice food, lovely and friendly Team. We will be back soon - thank you for the great service & food today.

We took our Son and Daughter in Law for Lunch yesterday and although sunny it was a cold day, the Horse & Groom have 2 lovely wood burners in the pub but both were unlit so the pub was freezing so bad we therefore had to eat our Lunch with our coats on? On arrival the pub was empty apart from 3 gentleman drinking at the bar and we were the only 4 diners for the complete lunch service so the atmosphere was zero. We had no friendly meet and greet on arrival and actually had to ask if we could sit in what we now know is the only comfortable spot in the pub a lovely area with sofa armchairs and table to enjoy our pre dinner drinks. When we were shown to our table for Lunch the table was grubby so sticky the serviettes & cutlery stuck to it. At this stage we wanted to leave and how we wished we had, we knew what was coming. Our starters were let’s say okay. Well how thin can you cut a slice of pate? We all ordered different mains all of which were awful. The Fish and Chips arrived with dark brown Batter, which is either fried in old fat or cooked on a too high heat, my husband had Beef & Ale Pie, the meat was lovely and tender but the pastry was burnt, The Pasta dish ordered on arrival was actually sizzling on the plate as though it had been microwaved and on asking for Parmesan my daughter in law was asked if grated cheddar would do as no Parmesan! She declined but did not hardly touch her dinner as she thought the taste unpleasant.On arrival The Burger looked the best bet and was the only meal that looked appealing but alas like the Fish and Chips it was so greasy, you could practically squeeze the fat out of the onion rings! By the amount of food left on our plates it was so obvious no one enjoyed their meals - but no comment was made to us, such as was all okay with the food.The owners have started decorating the inside of the Pub which is great but need to do something about the Ponderosa looking exterior as it is so unappealing and would not attract people looking for a lovely country pub in which to have Lunch.But more importantly what the Pub requires is a Chef that can actually cook food that people want to eat otherwise this place ain’t going no place. You know the saying ‘ The Only Way is Down’ .We must comment on the lovely friendly Waiter it’s a shame the owners aren’t as friendly.We would not recommend this pub. .

Visited many times , whilst visiting family and alway excellent, Carvery on Sunday & Fish Menu during the week.

My wife and I have used this Pub over years and always found it to be one of the best around. The current licensees have had a hard time taking over such a well run Pub. But I have to say they have stamped there mark on it and are doing a brilliant job. The food is excellent good around pub grub. Beers and wine's nothing but superb quality. If your going past Finchingfield don't stop and be ripped off,keep going and stop at Cornish Hall End you will not be disappointed.

Tasty food good portion size , reasonable price. Less good points . On booking a deposit of £40 was requested also security code from back of card ??. Unnecessary as on arrival the pub was all but empty with only one staff member waiting table and bar. Booked for and deposit taken for 8 covers table set for 7 staff disputed booking.Starters ok. delivery of main meals repeatedly interrupted as waiter served at bar. Ordered haddock on bed of bubble & squeak got bed of carrot & swede mash tasty but not as described .Waiter on point of rudeness when dinner requested crumble served in bowl not ramkin also argued when arrived with sweet that was not ordered. On receipt of bill no mention of deposit staff had to be reminded that total should be reduced by £40

A great country pub, always made to feel welcome. Food is fantastic especially the Sunday roast and they do the best take away fish and chips ever! 😀

This pub is the best! We hired the garden and Debbie provided a buffet for my daughter's 3rd Birthday and it was just perfect. Custom buffet was delicious and very plentiful, and reasonably priced. The hosts could not have been more helpful and accommodating, we were very well looked after. Great communication through the planning process, just lovely people. The garden is great for kids and we hired a bouncy castle. I've also been on pie and pint night and really enjoyed the food. The faulty towers night tonight looked a lot of fun too.

This is my rest stop on my favourite bike ride. Stopped today for the Friday Fish Menu. Had cod and chips and peas - service was friendly and quick, the chops were crispy (Hurrah!) and the cod was chunky and succulent. My advice to the tourists/bikers in over crowded Finchingfield is to travel another 5 minutes to the Horse & Groom in Cornish Hall End.

We have been visiting this pub restaurant for a number of years and always found the food and atmosphere excellent. This was our first visit since the new owners took over and it was very disappointing. The place was empty,which it had never been before and this affected the atmosphere negatively. The food did not live up to our expectations from previous experience.

This was our second visit and once again the food was delicious especially the sticky toffee cheesecake - absolute dream !! - Debbie and her team are fab - happy and nothing too much trouble - child friendly with a great atmosphere -

Since March members of our training team have prearranged with hosts Debbie and Martin a number of evening meal nights for up to 30 delegates and instructors. Service is prompt and friendly. Portions are excellent and the carvery roast dinners and home made pies are delicious. Going from strength to strength as some the local competition deteriorates. Well done see you again soon Mick and the team.

This pub had been recommended by friends, so we decided to pay a visit. We had made reservations as we were a large group and as it was a bank holiday. We were promised a classic car meet only to find that we were the only cars present. As we had been on a bit of a drive, the ladies were in need of the toilet only to find that it had a blockage and threatening to flood the toilet floor. Eventually we were shown to the restaurant area only to be handed a piece of paper with the day's offerings. Not a fantastic choice and with 2 vegetarians, definitely was not appealing. The waitress found a vegan lasagne for one of the vegetarian's but not for the other one. The table's choices were takne one by one, so needless to say the wait was very long. By the time the last table's choices were taken, the pub had run out of food. One of our party counted 10 chips on their plate. We quickly paid up and left. It might have been taken over by new staff, but a good impression was not made.

Would definitely recommend visiting the Horse and Groom. We went for Saturday lunch. An excellent choice of food which was delicious and it was a lovely friendly atmosphere. Everyone had a enjoyable time and we will definitely go back again. 😀

We met some friends there and what a lovely surprise, the landlady and landlord were fantastic very freindly and so helpful, nothing to much trouble.

excellent beer and food, friendly bar staff. sausage and mash with a pint for £5 bargain. Sunday roast is most enjoyable, I can recommend this pub for its relaxed atmosphere beer and food will definitely be back to this little gem.

We have just returned from the horse and groom Mother’s day night and I can honestly say it was the best mother’s day ever x we was a family of 6 plus my 15 month old grandaughter x I had email in advance as this was a very special night as my mum has recently had lung surgery and would be in a wheel chair . On arrival they had a bouquet on the table for mum which was beautiful and goes above and beyond. The starters were amazing and they even put some pate and onion relish with the garlic bread starter for my husband x the carvery was the best I have ever had and the chef works so very had to keep everyone happy including my daughter with her liking for rare roast beef lol and getting my mum to the table by doing a wheely in her wheelchair all in all it was a wonderful night and as we have had many meals here I can honestly say the food service and hospitality are always absolutely excellent xx thank you so much all of you xx we will be back beginning of May for my birthday as I wouldnt go anywhere else

From the minute we arrived til the minute we left the landlady and landlord where very friendly and welcoming - our waiter Jack was efficient and friendly - overall a very pleasing experience - nothing was too much trouble even down to putting some beef from the carvery under the grill because it was too rare for me - food was delicious - - child friendly - would definitely revisit

We visited this pub for a Sunday lunch carvery and my initial impression was that it is a very nice country pub that seemed quite busy.

Used this pub a lot over the years but sadly it now has new owners.

First visit to this country pub and this was for a Christmas party night with a good large group so we basically filled the place .

We have visited the pub, our 'local', several times since it changed hands and find the food nowhere near as good as it was - smaller portions, curtailed menu, not so well-cooked. A pity... We'll probably try again in a few months, but are not optimistic.

Found this little beauty of a pub after a long day of traveling, was welcomed and seated immediately by friendly staff, food was excellent and very good portion sizes 😊 wud 100% recommend

We have been here a few times and have always enjoyed the meals here, so we decided to make a return visit. Having booked online we had a feeling it was under new management but thought why not.

What on earth has happened to this place. Having not been for some time decided to call in at lunch on our way home. Always guaranteed a good meal here. We ought to have known by the empty car park. The weeds everywhere, and bashed in garage door. It did not look welcoming. We entered to an empty pub. We were informed it was an agency cook and a piece of paper , which was the menu, slid along the bar.

Went for lunch on Friday 10 August. We didn't stay as no food was being served (apparently the Chef was ill).

I visited here beginning of August had to wait hr for food to come out when it arrived it wasn't very good standards have dropped since new owners took over we be returning and we tell people to avoid going there overpriced food for poor quality

Geoff and Kelly were leaving on the following Monday so we visited for the last fresh fish night. Food was good as usual but Geoff admitted that he had not been to Billingsgate that morning as too much was going on with their move. It'll be a hard act to follow but we wish Debbie and Martyn all the success in their new venture.Look forward to visiting there again in the not too distant future.

First time we have had a meal here and the staff were very attentive, I understand the owners are only recently in place and they were a pleasure. All in all we had a lovely family meal. The food was great, plates were empty, compliments to the chef!

We have today been to the Horse and Groom for Sunday lunch for my husband's birthday. We didn't realise the pub had changed hands, but we were greeted by the new hosts, Debbie and Martyn. Such a nice, friendly couple who are determined to make a success of it. It's early days yet for them so I think some of the comments are unfair. We had the carvery, which was very tasty, hot and well cooked. And a good range of desserts also. Lots of improvements in the pipeline too. It was lovely to see the restaurant completely full, with everyone enjoying their meals.

The Horse and Groom, Cornish Hall End has been our local since 1970. We have seen a variety of landlords and landladies and all have been very different, some indifferent and some excellent.

We have visited over many years and always been welcomed and enjoyed our experience, yesterday we were warmly welcomed as usual by Karen and seated promptly. The menu wasn't as extensive as under the previous owners but arrived promptly and was pleasant ( preferred the old plates). The salted caramel ice cream was very nice. The new owner arrived while we were there but didn't appear to take any notice of customers, a passing good afternoon would be nice. I'm sure we will be back and hope the place continues to be a happy place to visit.

There were 5 of us ate there last Saturday the 14th July 2018 and I have to say we found the service excellent. The food was hot and well cooked and we all enjoyed the experience. Also I might add that the new owners did introduce themselves and have in actual fact arranged a party for the end of the month for all of the present customers and new ones as well. We were sad we could not go on that date.

Our first time visiting this pub, the owners and staff were very friendly and attentive and the food was excellent. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal and we will certainly be coming back again .

I have been coming to this restaurant uptime times as we have lived near it for almost 2 decade's, since the pub has been there! I can understand having difficulty restarting with new owners however even the most basic things I expected where not a given. The new owners did not interact with any of the customers to see what there customers were like at all, the only time we had any contact with them was when they had been asked by the only staff member left from the original lot to give us menus... The other owner was sitting outside with a drink, on her laptop! And it turned out after we were served our pudding (with 2 other groups of people left eating) they vacated the premesis, leaving the chef and the waitress to close up which I believe is quite rude to do within the first couple of weeks of opening let alone ever... They crammed everyone in the first small room of the pub, leaving some people waiting a very long time for even a table that they could have easily solved by moving them to the other room! We waited a very long time for the food because the one chef was over worked, because they had removed the other previous chef's. The food I had was ok however my family wasn't too happy, one of them got chip bits instead of chips, asparagus instead of green beans and no coleslaw when the menu said it came with coleslaw. The waitress was very nice and welcoming however she seemed very stressed, which I have never seen before, and again the owners seemed to be doing nothing. I hope it improves over the month if not I believe the pub will be loosing a lot of customers. It seems to only be lack of management and staff, the current staff did nothing to ruin the expirence, in fact I believe they should get paid more for the stress that has been put on them, or hire another chef, that might help!

We have often visited the Horse and Groom over the last 14 years for family meals and have always found a warm welcome,food which arrived with little delay and was

We are very disappointed having been regular visitors for over 10 years during which time an extensive menu had been created. Many of these dishes we have regularly enjoyed. But since the change of ownership earlier this month nearly all of those items have disappeared and are foreign to the traditions of the Horse and Groom. It takes many years to build a strong customer base but very little time to lose it. One is reminded of the old saying "if it is not broke don't fix it".

We patronised this pub restaurant regularly with friends, but two weeks ago it changed hands. Whilst the food was acceptable but unremarkable, the manners of the new owners certainly weren't acceptable. Not that they said anything to us! Not a smile or a good afternoon. The welcome was left to Karen who has remained. They passed our table several times but avoided eye contact. I had to ask if they were the landlords. Why do people so unsuited to the licensed trade take on a pub?

My wife and I were taken to this lovely pub/restaurant on a Sunday by friends as they had been recommended by work colleagues. WOW! What a fantastic Sunday lunch.

Six of us descended on this pretty pub, including two children and a coeliac, to find it pretty busy! Nevertheless we had superb service and great attention to detail for our gluten-free guest: nothing was too much trouble. The fish dishes we sampled were beautifully fresh-sourced and delicious, the meats (especially the belly pork) well-cooked, and just don't mention the puds! Compliments to the chef!! We're not too far away, so we'll be back!

Found on Trip Advisor whilst staying in Saffron Walden, really nice drive out through the countryside, had a lovely Sunday roast here, food , staff and pub really nice

Good food from the carvery and reasonably priced. Need to book especially weekends as its well known and very busy at times. Good pub to try for a change.

Took dad here for dinner seeing the excellent reviews and the really good veggie menu options they have on the internet.

We came here as a group of 7 for lunch. We had not booked but received a very warm welcome from Karen who rearranged the furniture to accommodate us. We ate from both the fish and midweek menus and the food was very good and represented very good value.

A perfect Sunday lunch in a warm, welcoming traditional pub. Delicious carvery with big choice with good starters and lovely puds. Very grateful to care taken to accommodate my husband in his wheelchair in very full bar and restaurant. Help also given on arrival and departure even though staff were more than busy. Thank you!

My parents brought me here for dinner when I was visiting them from Malaysia last summer. The location is beautiful, serving sizes were very generous, food was freshly prepared and delicious!

We ate here as a group of ramblers for lunch after a very cold wet walk. Lovely and warm with open fires. Extensive menu with some different choices to the usual pub grub, piri piri chicken kibabs were lovely. Good puddings too. Staff friendly and very welcoming.

We visit this pub/restaurant on a regular basis. Food is always cooked to perfection and hot.We so look forward to the best Sunday carvery in the area. May be a bit off the beaten track for some but really worth going. 5 meats available to choose from,fantastic roasties and Yorkshire puddings and a wide selection of beautifully cooked vegetables. £9.95 worth of gorgeousness. Very good service too.would highly recommend . Children also made welcome for £6.95.

My sister partner and myself booked up for sunday evening as we were recommended to go hear and it was superb. Lovely food great service and a lovely ambiance. Will visit again in the near future. Lovely homemade food

Cannot fault food and waiting staff. But my complaint is temperature of the restaurant. It was freezing and rather spoilt the meal., we asked to sit at table by fire but was told it was reserved slthough no one Had sad at it by time we left. Perhaps will wait til summer for next visit

Called in on the "off Chance" whilst walking in the area, as it was a Sunday quite prepared to be told we are fully booked, could not have done more to accommodate us, exceptional service, exceptional food, Sunday lunch amazing choice of 4 options Beef Lamb Pork and Turkey, starters of varying dish's, whole crab was very good, excellent range of beers and wines on show.

Me and my partner always choose here to eat out and I can honestly say it never fails food it always amazing as is the service. I work for Greene king and know how hard these people work to make it all happen. Hats off to them. You should be proud

Me and my family went here on a weekend the food was nice but did take it time coming but that does not bother me as such as it worth the weight

Came to visit a old work mate who lives here and we all went for Sunday lunch at this lovely old pub. Well i have to say this was the best Sunday lunch we have ever had. What a lovely carvery. Food cooked to perfection. All staff are so friendly made us so welcome makes you want to come here all the time shame we live an hour away. Nice choice of ales as well. Just a shame you are selling up as you will be so missed in this lovely little village. All the best for the future.

For the fifth year running the Newmarket & District Car Club had a run out to the Horse & Groom for Pie & Pint night. The food was excellent, the service was pleasant and efficient, and the atmosphere was great. Another superb visit.

Horse and Groom never fail. Their food is amazing. Such an extensive choice of great food including fish. Thurs night is pie and pint night - normal menu remains too. Great portions, great food...just a shame that they are selling up - eat here whilst you still can.

Lived in Braintree a long time and never visited here before. What a lovely pub.

Not been here before and was visiting relatives.I had the scollops for a starter which was cooked lovely apart from the watery residue which was left on the plate.The bacon complimented the scollops perfectly.I had the pork rib for main which was delicious and veg done al dente.Lovely.Syrup and custard for pudding which was delicious.My daughter would recommend the Brie starter as she loved it.We will definitely be back to try more of the large variety of meals written on the chalk board..it was endless.Very polite staff,clean and very friendly.Thankyou for a lovely experience;)

Go here a lot as it's our friends local. Have to say the food is yummy and a great beer garden. Ploughmans lunch out of this world.

Took a different route back from Cambridge to Chelmsford to avoid M11. Wanted a meal so we're heading to The Fox in Finchingfield but saw this pub on the way and as it looked so inviting decided to stop. Really glad we did. Very large choice of home cooked food at really reasonable prices. Chicken Kiev was delicious and my husband had the pie. Well worth it and great that we have found a lovely place to go back to. Would definitely recommend

First time visitors to this Bar & Restaurant. We were welcomed by the owners, who gave us free reign to sit where we wished. They bought us several menus and we settled on an eclectic mix of starters and had Tea.We were made to feel like locals which was great and the food quality was superb. Each item was hot (where applicable), fresh and presented beautifully. Tastes were sublime.Spent just under £20 and for what we had, it was excellent valueWe will definitely visit again, but next time for Dinner/Lunch

It looked very inviting so we stopped and went in for a drink ,but the menu looked good so we stayed for lunch it was there special Friday fish day.we had the fresh skate that we were told the land lord goes to London fish market to buy,it was great they were very friendly and the food great we will go back and try it again .worthgoing

Lovely evening celebrating my daughters birthday. Friendly staff, amazing choice of food & drink. All our meals were served at the same time and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We'll definitely be returning very soon. Thank you. x

Came for a quick lunch, great service and food. Lots of choice on the menu. Proper pub with proper pub food.

Visited this lovely old pub with our classic car club last Sunday and we were madevery welcome by Kelly and her crew.My car club friends would like a return visit later this year. Amazed how well our dear young lady waitress coped with us, and nothing was toomuch for her. Thanks again Kelly for a great day. John Whipp

Have been here several times. Lovely beer garden in the summer. Bar staff quite miserable, I have never seen them engage in or encourage conversation but that may be different with the regulars. Food ok. Not bad, not good, just ok. There are better places to get pub grub in Braintree.

I had been recommended this place by 3 different people so needless to say I was looking forward to it. Firstly the car park was full which is a good sign for a busy pub but a tad annoying when you want to park. We where started quickly and offered the carvery within 5 minutes.The meat on offer was pork, beef, ham, turkey.I had a selection of the 3 not including turkey. Roast potatoes parsnips and lots of veg available.To be honest I was not impressed the beef was tough and chewy the potatoes where hard as where the parsnips. The pork was very nice though. You get what you pay for I guess at £9 it's cheap but for me I would rather pay more and leave thinking that was amazing sorry.

Had the most amazing lunch here. Can't believe I didn't know about it before. The menu had so much to pick from, they had a separate seafood menu (not sure if this was seasonal) and ordered the crayfish salad and seafood pasta - both were delicious. The chef wasn't stingy with the seafood, and the garlic bread was really nice. Highly recommend the malteaser and honey cheesecake

Had a fantastic evening at the Horse and Groom CHE. We had a table for 10 and the food was perfect. All meals came out all together and were piping hot. This is great in itself as we all ate something different from the menu!Service was faultless and staff friendly and helpful.If you are planning a large family gathering, this is definitely the place to go.