Horse & Groom in Chelmsford

Have used this pub many times. Always great food and staff. Great atmosphere

Great place for food even just for drinks. Josh behind the bar is very good. Marketa is a very good waitress and both are very helpful. The food is excellent.

Really lovely place. Would definitely go again.

Have visited this pub numerous times and it has always been great, good food and good atmosphere. This was our 1st visit since the work had been carried out and the outside area is lovely (in fairness it was before too with nice views across the fields). More tables now which is a good thing. Unfortunately my husband spent sometime queuing to see if we could get some food having arrived at 7:30pm. There were people pushing in front of him and being served and when he finally spoke to someone we were told there was no food being served outside. That was fine and we had drinks but then we saw food being brought out to tables while we sat there with our drinks so a little confusing. He was also told there were no tables inside for food however when I looked at the online booking there was availability within 15 minutes so again a little confusing and maybe a miss communication with staff. It did seem as though they were overwhelmed and it had been a rare sunny day so I would assume this had something to do with it. It all felt somewhat disappointing but we will visit again as I’m sure it was a case of being one of the 1st sunny days of the year and so many people descending upon them. Hope our next visit is a little more welcoming. On this occasion we left and ate elsewhere.

Been here twice since the relaunch. The place looks amazing with such a great atmosphere. Staff were brilliant really welcoming and friendly. Now onto the food. The first time we came was at the start of April and it was really busy and could see they were struggling. Starters were fine but weren't exactly hot we had the chefs board and soup. Then the mains weren't great at all unfortunately food was really cold and this was across both couples it just didnt reflect the standard of the service and atmosphere of the pub itself. Fast forward to tonight and unfortunately the food was still exactly the same quality. I had the fish which the chips were cold and tasted like cardboard and the fish was soggy and again wasn't hot at all. To boycott and say I wouldn't come back is not the case as the pub itself has such a great atmosphere and the staff are great id just skip the food unfortunately.

Pub had easy parking and the refurbished venue looks really great. We only ordered a started of the chefs sharing board. This consisted of shepherd pie mini bites, sausages, bread with some green stuff and some things so over deep fried we couldn't identify what it was. The mini bites were oily, the green stuff literally had no flavour, the sausages were ok and the fried battered stuff was just a mystery. The board was around the £18 mark, for that price i would hope for better quality food.

Great refurbishment &atmosphere relaxing. Good service & food.

Absolutely wonderful experience for somewhere to eat. This place was immaculate, very impressed. Food was amazing.

Nice atmosphere however food was disappointing. Kids meals were not up to a good standard, burnt sausages and microwave pizza

The staff were very courteous and helpful. They couldn’t do enough for you. A big shout out to Tilly who was amazing and very professional even if we were a little noisy for the other tables. Ajay was also fab. Food was a little disappointing though. Fish was quite dry and the crispy pork wasn’t very hot. The burgers and steak sandwiches we’ve had previously were very good

Brilliant place. Newly refurbished. Staff very good and the menu is excellent

Food was excellent, our server Ajay was brilliant. Will definitely be back

The refurb is good. It looks and feels very nice now. The service was ok. When I asked what IPAs they had, the choice was Green King or Abbot, neither are great, brown water. When I walked past the bar, I noticed they had level head, this would have been a nice option if I had been told about it. The Chefs platter sounded good, and it was ok, but a couple of side plates would have been nice, rather than drop crumbs and sauce over the table. The main course was a signature burger and fries, the burger was ok a bit dry and bun split straight away, i left the fries as the were anaemic oven chips. It's a shame as a little bit of effort with the food and service, and it would be a great pub.

Good pub, nice garden to sit in the evening sun with heaters and blankets. Inside has been redecorated well and feels classic whilst modern with a good selection of drinks. We had a nice time, the only issue (which seems to be a regular thing looking at the reviews) is the food is a little hit or miss. 2 people in our party had the pie, which was huge and came with veg and chips. I had the bacon cheese burger, but to be honest it was pretty measly to have a single, thin piece of bacon and barely enough cheese to qualify as a cheese burger. The way the chips are presented could also do with a lift, although tasty, they got cold really quickly as they are on a massive plate - would be better to put in a basket or something to keep heat. The food was tasty, staff were great and atmosphere was good. Just feel they need a bit more thought about food presentation, consistency and portions as i'd expect more than a single piece of bacon and a sniff of cheese.

Went here on Friday to tell my youngest his grandfather had passed.. The customers were lovely but the guy with a beard who served us had a complete attitude from the start and was passive aggressive, so much so we had one drink and left without having the meal I planned for.. Not an easy time in my life and took every restraint I had not to pull the guy about his behaviour. I obviously won't return or recommend it to anyone.

Great food and Milenan was a great waitress. My wife and I will definitely be returning soon!

Booked a lunchtime meal with friends through recommendation. Really nice food and will be visiting again soon

Sunday roast was superb, thank you Milena and to chef James 👍

Had a wonderful Mother’s Day lunch at the horse and groom ! The food was delicious, especially the roast, and the service was warm and attentive. A lovely atmosphere made the day even more special. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!

Mothers day sadness 😔 some of the food was just inedible, run out of so much, everything was dry and underwhelming. Cleaning products just left on table next to us. Food on the floor, half a lemon just as we left. 3 tables complaining- sad times

Went to the soft launch recently and have to say, it was a great experience. Lovely staff, brilliant food and a great atmosphere. Well done guys! Highly recommend.

Visited today for a light lunch. Food was wonderful as always and the service outstanding staff are always so friendly,polite and welcoming. First visit since the refurbishment and I have to say it has been very well done looks amazing and the new outside seating area is perfect almost gives holiday vibes especially as the sun was shining 😊😊

A warm welcome,really liked the feel of the place and food was good,only small complaint being a wobbly table with serviette under leg..Considering there has been a major refit,slightly annoying trying to eat..

Great Sunday lunch and amazing value. Can't wait to return.

Mason served us this evening, nothing was too much trouble and he showed care and attention throughout our two course meal

We visited today for the first time after having this beautiful pub on our doorstep for over 10 years and we have definitely been missing out! We was greeted by a buzzing, friendly team of people and taken to our table by Milena. Her service was outstanding throughout our whole dinner where she was quick, helpful for menu advice and couldn’t be more willing to help and please. We had a beautiful trio roast which was huge and everything was cooked to perfection, lots of fresh vegetables, all your added extras like pigs in blankets and Yorkshire with pork, beef and turkey cooked to perfection. Wine was delicious and cold with a really lovely selection. My children both enjoyed something of the children’s menu where the sizes were so generous with a great selection of your posh pub classics aswell as a roast choice for children. Desserts were BEAUTIFUL and there was lots of clean plates! The pub has recently been through a massive refurbishment and they have done such a great job, it’s clean, fresh but modern with beautiful country colours but still the buildings original traditional beautie. We had such a wonderful afternoon and have booked to go again for Mother’s Day, we were really impressed and this place is definitely a new place we will regularly visit. Thank you to Milena for making our afternoon so special xx

We were served by Maketa who was very attentive and welcoming. The restaurant looks fantastic after its refurb and everyone working were smiley and friendly. Food was excellent and quick.

Had an amazing meal here today at the launch of the refurbished Pub, Restaurant & Gardens with our family. Everything was excellent, we all had three courses and could not fault a thing. We received a warm welcome and excellent service from all at The Horse & Groom. John, Jamie, Nikola, Marketa, Joe and a few others who we did not get their names. They were attentive, knowledgable and could not have made our experience any more enjoyable. We shall definitely visit again very soon & would like to wish Good Luck to all concerned for the official opening tomorrow.

Highly recommend. Visited for breakfast again today - first visit since the pub’s recent refurbishment. Food as excellent as usual, lovely coffee, all served by friendly professional staff. The re-fit is stunning, with much improved kerb appeal and beautiful outside seating, all providing a very warm welcome and relaxing experience.

Fantastic breakfast with a good choice of options. Great service from friendly servers also.

Excellent pub for lunch (which is why I went). Obviously popular with groups and couples, but had no problem getting a table without booking. Some external works being carried out and soon to shut temporarily for inside to be done. It will be even better once everything is completed in March 2025

Traditional pub in a good setting with great food. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to seeing the renovations.

Been there today with an old friend for lunch and a good natter, felt very welcome and comfortable. Smashing waitress Nikola, very kind and helpful. Best gammon steak I've ever had,. Hope to visit again soon.

I've been coming to the Horse and Groom for decades and it's one of my favourite eating places. Unfortunately today , my meal just wasn't up to their usual standard . We had a roast dinner each , half of my turkey was cold , the pigs in blankets were cold, the parsnips too hard and the vegetables looked like they were just a medley of frozen diced carrots and swede. The service and ambiance ,however, are always great and the staff lovely, as usual ! The food was just disappointing on this visit 😞

A great meal and served by Grant and, sorry, a lady didn't get her name. Both excellent as was the food. Good prices too.

My husband and I had a lunch here on 6th February. We were pleasantly greeted on arrival. The service was prompt. There was plenty to choose from on the menu and the specials board. The food arrived quickly and was delicious. We look forward to going back. Our server was Alison who was attentive throughout our experience.

Amazing food, Grant was amazing, gave us discount on food, and made adjustments for me to have Custard instead of ice cream and dessert was really light and not too heavy in the stomach

Hi first time we have been . The menu offered a good set of options. Grant who looked after us was attentive, helpful and efficient.

Great food great service thanks nikola!

Great food , great service very good atmosphere

Visited to have a meal with family and decided to have the Burns Night special (didn’t realise it was Burns Night before we got there!) Four lovely courses with a good choice of options and the service by Nikola was excellent. Just the Cranachan desert was a bit dry (like granola with no milk!) The Crispy Pheasant, Haggis and the venison steak were particularly delicious. Good choice of wine and beer and a nice atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

It was lovely. The team is very receptive, thank you Milena. The food was very good and for sure we left definitely not hungry 😅.

Fabulous meal. Efficient, quick. Great service. Great all round. Thank you.

Very warm welcome when entering for our very first visit! friendly staff lovely vibe very clean the food was bang on and was pleasantly surprised how reasonable priced it. The trio meat roast dinner was amazing highly recommend

We were severed by Milena, she was very polite pleasant and attentive. Nothing was to much

I don’t like to criticise but we went there yesterday (Sunday 12th Jan 2025) the food was BAD !! Chicken breast and chicken strips from frozen . Never again .. 1st poor review I think I’ve done but having to keep the toilet close all day forced me into these comments .

Nice country pub but expensive! Has put me off going to pubs for a family meal at £100 for the 3 of us on a very quiet midweek early evening!

Excellent food staff were amazing definitely worth a visit

It was a lovely visit. We attended as a mixed group of 12 (adults and kids) as an end of year reunion. The staff member who dealt with us was professional and courteous, and was considerate in giving us extra time to decide on options/delayed taking orders whilst we had a catch-up. The food was delicious and my friends child was provided with options available to cater to some allergies he had. All in all, I was really impressed with how we were catered to, and really appreciate the efforts of the staff involved.

We took my sister for Christmas Dinner, on Christmas Day. The cost was pretty high so we were hesitant at first but on the day we were very impressed. The service was second to none and the food was perfect. The turkey was tasty, moist and melt in the mouth. The portions were huge and food was left on the plates, purely down to the amount of it. All 3 courses were cooked to perfection.

Wonderful service with a smile from Marketa … 😊

Relaxed in a warm environment, Staff friendly, food very good at a reasonable price. Ideal place for us to bring our two friends

Enjoyed a lovely evening with a group of friends. Food was good, and reasonably priced. Service from Marketa was excellent, thanks for helping to make it a lovely time.

We enjoyed our meal at the Horse & Groom; the food was great and the staff, especially our server Milena, were so lovely. Milena made sure we were comfortable, especially our 2.5 year old toddler, whom she provided with crayons and activity sheets to be kept entertained while waiting for the food.

We had an enjoyable reasonably priced lunch. The waiting staff were very helpful and polite. The food was good and the atmosphere was welcoming and friendly.

It was amazing Sunday roast . Nikola always making a good service and being lovely . Thanks for that

Good food. They coped well with a table for 9. It really would have been nice to have real fires lit on a cold November day.

We were served by Muena, who wonderful. The food was served quickly and waas hot. Both our dishes were beautiful. Highly recomended.

Lunchtime visit. Food was served quickly and cooked well. Waiter service very good and prompt with all requests. It was pretty quiet in there but I wouldn't mark the atmosphere down for that. I particularly enjoyed the Melting bell Christmas dessert!

The best pub Sunday roast I've ever had. Great serve and atmosphere.

Three friends met for dinner, we had a great time. Staff were friendly, food was really good and reasonably priced. I needed to tweak my order, there were no issues with this. We had a great catch up, no pressure to free up the table.

Went for Sunday lunch . Great value. Staff superb

Lovely little country pub in Writtle (just outside Chelmsford) is a chef & brewer pub. Tasteful decor & a warm welcome was followed by good food & drink. My crispy squid starter was followed by rump steak & a gorgeous piece of brownie & ice cream ( shared with my daughter after her huge beef & ale pie). My partner had a fish pie after enjoying the sharing cheese platter (mostly to herself) but having tried some I don't blame her! Her desert was an apple crumble with coconut vanilla ice cream. Having enjoyed our meal we'll definitely be back..for one thing I'd like to try a table in the garden (in the summer) cos the view across the fields looks very inviting!

Lovely lunch, great service and good value

We go here once or twice a year. Service is always great. Food on this occasion was cold, they gave us another cauliflower cheese but again it was stone cold in the middle. Toilets wete also blocked and dirty, shame really because the other times we've been never had an issue

Lovely place great food highly recommend this place

Great service, very friendly, lovely food!

Marketa was lovely and very attentive! And so kind to our dog! We think she might be his favourite person!!

Excellent staff (Milena). Knowledgeable and polite. Good food (Roast). Very good and prompt service

Really nice food and service. Highly recommended.

Plenty off parking & greeted friendly on entering pub & plenty off choice on menu & you have a specials menu as well. Staff are very friendly & helpful if needed & food is lovely & fresh also good value Was here for a early birthday meal for my mum & she throughly enjoyed it

Sunday lunch and back again today, Tuesday for a birthday lunch. Thoroughly enjoyable on both occasions thanks to excellent service by MILENA our waitress, who is a diamond, and superb fare produced by the kitchen team. Lovely friendly atmosphere and we will be back again soon.

Lager was very good and a reasonable price,service was excellent thanks to Marketa,will be back....

Got there far too early - they offered to seat us straight away! The service was excellent and the staff were so helpful and friendly. Will go again

Loved it here go every 2 months or so. Today we were looked after by Nikola who was very efficient; couldn't be more accommodating with our special orders. Great pub. Loved it

Really excellent food and service

Lovley setting and very pleasant inside, although in places the decor could do with a bit of tlc. Staff are on the ball, attentive but not intrusive. Food was largely excellent, very fresh and hot and seasoned to perfection. The wife's steak was a little tough but not enough to ruin the meal. Some evenings they have "Specials" which sound appealing. Price wise it's on par with most, plus it's part of the "Chef and Brewer" chain so the menu can be found everywhere. All in all, a pleasant experience. Update... Return visit, still just as good. Another return visit, this time I'd say it was the best restaurant meal I've had this year. Everything was perfect. The starters, the mains and the service. Fantastic.

Great food, and great service from Marketa

Visited on Saturday for a late lunch with two friends. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and exceptional service from Milena! Very friendly, efficient and attentive but unobtrusive. Thanks Milena! 🌻 Loved my main, my bakewell tart dessert was a bit stodgy but I still enjoyed it! Would definitely return for the service alone 😊

Great service by Milena thank you ☺️

amazing food and lovely service by Jonathan!! thank you so much :)

Lovely food and atmosphere for catching up either good friends. Milena was very attentive

Went for a meal and had a lovely mixed grill, service and staff were brilliant, thanks to Jon, marketa and Josh for the friendly welcome would recommend

Food and service was exceptional, will definitely visit again.

We are regulars here. Today we had another excellent meal, served promptly in a relaxed atmosphere.

Karen was lovely as was the food

Visited yesterday with partner and daughter and was very impressed with the place. Food was excellent - first time I haven’t left anything on the plate in years. Spotlessly clean and ambient atmosphere, staff very pleasant and professional. Mid afternoon so not too busy, and plenty of space. Two or three customer dogs added to the enjoyment! Will definitely visit again. Everything great.

Really delighted, staff friendly and polite, food is great

I’ve been going to the Horse & Groom for quite a few years and considering it’s a chain (Chef & Brewer) the food has always been really good. In the past six months or so I’ve noticed a real decline in the quality of the food, also noticed the carpets smell near the men’s toilets and a lot of the seat covers have stains on them. It’s all becoming a bit shabby. Something’s obviously changed behind the scenes and hence I won’t be returning until they get things in order again.

Absolutely great experience been twice this week and after just finishing my fish and chips I may be back before the week is out. Smashing service

A celebration meal with the whole family, from baby to pensioner was enjoyed by all. Food was served quickly, hot and tasty. Service was excellent and attentive. Definitely worth a visit.

Staff need to consider their personal hygiene.

Good selection on gluten free menu, and food was nice. Service really good and Karen was helpful and friendly. Nice atmosphere.

We used to come here regularly but it seemed to go downhill for a while after change of management however the food and service was excellent on our most recent visit and would highly recommend

Good food, service a little slow so don't be in a hurry

Very good and good service form krenn

We came for a meal which was excellent and was served by the very helpful Karen

Had a lovely lunch today. Customer service was fabulous. I was made to feel like a VIP. Food was top notch. Staff were polite and efficient. The smothered chicken was absolutely delicious 😋 highly recommended. Shall definitely return.

Lovely lunch and great service. Will return again.

A massive thank you to Jonathan when we last went in your service was amazing and was so friendly and smiley. The food was also amazing which is a big plus thank u again