The Horse & Groom in Dartford

Strange place, I stopped in here for some dinner a after work a few weeks back before driving home. Half the small menu was off which always annoys me. When the menu is just a printed a4 sheet of paper I never understand why places don't just strike off the meals they no longer have for that service/day.Three times the staff left me or my mate stood at the bar waiting while they either had a chat with what appeared to be a friend or cleared an empty table in what was a pretty empty pub. Yes I appreciate tables need to be cleared but service is priority surly.The burger I got was indeed very tasty. I'm often not a fan of pub chips but these were top notch. If it wasn't for the service issues I'd have given a 5 star glowing review just for a burger and chips it was that good.My final frustration was being asked to go inside at 9pm by staff. My friend and I were sat drinking soft drinks and coffee in the garden so no risk of us making mid week noise to upset local residents yes staff told us we were to move inside. It appeared to be so they could close that area early so they had less work to do later. We'd have happily sat drinking coffee until closing but instead went to my van where we chatted for half hour watching the staff tidy up.Now I'm sure the Horse & Groom isn't going to struggle off the back of this review. If I lived locally I'd go there for the food itself. But hopefully the management will have a word with their male staff about hospitality priorities such as serving the customer first so they can spend money and sit down rather than leave them waiting while they ensure their shift is over as soon as possible.

Had lunch on Saturday. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere was nice but wouldn't rate the service. We had to ask for everything that we wanted and it was very slow and the staff didn't seem rushed off their feet (I.e. we could see them standing around chatting while we were trying to get their attention). Our lunch took 3 hours.

Held My mother in laws wake here, had cold buffet and ordered a gluten free platter for me. Got buffet for other guests but could not produce a gluten free platter as agreed. Came over with strips of chicken, pathetic looking peas which were mixed with dry leaves and slice tomato and beetroot, oh and halumi cheese. They haven't a clue had a lot of money from the family for food and drinks. It's a shame this place was an excellent restaurant back in the days!

New Ownership has ruined the food at the Horse & Groom. Used to be a regular visitor of the Horse & Groom, however under new management the food has slipped.Went for a Sunday Lunch (26th June 2022). Waited an hour and half before receiving our food from order. Ordered a Trio Sunday Roast. The Chicken was the smallest chicken breast I have ever seen. The Pork and the Beef were dry. Vegetables weren’t to be found. An additional side order of Cauliflower and Cheese was 5mins late and didn’t accompany the main meal.Would advise to stay away, until the level of food and service is raised.

Nice pub/restaurant. Food is a above average in terms of quality and price (for a pub). We dropped in on the off chance last week. Sat in the garden and had a Wrap and some Beetroot Tjaziki (which I recommend). Was served by a very helpful and polite waitress.

We booked a 50th birthday meal for 16 people. Everyone had a great time and food was good. Staff were very helpful throughout from booking to the end. We were allowed to bring balloons and our own cake.

We have being coming here for years and usually the food has been good but since a recent takeover of ownership this has all changed.They have new inexperienced staff, the food was nowhere as good as before. My steak I asked to be cooked rare but came well done. The calamari was tough my wife's dish smelt of vomit 🤢 and looked like it. It's a shame as we used to enjoy using a local buisness.

I used to love this place but it is terrible now! We booked for the Sunday lunch but every course was awful and I had to complain. The calamari was tough, the chicken was dry and most of the roast was inedible. The service was poor and we won’t be going back again. I am so upset that this great restaurant has been ruined by new owners . Don’t waste your money ☹️

Absolutely joke of a place attended this afternoon for Sunday lunch. £16 odd quid for a roast that arrived with 2 potatoes not to mention the chicken looked like it was half eaten on route to my table. Where do these places get of thinking this is acceptable. Then had the cheek to ask if I would like some more? Really nope sent the lot back and left. Sort it out and remember who pays ya wages in future.

Wonderful food and even better service.