Inattentive serviceand badly written menu should have alerted us to the fact that we were in the wrong Horse and Groom so do be careful when booking. The food was of poor quality with no care as to presentation and the service was just awful. What can one say if asked " Is everything alright?" when it isn't and subsequently be accused of lying about the food and being told to pay the bill and get out. These people are living on their reputation or perhaps on the reputation of a nearby pub of the same name and should be avoided unless you are on the brink of death from starvation.

We first called in here for lunch on the way back home in July 2009, having found the pub listed in our Michelin guide. It has its own web site with photographs, together with sample menus and lots of other information. See http://www.horseandgroom.uk.com/

The place is clearly popular for lunch (in this case Sunday) and we were lucky on a glorious summer day to obtain the last available table outside. The welcome was warm, courteous and attentive, without being overbearing or stuffy - a fine balance that not everyone gets right. Drinks came quickly along with the menus, and our meal was served in nice time afterwards. My pint of Hereford Pale Ale was one of the best and most enjoyable beers in recent memory; too bad I was driving!

Our food was uniformly excellent, from starters through to dessert and coffee; all was well and freshly prepared using obviously fresh ingredients of good quality. A thoroughly enjoyable meal, helped out along the way by the wonderful setting, fresh air, sunshine and far-reaching views from the dining terrace.

We didn't stay overnight on our first visit, but based on our positive lunchtime experience, we did return in September 2009 to dine and stay overnight. On this occasion we were en route home from a week's holiday in Devon, accompanied by my partner's 80-year-old mother. As before, we received a very warm and friendly welcome from the owner, Simon, who showed us to our rooms and helped carry bags.

As others have noted, our bedrooms were quite small and whilst perfectly comfortable, it has to be said -- if any fault is to be found here -- that they are not the "star feature" of the place. Each was equipped with a tiny en-suite bathroom and shower, with barely room to turn around: but then you must remember that this is an historic Cotswold hostelry, and not the Holiday Inn! The rooms have lots of charm and character, and are in fairness of a size that the old building permits. The only valid minor criticisms, in my opinion, are that they could perhaps do with a bit of "refreshing" or updating; and a little more attention to maintenance and detail wouldn't come amiss. (I recall one or two small things like a wildly flickering table lamp on the landing, and a dead bulb in a bedside lamp which although cheerfully and immediately replaced on being mentioned, could've been avoided by a bit of preventative care). Also, as others have said, a few extra small in-room comforts like coffee/tea facilities would be nice.

But the main reason for visiting the Horse & Groom is to enjoy the superb food and drink in homely and welcoming surroundings: on our second visit, we sat by a roaring fire enjoying once more the wonderfully fresh local produce, cooked and served with obvious enthusiasm by Simon and his team. He has long experience in the catering & hospitality business, and it shows. This was one of the most enjoyable meals in a long time for all of us, and was accompanied by excellent local beer to start, and a decent, individually-selected wine list (none of your pub-chain one-size-fits-all pap here). Simon unstintingly helped us choose courses, proffered several samples to help me choose a whisky after dinner, and generally made us all feel appreciated and welcome.

Breakfast was every bit as good as dinner, and was served at the time of our choice -- no barrack room law about coming down before nine here. Our lie-in was much appreciated after a long drive the previous day, and we left late morning feeling relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to our next visit.

The location is perfect, very peaceful with great views. Just 30 Min from Oxford. The hosts where very friendly and relaxed. The bars where warm and welcoming, with a massive log burning fire on the go. Flag stone flooring and tastfully furnished.
The food was amazing. The evening menu a little limited but excillient, however a lilltle pricey. The price wasnt reflected when it came to the table lay out. Paper napkins!!.. A excillient range of wines, again rather pricey . The accomadation was a big let down. Came across as an after thought. The room was bearly furnished and the facilitys where very poor. The television was wall mounted 3ft off the ground so you couldnt watch. No tea or coffee making facilitys. The bed was basic and had very old blanket and sheets on it. The bathroom was up stairs and the stairs where a challange, even for us able folk. The bathroom had no shower, just a bath with a shower head that didnt work, the toilet leaked when flushed. The house keeping was a disgrace, the sink needed a clean, the bath needed a wash out before use, and the cobb webbs had cobb webbs on them!!. The towels could easily remove a layer of skin... Such a shame.. a bit closer eye to detail and this would be shore fire winner.

My wife and I have never stayed at the Inn, but we have had many wonderful meals there. Simon the owner and his wife make you welcome as soon as you enter the bar area. We think that the food and service is fantastic. Looking forward to our next stay in the Cotswolds and dinner at the Horse and Groom.
Jim and Frances Wyllie
Brampton, Ontario, Canada