Harden's survey result
Summary
“The old pub oozes charm and when cold, the roaring fire near the bar is just the thing”, say fans of this timber-framed 15th-century coaching inn. “Then there’s the food: fantastic, but not so fancy it would put the man in the street off, and it’s in generous portions”. Run by the same family for 75 years, it’s a place where tradition is taken seriously – a Good Friday custom of adding a new hot cross bun to a collection hanging over the bar is more than a century old. “We’ve been regular diners for the past 25 years and it never fails to deliver – the regularly changing menu means you never get bored”.
Summary
“The ambience is quintessential olde-worlde country pub, with a cosy bar area and roaring fire” at this 600-year-old, timber-framed coaching inn, which provides “a great mix of traditional pub atmosphere and fine dining” (the latter in “the adjacent dining room which is full of charm”). “Excellent food comes in generous portions and at very reasonable prices” and “caring” service from “staff who are friendly and helpful without being pushy” was often complimented in this year’s feedback.
Summary
“A special place, on the top of the hill, where the bar is packed with lively conversation from locals and visitors alike”; some regulars prefer eating there to the restaurant (“same menu but also good-value, high-quality bar meals”) – in either case the food’s “very good”.
Owner's description
The two busy bars have the warm, friendly atmosphere of a ‘proper’ pub. There’s an open fire, numerous ales on hand pump and a top-class wine by the glass list. The menu changes daily, using seasonal and local produce where possible. Upstairs, and in the Georgian properties next door but one, are 27 individually styled bedrooms featuring both modern and period twists that remain sympathetic to the beautiful buildings in which they reside.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £16.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
High Rd, Horndon on the Hill, SS17 8LD
Opening hours
lunch noon - 1.45 pm, dinner 6.30 pm - 9.45 pm
Last orders: 9.45 pm
