The Horseshoe & Castle - Rochester

Fiona T.

Visited for Sunday lunch (cannot comment on rooms so my rating for those is based on the restaurant, which was crammed full of dead, stuffed animals). I was really looking forward to visiting due to good reviews and planned well in advance but everything was a real let down. We had a long wait to be asked for drinks and the food was very slow coming out, despite the restaurant not being especially busy (lots of vacant tables). The pub was busy so maybe staff were tied up there. I had fish and chips. The portion of fish was really small - all batter and very little fish, the mushy peas were hard and the chips were mostly dry and chewy; I didn’t enjoy the meal at all. My husband had the vegetarian roast and was enjoying it until he found several pieces of meat in it (it looked like roast beef). As a vegetarian he didn’t eat anything that. When our plates were cleared we pointed this out to the waitress who said the meat was in the gravy (we had deduced this). We couldn’t be bothered to ask for a replacement as the original meal took so long coming out. The waitress neither apologised nor seemed to comprehend that serving meat gravy with a vegetarian dish was inappropriate. Very disappointing all round. It’s not cheap either. The location is quite pretty but there was no available parking and had to park quite a long way down the narrow street so near this in mind if driving.

Q D.

Worst experience ever
We arrived about 3pm and were told the kitchen is closed because the chef has gone home sick. We had to walk 40 mins to the Six Bells bnb to get food. That’s probably a better place to stay than this place. My sister in law was staying there and she said it was much nicer. We were all there for a family wedding but staying here made our time super stressful. The next day there were no staff around. No breakfast. No one to check out with. Completely disgraceful. It made such a horrible start for us to attend my nephews wedding which was happening at the Cooling Castle Barn. I paid over 130 pounds for a tiny room which could barely hold two regular sized people. Do not waste your time or money here. It’s a complete dump

656ingridm

Lovely traditional countrypub with lovely rooms and a cosy cottage. The food is very tasty and the menu has all you can wish for. The Landlord and staff are supernice. Atmosphere very nice and homy with two open fireplaces. Loved our stay in the stable cottage.

Carl

Had a long drive and arrived at 16:30, checked in and ordered food Sunday roast) as the kitchen was due to close at 5pm. Went to the room to drop the bags and came back for the food, it was gorgeous!

The room was superb with all that you need for a night or two.

The mattress was very comfortable, pillows were hard but there were alternatives underneath the bed.

Breakfast was lovely (full English). Check out was at 10:30.

Lovely stay and if we're back in that area we will happily return!

Lisa C.

Quintessential English Countryside Pub gorgeous views very comfortable great food. Staff were all so helpful and friendly.

Susan S.

Had a really lovely meal on Sunday- food was very tasty and fresh. Will be coming again

Jack E.

We visited for Sunday lunch yesterday. Excellent meal, food portions are great and all the staff are very welcoming and friendly, gives a great atmosphere. A real gem. Think this is going to become our not so local, local!

Njal M.

Stayed here with my wife before a wedding the next day. Dinner was absolutely amazing, and the service was great (even though the place was full). The room was really lovely, and clean. Comfortable bed and sleep. It even had a kettle with free coffee, tea and hot chocolate! The room included breakfast, and I just admit it's one of the best full English breakfast I've ever had. The chef/owner also took time for a lovely chat about the place and his love for food. Recommend.