Three Horseshoes — Restaurant in East Hertfordshire

UPDATED: I have not visited this pub in a while, it used to be a favourite of mine, particularly as they catered well for gluten intolerance. However, that all changed on my recent visit, I see that Chef and Brewer now own it. From arrival I was gobsmacked that they had no allergen advice on the standard menu (save for nut allergy), nothing for gluten intolerance - which is estimated to affect about 1/5 people now. Nothing! So I placed my orders and 'hoped' that they were wheat free, I was instructed to go to their website, but I could not find it with ease. The starter, salmon and salad, turned up... goodness... wilted rocket leaves, brown shavings from the root of what might have been pak choi or artichoke, just the brown rooted butt of the veg sprinkled over it, and dried out pieces of smoked salmon that were a token gesture... the whole thing was bathed in oil in what seemed to me to be an effort to hide how old and dry it was (I presume someone ordered it and sent it back or something) - I ate it because I was famished (not literally). The staff were lovely, truly lovely, nothing to fault there, so I said nothing, and then came a half roast chicken... well... sure, the chicken half was generous, but it came with one carrot, sliced in half, 5 small potatoes that were hardly roasted, a Yorkshire pudding that I could not eat (being gluten free) and gravy that I could not be sure was also gluten / wheat free. Between us was served a single bowl of over-cooked peas and cabbage... I had to order a second pint of Coke to wash down that dry chicken and those terrible 'tatters - it was SO disappointing. Given how abysmal it all was we did not risk dessert, plus, I was just directed online again, and yes, I found something, but the selection was limited, so we passed. And then... the BILL came! You would not believe it was over £70 for two people, starter and main! For WHAT? It was the single worst meal in years that I have had anywhere, but I said nothing, the staff were too sweet, so I paid a tip and we made our way. Personally, I do not know if it was just a bad day or a general experience of others, but I will avoid going here again, it was truly, thoroughly disappointing. The response from my feedback submission to Chef & Brewer was 'meh', they honestly could not care less, completely dismissing...

We heard that the pub had re-opened, so decided to visit for my husband's birthday and had pre-booked. We arrived and were seated at our table, at no point were we told or made aware that there was an issue with lack of food. It was left to the poor waitress to tell diners that most of the menu was unavailable, no burgers, chips, steaks, onion rings the list kept getting bigger and bigger as the evening went on (only 7.30 pm). We tried to order a burger, mixed grill, onion rings, only to be told they did not have them or a check would have to be made with the kitchen. After two or three choices being vetoed, we both went for the gammon, egg and fries (chips not available), ordering a drink at the same time. Half an hour later, we still did not have our drink, so my husband went up to the bar and they seemed completely oblivious to the drinks order, we did finally get our drinks a few minutes after that. Our dinner came out a short time after and it was very disappointing, definitely not Instagram worthy. A small piece of chewy gammon, one small overcooked egg and some very sad looking fries with peas. For two cokes, two gammon dinners and some halloumi fries it was just under £40, we did not bother with a dessert as the wait time was ridiculous for service. The tables in the restaurant are very close together in places and we could hear other diners, who were having the same issues as us. A family had come in at roughly the same time as us and had still not received their main when we left (they did not have starters). We still left a tip for the waitress, as I felt so bad for her, she was given the task of telling diners about the lack of food and was constantly backwards and forwards to the kitchen to check what was and wasn't available. If you don't have most of the menu, maybe close the restaurant and put a sign up to explain the reasons why, rather than leave it to your poor staff to take the heat. We were really looking forward to celebrating my husband's birthday at your pub and it was thoroughly disappointing on every level, we could not wait to leave, the food was certainly not worth...

AMAZING WAITRESS PAULA

Walking into this pub feels like stepping into the perfect balance of warmth, character, and comfort that you want from a true neighborhood gem, and what elevates the whole experience beyond the delicious food and inviting atmosphere is the exceptional service—particularly from one of their standout staff members, Paula, a waitress whose friendliness and attentiveness immediately make you feel like more than just another customer. The pub itself strikes a welcoming chord the moment you enter, with its rustic wooden beams, cozy lighting, and a hum of conversation that feels lively but never overwhelming; the menu offers both classic pub fare and some more elevated seasonal dishes, and the drinks list is well-curated with a satisfying mix of local ales, craft beers, and thoughtfully chosen wines. Everything I tried was excellent—from the crisp, perfectly poured pint to the hearty main course that tasted freshly prepared with care—but what lingers most in my memory is how Paula went above and beyond to make the visit memorable. She has that rare knack for being attentive without hovering, topping up drinks before you even realize you’re low, checking in at just the right times, and always doing so with a smile that makes you feel genuinely welcomed. Her knowledge of the menu was spot-on, offering thoughtful recommendations with enthusiasm that made us excited to try new things, and her sense of humor added a personal touch that made the evening feel special rather than transactional. Paula handled a busy room with remarkable calm and efficiency, giving each table the same sense of importance, which is no small feat. In a world where service can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, having someone like Paula, who clearly takes pride in both her work and the happiness of her guests, makes this pub shine all the brighter. By the end of the night, it felt less like dining out and more like spending time in a place where you’re truly cared for, and that’s the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back—not just for the food or the drinks, but for the people who make it...