The Horse & Groom — Restaurant in Hastings

A local pub for local people. Dogs roam wild in packs around the building, and seemingly no one cares - because everyone loves dogs, right? No.

Catering seems to be four tired baps on the bar. Almost British Rail c1975 in appeal. No other food offered, or available I suspect. I eat anything in pubs but was forced to eat crisps and nuts.

Last refurbished under the Whig government. Seats are threadbare (not in a stylish way) and tables are tatty. Awful decor. Hats on ceiling which may once have contained severed heads. They have taken the sawdust off the floor. Which is nice.

The whole ambience is of old blokes talking rubbish in an old pub since 1950. Which if you like that sort of thing...

Friendly staff.

The saving grace is that it serves some excellent draft beers, ciders and lagers. As in really good. And at old school prices. I...

I was in Cumbria for a wedding but I also had some time for a poke about. I'd left behind 25⁰ sunny beach weather and headed 400 miles north ! Having spent an hour swimming in a frigid Lake Ullswater I fancied a pint on the way back to my digs and this place looked cool as I drove past ; locals outside having a right laugh. I was welcomed by about five people as I walked in and wasn't judged for ordering lager. I was now properly feeling the cold from my 10⁰ swim and was thankful for a roaring open fire and CHRISTMAS music. So I huddled over the fire, while friends 400 miles south sent me selfies of them on the beach in shorts and t-shirts. Nice pub. Next time I'm up that way I fancy a...

I went with my wife in the evening after we'd been for a long walk along the beach. We were keen to visit the pub as it is not far from where we stay, and because it has a very solid reputation as being a well run public house. We found that it was the epitomy of an English pub, being neat, tidy, clean, and welcoming, with a very competent bar maid. The clientele in this smallish, cosy place were friendly, and the chatter around the tables was not in competition with any blaring music! The good selection of beer and wines suited us both and were at normal prices. In my opinion this is a great place to go if you want to have a drink and a chat in a quiet, peaceful and friendly...