The Blacksmiths Arms 1010 Restaurant — Restaurant in Horsham

Firstly, let me start by saying I never, ever write reviews! I also don't really like to read them, as everyone has different expectations/opinions & agenda's! But my visit last night has prompted me to...

Sadly, It seems normally people only feel the need to write a review to complain online, or you feel sceptical they have been swayed, & the very mixed reviews on here didn't ease my decision to go! But it is a local establishment, & I thought I'd try it once, it cant be that bad!?! Well, I was surprised...

I've driven past this place as it was being re-done many times, but sad to say, always stick to known corporate establishments. I have been greatly missing out & wasted my time driving distance to them...

A few points I picked up on from the reviews (I went there with pre-conceptions!)

The decor, beautiful. Very warm & homely. The service. Yes, they can seem a little slow & understaffed but I don't actually think they are. We as British people are all too used to having everything NOW. The number of waiter's/waitresses on hand was actually a nice refreshing change to having far too many hanging off you, working on tips. & AUTHENTIC too! The price, fantastic! Prices have been steadily rising over the years, but this place does quality food @ a good price! The portions, full! I don't know about the previous reviews, but I'm 6'3 & built. I like a good meal. The Pizza was hand made & decent in size, the Risotto was very filling & very tasty! The Menu. Was varied with lots of scope. I normally stick to the same pizza every time, but that menu makes me want to try everything! The day time bar menu is definitely going to be tested!

I've never run restaurant, & never want to! It must be terribly difficult, but these guys are doing a great job!

I'll definitely be back. Support what a family run business are doing just down the road in Sussex. In fact, every one else can go to the more mainstream establishments, it means I'll always be able to...

One staff member (the baldish man approx mid 50’s) was not only rude to us but was absolutely vile to the other staff members in front of us!!! I asked one of the waiters if he were the boss/owner and was informed that he wasn’t but his behaviour and attitude suggested that he thought he was!! Totally disgraceful way to speak to other staff members and should he have a problem then he should have the manners to take them to one side to discuss and not fuel his massive ego by belittling them in front of customers. In our view the two younger waiters had done nothing wrong and their customer service was exceptional and how they continued to smile and provide such good service is amazing when they were treated like that!! The older man was not only rude but is not great at customer service whatsoever and not only ignored us when we walked in (check your cctv!!!) but when one of the younger waiters approached us with a smile and asked if he could help the rude bald man bellowed at him and wouldn’t allow him to seat us. We were then seated next to a very rowdy group with screaming children and he couldn’t hear us to take our orders so I asked to be seated elsewhere and he refused saying there was no where else even though the large room next door was empty!! He did however lay tables for other diners who came after us and allowed them to be seated in that room.

We then asked him for the wine list and although he agreed; he went on to lay tables and never came back which resulted in one of our party having to leave her food and approach the bar to speak to one of the younger waiters who immediately assisted her. The bald rude man never did bring the wine list!! It is a great shame as we are local and would have revisited regularly as the food was beautiful however; we will never be back as apart from the terrible service we do not wish to witness bullying in the...

SO disappointed. Booked for Mother’s Day, turned up and but table was not for the number I booked for (over a month ago) so we’re sat near a disabled toilet door that people kept leaving open. From finally being sat it took hour and a half to get starters. One order missed initially and then plates trying to be taken early to move us on. No wine list given and just told there was Sauvignon or Pinot - what did we want. Food was not as reviews led us to expect and one child currently being sick after meat pizza. No sweets offered and coffee I got up to request took 30mins! Then to top it off wrong bill given and asked to pay rest abruptly as if it was my fault! When I asked if a discount given based on all of above was told no. When asked to speak to manager was told he’s in kitchen and can’t speak. I should have requested the service charge of 12.5% be removed (as it was not proper service as I had to get up to close toilet doors, pour wine for guests and go to find staff regularly for anything - often to not get it when asked) And the man at the till told me it was Mother’s Day and I should expect it! I would advise everyone stay away from staff who don’t care and good...