The Olive Branch — Restaurant in Horsham

Called in to book a section for a birthday party at 12:30 and I was told they were able to accommodate. Some of the party were on time, but some members of our party were a little late due to traffic arriving at 1pm, but we were told that they had booked out the same section for 14:30, giving a party of 12 two hours to eat, drink, and celebrate.

We essentially had to rush through everything, ordering for part of the group, and then quickly eating, and ordering for some of the late arrivals. We called ahead to ask if we could bring a cake for the birthday which they were happy with, but since we were rushed through the meal, and only had our 2 hour window, we didn't even bother with the cake and had to do it elsewhere where we weren't chased away.

With regard to food, the portions were of a good size and many members of the party were happy with their food. I found my chicken to be a little burnt on the Club Sandwich, and for some reason, the server forgot some of the drinks orders. Decided not to send it back in case I didn't have any food in our 2 hour window.

Would have much preferred the pub telling us they couldn't accommodate for our group. The table setup was interesting as it put one of the tables of our group on the other side of a half-wall with a window, essentially cutting them off from the rest of the group.

*Edit Since the owner decided to respond with incorrect facts, I decided to make an amendment to my review. At no such stage did I book for a party of 16. The initial booking was made for 14 people, and I called ahead of time to change it to 12. I can't be held responsible for the bookings undertaken by your staff.

As I've already admitted, some of the party did arrive late, call it 1:15pm if you like. I would really have liked someone to have told me that a 2-hour window is normal, as none of my party is in the hospitality industry. I think it would also have been prudent for you, or any of your staff to inform us that you had moved the party that had booked the table after us. We probably would have stayed and we could have avoided all of this. It is also disappointing that you're quite happy to shift all the blame on everyone else rather than accept some or even partial...

Disappointing given the good reviews. We had high hopes visiting the olive branch for Sunday dinner however were very underwhelmed by the service and food. I asked for orange juice for my daughter and we received an orange juice and lemonade.. not ideal. This however was just the start, whilst deciding what to order we were told by the neighbouring table there was no beef as opposed to our waiter. I asked him the sizing of the cauliflower cheese to which he gestured a size as opposed to being able to advise if it was a portion that could be shared. I later clarified this with another waiter however the cauliflower cheese was just a bowl of cheese. My partner ordered a rosè she was given no choice as to a type, when we complained we then received the wine menu and were told it would be swapped out however we were still charged. My daughters kids meal did not come with peas despite us requesting them. I queried this and we were told sorry. I assume this was because the kitchen was closed they couldn't bring out the peas but nobody told us the kitchen was closing so when we requested additional roasted potatoes and.l gravy (as advertised on the menu) we were told we couldn't have any. We ordered three roast dinners yet only received two side orders of veg, I again queried this and we were told one of the portions was large however it wasn't the equivalent of two of the "small" portions. The roast itself was nice and the atmosphere etc was all very friendly however when we paid the bill there was no sincerity despite the issues above and nothing in regards to discount/money off for the items missing / wrong. I therefore...

I've visited the olive branch many times and had always found it a nice establishment until yesterday evening. The general managers made assumptions about my friends and thought they were only entering the bar to use their toilet as they didn't stop at the bar first. My friends were followed and before they had a chance to buy a drink were approached with such an aggressive attitude that they left. I was about to enter with another friend who'd been finishing some food (respectfully we didn't want to take it inside) when we were approached with the same disgusting attitude and foul language (which was quite frankly not just unnecessary but actually a bit scary). My calm explanations to try and clear up the confusion and disperse the confrontation, explaining we only wanted a quiet evening as my friend had just lost her father that week, were only met with insults and an aggressive smug attitude from all the staff members involved. Despite not even raising my voice I have been informed I am bared (not that I would visit the establishment again while under the current management any way). Your description says you are; good for groups, that you welcome walk ins and are good for kids....after this unfortunate incident which escalated worryingly quickly I would not recommend your services to anyone especially if they have children encase they had to witness the same aggression that was put towards us. It really is a shame as I had enjoyed many breakfasts, lunches, dinners and evenings there with my children, family...