The Horseshoe Inn — Restaurant in London

Decent pub, needs to invest in some staff training.

Been here a few times as it's round the corner from my work and it's always been decent but we had a really bad experience this eve that has put me off I going back.

We sat out in the garden around 5pm, the sun started going down but we realised the upstairs terrace was still in the sun so we moved up using the stairs in the garden. Going up this way, there was no sign or indication the terrace wasn't open. We sat up there whilst we finished our drinks, during which time it filled up a bit but not much. Only two of the 6 or 7 tables had people sat at them. We ordered a second round using their app/ website. Whilst we waited for these to arrive someone, who I assume was a manager, came up and began talking to the people next to us. A person at the table loudly and obnoxiously exclaimed " not us. It's them" and pointed at us. At this point we were approached by the same staff member and very rudely told the terrace was closed, this was sign posted and we had to go. I tried to ask about the drinks we'd ordered but she had already stormed off.

We followed her downstairs and at the bottom of the internal stairs there was a sign saying it was closed for an event.

The bar was now busy, but I tried to catch her eye to ask about the drinks we'd already ordered, I started to explain the situation but was cut off with a rude "I already told HER" and a gesture towards my partner. I was then rudely asked where we were sitting and explained we didn't have a table now having been moved and that it seemed quite busy so we weren't sure there were free tables. After an exasperated sigh, I was told "just find a table, come back and tell me where and I'll bring them there instead".

At this point, given the appalling attitude and rude and condecending tone, I instead requested the order be cancelled and we left and went somewhere...

🚇 London Bridge 🍺 £7.10 Cruzcampo

The Horseshoe Inn is tucked away in a quiet backstreet next to Vinegar Yard Flea Market at the western end of Bermondsey, Southeast London. The nearest Tube is London Bridge.

This pub started life as The Horseshoe & Wheatsheaf built in 1794. The pub was rebuilt in 1897 and its name was abbreviated to The Horseshoe Inn.

The Horseshoe Inn featured as the exterior of "The Railway Arms", the euphemism for Heaven in the BBC television series, "Ashes to Ashes".

This is a deceptively large pub with a large main bar area, side-room, small upstairs function room, first floor sun terrace and a large beer garden. The servery is centrally located in the main bar area and has a dartboard situated to the right. The decor is traditional and characterful with some nice features like the period fireplace and glazed partitions.

The beer line up consists of familiar favourites and included three cask ales, two of which were from Brakspear who own the pub. I decided on a Cruzcampo, my pint was great, price point was expensive. The food menu is British pub classics, Pizzas and Burgers, Fish & Chips costs £17, Roasts are available on a Sunday.

I arrived just after 3pm on an overcast Saturday afternoon in February. The pub was busy with a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of punters of all ages. Most areas of the pub were dimly lit which created a cosy traditional pub environment. The service was good, the chap who served me was welcoming and courteous.

As part of visiting this pub, I would recommend a wander around the surrounding streets where you’ll find the remnants of this area’s once industrious past. With the exception of my pint cost, I very much enjoyed my visit here. My stay at The Horseshoe Inn was a lovely traditional pub experience, I would definitely recommended a visit.

📅 1st February 2025

More London Pub info...

Ordered a vegetarian pie and my friend ordered a steak pie. When it arrived I was handed the vegetarian pie (the sun had set by this point and there was no lighting outside). I started eating and after the first bite I then realised I had been given my friend’s steak pie by mistake. I didn’t cause a scene and we just swapped them over but it was the first time I have eaten beef as I am vegetarian for religious reasons but it could have been much more serious if I had an allergy. The kitchen should have some way of identifying the vegan/ vegetarian dishes so the servers don’t get confused.

I went down afterwards and calmly explained the mistake and the staff member was very understanding and apologetic (all the staff at this pub were exceptional apart from Tom). She went and got the owner (Tom Collie) and I asked if he would be willing to make a small gesture to smooth it over (ie a half pint of beer) and he said an (insincere) apology is all I will get. Completely his choice to run his business like that and to not take customer complaints seriously so here is my review of his rude attitude.

In response to his comment: I would agree with you if we had received two steak pies - obviously I would have mentioned to the staff about the mistake. But we received one vegetarian pie and one meat pie so all we had to do was swap them over. I was told that the meat pie was the vegetarian pie and started eating it before realising. The fact that you call me a “scammer” tells everyone on here all they need to know. That you don’t believe customers when they complain and you don’t take their...