Horse and Jockey — Restaurant in Wakefield

I recently visited The Horse and Jockey while staying with a friend who lives in Altofts. The pub itself has a lively atmosphere and there was a live band playing on the night we went, which added a great buzz to the evening. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by how a situation was handled by the staff.

During the evening, my friend — who knows many locals — was dancing with someone when one of their neighbours asked him to stop. Due to the volume of the music, he didn’t hear the first request, but when asked again, he immediately apologised. Despite this, some younger patrons got involved, and the bar staff decided to cut him off from being served.

What followed was frustrating. I had been waiting over ten minutes to get served, only to be ignored because of the staff’s decision regarding my friend. When he politely asked to speak to the manager to clarify the situation, she refused, saying she was busy and would speak to him later when she had no work to do — which never happened.

As a result, I couldn’t get served at all, and the situation felt poorly managed. I understand the need for staff to maintain order, but communication and fairness are key, especially when a guest is trying to resolve things respectfully.

I hope the management takes this feedback constructively, as The Horse and Jockey has potential to be a great local spot — but experiences like this can...

Visited recently while back in the village to spend time with family. What started as a lively night out took an unfortunate turn that left a sour note on the experience. I was having a dance and a bit of fun with a neighbour I know well, though I genuinely didn’t hear his request to stop the first time due to the music volume. Things seemed to escalate when some younger patrons got involved, and the bar staff decided to cut me off from alcohol.

While I understand establishments have to manage situations proactively, the decision felt abrupt and lacked clear communication especially disappointing as my friend was still waiting at the bar, unaware we’d been cut off. I tried to approach the manager for a civil conversation, but was brushed off and told she’d speak when she had time, which never came.

As someone who came from London to reconnect with loved ones, it was disheartening to be excluded without a fair opportunity to explain myself. It wasn’t just about being refused service—it was feeling dismissed and sidelined during a rare night meant for celebration and connection.

The venue itself has potential, but I hope staff reconsider how they handle interpersonal situations—especially when patrons are simply trying to enjoy themselves...

Being from out of town and cat sitting for the week we thought we would sample some of the pubs of Normanton. All good until we entered The Horse & Jockey. After the first drink the barmaid was sitting outside the bar chatting to the local ‘clientele’ when I went to ask for another drink and she already looked like I was putting her out … she short measured 2 large wine by quite a bit so as I was paying I asked politely if she could top them up to the line … she pulled a huffy face and took the glasses back to put more in. I said it’s not too much to ask is it and she didn’t even acknowledge me then just put the two glasses back on the bar without looking at me …. they were still short of the line but I just assumed she must be short sighted at that point. Then we had to put up with one of the locals bashing the fruit machine right by us (in the quietest area of the pub) while shouting back to his mates by the bar (including the stroppy barmaid who had returned to them) because he wasn’t winning … we didn’t eat there and after seeing the state of the apron on the ‘cook’ I wouldn’t dare … he looked like he’d been butchering meat for the sausage and burgers in the...