We have visited the Horse and Groom, for Sunday lunch, on three occasions now and can't praise the food or service highly enough.
We haven't lived in Bedford for long and, on our first visit, stumbled upon the pub entirely by chance as we explored the area. The well-maintained exterior imbued with olde worlde charm drew our attention as we drove by, hungry and in need of a warming pit-stop.
The two children in our party could not have been more delighted to find rabbits and birds in the ample garden and were equally charmed by the provision of drinking bowls for dogs in the well laid-out and welcoming outdoor seating area.
We didn't have a booking and called in towards the end of service. However, the management and staff could not have been more accommodating. The interior is comfortable and a great deal of thought has clearly been given to the positioning of seating and the atmosphere this creates for guests. Tables aren't clustered together and clever use of the space means that no one has to eat feeling either crowded or excluded. We were given a spacious table and were not made to feel hurried despite arriving relatively late.
With two vegetarians in the party we were greatly impressed by the option of a vegetarian roast and a separate meat free menu full of tempting dishes minus the peculiar ingredients so many eateries make the mistake of assuming non-carnivores might like (even though no one else does) merely by virtue of not wanting to eat meat.
Equally, the choice of meat roasts available was really appreciated and the convivial family atmosphere made for a really relaxed introduction, an enormous bonus for children, parents and grandparents alike.
When the food arrived, we were all thrilled by the size of the portions which were neither too large nor too small. We also ordered additional dishes of speciality vegetables and were really happy with the variety of healthy food this allowed us to enjoy. The quality was outstanding. All the vegetables were perfectly cooked, being neither too al dente or soft, and the beef and pork were delicious. The vegetarian roast came with vegetarian gravy and the best cauliflower cheese we'd eaten. Desserts followed, again selected from an ample menu, and were wolfed down with great relish despite our all being full!
Since then, we have revisited twice the last time being this lunchtime - and will continue to do so whenever we can. For exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere (particularly for children), terrific service and value for money, I don't think I've found a better venue than the Horse and Groom.
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