9. Horse & Groom - New Street (Courage)

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"Went in to the Horse and Groom for a beer on 'Festival Thursday' and was pleasantly surprised. The Horse and Groom used to be called 'the house of doom', but no more (when did it change?). The place has a light and airy fill with some interesting wall art and a number of sofas. The garden is paved with a number of tables and some interesting little areas to sit and drink. The beer was Adnams and a disappointment - it was undrinkable. However, a quick chat with the landlord and it was replaced with no questions ask. I will definitely be back for another look." - Nick, July 2010

"This is my favourite pub in Henley. I had been here for 6 months before I stumbled upon this 'proper' pub. It has everything I need. TV, friendly natives and good banter with Peter and Linda (The Management)." - Anon, November 2007

"Firstly, who is the ubiquitous Nick? , and can I have his job... The horse and groom is one of the few " pubs " left in Henley - the mystery is why more people don't use it? I go in with my children and am always warmly welcomed - my husband goes in for the sport and always has a good time. Sometimes we go together, but hey!, birthdays come but once a year...The atmosphere in this pub is always great , and their garden in summer is fantastic." - Jen, December 2006

"This pub has undergone a fantastic refit - although still a pub, in the proper sense of the word, it now is clean, welcoming, and comfortable. The front bar is still a pub bar, filled with friendly locals who are there all year round.
The side and back bars are cosy to sit in, with a fire in the back bar, and privacy ,or company , depending on how you feel.
Importantly, children and dogs are welcome, and unless they are really bad, seem happily borne - with water bowls for dogs , and tolerance for kids, while us parents can relax with a drink ( or two..)
Great new land people as well, and the garden is fab.. Try it !!" - Jenny, February 2006

"May once of been known as the "House of Doom" or "Doom and Gloom" but having recently been refurbished and with new management, is a pleasant quaint little pub. The atmosphere is really friendly the garden looks simply gorgeous in full bloom. Everytime I've been in I've been made to feel really welcome." - Sam, July 2005

"The horse and groom was closed for refurbishment and was opened by new landlords Mr P.M and Mrs L.M Powell on the 8th of April.
Now with a friendly atmosphere everyone always leaves with a smile, the garden is a tidy flower garden and the inside looks wonderful. With widescreen Tv to watch any sport and excellent variety of ales and lagers this really is the place to go." - Matthew, July 2005

"As promised we called in again. They had Ruddles Organic on, which we both tried. Not to my taste, but there was nothing wrong with the beer, although it was a bit pricy at £2.45, but it was 5.1%. Very busy, it was darts night. Coming next on the Guest Beers board was Adnams Broadside." - Ian & Kevin, October 2001

"A revelation for Henley, a pub that doesn't sell ANY Brakspears.
Small pub divided into 3 rooms. Lot's of interesting bric-a-brac and a very friendly white cat which looks like he's been a bit of a fighter in his past.
Beers on tap were Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale and Ruddles Best Bitter. The Greene King XX Dark is usually on but had run out when we were there, which is a shame because it's a cracking good beer. Coming next on the guest beers board was Jennings Cockahoop. We had the IPA which was a very good pint.
If this place was a "house of doom" a couple of years ago it certainly isn't now. We'll certainly call in again next time we're in Henley." - Ian & Kevin, September 2001

"Having received James's e-mail I thought I had better pay the Horse and Groom a visit. The pub seems to have undergone a transformation from it's 'house of doom' days. The beer was good, the atmosphere OK (it was early evening, mid-week) and the landlord pleasant. One of our party had could not finish his pint (too much the night before?) and when we returned the half-full glass to the bar the landlord enquired if there was anything wrong with the beer. Always a good sign when a landlord takes such an active interest. I will certainly be back for a few more visits." - Nick, January 1999

"Since reopening in March/April 1998 this Morland Pub has been transformed from the shit-hole it was once was, into a terrific little pub. Martyn and Monica (the New Licencees) have turned it around completely an there's not a 16 year old weilding a bottle of hooch in sight. In a town full of faceless pubs with the same tired old Brakespear's brews on offer, this pub, with a choice of up to 5 real ales, is a real gem. Speckled Hen and Ruddles are always available and recent 'guests' have included Everards Tiger, Adnams Broadside and Batemans XXXB. The gardens have recently been awarded best Morland pub garden in Oxfordshire and in a town not noted for the sincerity and affability of its hosts Martyn and Monica provide a congenial drinking atmosphere second to none." - James, December 1998

"The Horse & Groom is now closed but may reopen in the Summer '98 after a refit by Morlands." - Martin, February 1998

"The Horse and Groom (or House of Doom as it's lovingly called). Awful. Three poky bars full of 12 year olds. Red walls make you want to slit your wrists. Laughing is not allowed in here. Becomes full during the interval at the Kenton Theatre for 10 minutes, then the depression returns. Sad adolescents only." - Luci, August 1996

"Not recommended unless you want your head kicked in. I have been there after the Kenton and not really enjoyed it." - Mary, July 1995

"I used to drink in this pub many, many years ago! Does that make me a sad adolescent Luci?" - Nick, July 1995