A PUB has hit back after a negative TripAdvisor review accused the business of microwaving its food.

The review, left by user 629robert, said the Horse and Groom pub, in Rayne Road, Braintree, had sold him 'microwave rubbish' instead of homemade curry, despite the pub not selling a single curry on the day the review was left.

The pub hired new head chef, Tony Price, last month and proudly boasts of its homemade meals, with everything down to the barbecue sauce made in-house.

Assistant manager Jasmine Sheridan, who believes the review is fake, said: "We get a notification when we get a review, but we like check them regularly. If we get a good one then great, if not we like to invite them back again.

"When I read it I didn't remember selling the curry on a Friday, I didn't think we had sold one and the chef said we hadn't.

"We have invited him back anyway, which I felt was the right think to do.

"All the food is made in the pub, right down to the tartare and barbecue sauce.

"Anyone who has seen it can come and try us for themselves - do not believe everything on Trip Adviser."

Mr Price, an experienced chef, joined the pub with the aim of offering the residents of Braintree something a little different.

He has been a chef for more than ten years and has worked at several eateries and pubs around the district.

The review, left on June 9, made derogatory comments about the food being served and the pub's customers and, in response, the Horse and Groom pub invited the reviewer back.

It said: "Hi Robert, really sorry that you weren't happy with your meal, I can assure you that all our food is made onsite, right down to the tarter [sic] sauce and barbecue sauce.

"I'd be more than happy for you to pop in and watch our chef while he makes the curry that you think is microwave rubbish. Many thanks."