Over the years this pub has been up and down. Itās gone from being a bit of a family friendly chain to now quite tired and disorganised. Donāt get me wrong it felt generic but now itās gone very tango uniform.
The only good thing going for it is the outside space and even that feels unloved. A decrepit old Camden Hells shed on the front garden and some tired benches sets the scene.
It was fairly empty for an England game, yet the bar was chaos with no handle on who was next or how to pour a decent drink. One Asian chap who didnāt seem to know what was on the spirit shelf and another older chap, neither of whom had any idea who was next to be served. Quite the common staple in hospitality one would argue.
Before here The Norbiton offered a pint of Steigel and a bottle of Coke for Ā£9.50. Afterwards the Park Tavern offered a pint of Heineken, Baileys and pack of poppadoms for Ā£12.90. However, Black Horse said it was 10% off drinks during games and a pint of Moretti, Baileys and apple and raspberry soft drink came to Ā£20.50! The Moretti was supposedly the Sale do Mare version - Moretti is average at best and this version wasnāt any better. Clearly just a big brewery marketing cash grab to charge more for an average product. It was so chaotic where you couldnāt even argue the toss in terms of the price. In short you could save nearly Ā£8-10 for two or three items anywhere else nearby so just do that. That quickly adds up in this day and age.
Other punters were baffled at the drinks prices too as they kept changing. Some chap at the bar also had waited forever and said one round did two drinks was circa £10 and the previous one was £18ish. What a mess!
I hate to slate a pub, but theyāre on the scam here compared with everywhere else in the area. Thereās little other explanation for all these random prices and the disorganisation is unforgivable.
The recent reviews give little detail about this place and seem desperate. One smells a rat thatās all I can say. Happy to give feedback on my visit if anyone fancies contacting me unlike the dodgy generic reviews of late.
Itās probably the worst incarnation of this pub Iāve seen and I hope someone else can sort it out šš». Ā£20.50 for that round indeed! Even if it was a mistake thereās no excuse as people who donāt know what theyāre doing shouldnāt be working in the first place. Time for a change and hopefully the Black Horse can get back to its average best rather than this shambolic...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI came here on the last day of the football season, nursing a touch of a hangover from the Championship Playoff Final, but on a warm day with the wife and dog, I hoped this pub would live up to my fond first visit.
It's unassuming from the main road, a stark black/navy paint job, sitting on a corner of a roundabout with a petrol station, a parade of takeaways and not much else. But once you step into the concrete garden, formerly the car park, and into the vast pub, it's a welcomed surprise.
Dart board, multiple TVs, dining area, outside seating, spacious bar, macro-craft in the form of New Belgium and local ales in the form of Park Brewery. Snug by the fireplace for the winter, the comfy seating options can't be overstated.
It's more or less empty on a Sunday for some reason, a handful huddled around the TV for the football and not much else, perhaps a sign of the times. I've been on other days and it's been heaving, and on Saturday night it attracts a varied crowd.
The ale always pours well, I don't think the craftier stuff gets the throughput to have it always tasting the best, second pint better than the first. Big lagers always do well though. And the cocktails are banging, whoever made me the Bloody Mary saved my downward spiral.
I've had the wings and snacks from here, food is decent pub grub. Roasts did look impressive and reasonably priced when I saw them coming out, and they're very dog friendly, which is a nice touch!
It's an old site, goes back to 1840 and was rebuilt in 1966 further away from the road. Compared to how it was before, the exterior facelift seems drastic but a big improvement. I'm sure those who have been following this series from a local perspective might have some colourful stories of the pubs former iterations.
It's a short walk from Norbiton station, and close to The Norbiton pub too. Worth including on a pub crawl, or if you want somewhere quiet-ish for the sport,...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreMe and my husband recently had the pleasure of visiting the Black Horse, and it was an absolutely enchanting experience. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was captivated by the amazing atmosphere that enveloped me.
The atmosphere at the Black Horse is simply magical. It's a cosy and inviting space that combines the charm of a traditional pub with a touch of elegance. The comfortable seating and well-placed dƩcor make you feel right at home, whether you're looking for an intimate evening or a lively gathering with friends.
But what truly sets the pub apart is the kind and welcoming owner - Steve. His genuine hospitality made us feel like valued guests. He took the time to chat, offer recommendations from the menu, and ensure that every aspect of our visit was delightful. It's clear that Steve's passion and commitment to his pub shine through in every detail, from the attentive service to the carefully curated drink selection and food menu.
The prawn and calamari were absolutely fantastic, truly crunchy and not greasy at all. And let's not forget the crème brûlée! It was a true masterpiece. Creamy and velvety custard, perfectly infused with vanilla, and topped with that quintessential caramelized sugar crust that shatters with each spoonful. It was a heavenly dessert that left me craving for more. I must say that the Black Horse beyond exceeded our expectations, not only for its savoury pub fare but also for its delectable desserts.
The perfect blend of an enchanting atmosphere, a genuinely kind owner, and outstanding food makes this pub a must-visit. I highly recommend this pub to anyone looking for a delightful and unforgettable...
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