The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in London

Edit: Appreciate the owner's thoughtful response and for taking the feedback seriously. Was not clear to any of us that the gins specified under the cocktail were simply recommendations

Original review: Was looking forward to this place based on reviews but this was the most bizarre experience at a bar that I've ever had. Went to the bar to order five cocktails and the bartender, or I guess they're mixologists when making cocktails, was rude and absurd. I told him the specific names of cocktails on the menu and then he proceeded to ask questions about which type of gin/liquor and tonic or mixer I would want with each one. Isn't the point of picking a cocktail is that you don't have to think about all this? It's all concocted and selected with the specific gin or liquor and specific tonic/mixer and garnishes and other accoutrements because it's supposedly a fantastic combination for the palate at a price point that the bar decided makes sense. So if you're able to choose the most expensive gin available, the cocktail would remain at the same price? I'm assuming not since all the cocktails are priced differently. I couldn't believe how confusing it was to order a cocktail here.

He made three cocktails before telling me that it will take a long time to make the other ones. I asked how long and he said ten minutes. So now we can't enjoy our drinks at the same time. I liked my drink, so I know he's not incompetent at making them, he was just wildly rude and condescending for no reason. (Gotta love triggering the Brits who can't stand the tourists who help pay their wages.)

We took the three only and left to go to Swift in Soho where the bartenders were friendly and somehow were able to make the cocktails on their menu quickly for five people even though it was really busy–all without asking us questions about what we wanted in the cocktail. You may have to wait in line to get in Swift on the weekend at night, but was worth it and much better...

Lovely little bar just off of Oxford street. Soho was completely packed out this evening so it was good to find a nice calmer place not too far away! Great atmosphere and felt intimate. The cocktails were a little too sophisticated for me and would’ve loved a couple more classics on the menu but that’s entirely a me issue, the menu’s clearly had a lot of thought go into it. The Honey Honey cocktail was great! Have to say though, I’ve never been given a fizzy apple juice before when I’ve ordered an apple juice at a bar or restaurant, especially when it’s not stated it on the menu that it’s fizzy. Apologies for seeming a little bit picky with that detail but I have a few sensory issues and was hoping I’d have a flat drink to help balance out the fizz of other drinks a bit. Regardless, I’d definitely recommend this bar to my pals with more sophisticated palates...

Great little pub, and the speakeasy upstairs is the best cocktail bar. Fabio, the GM, served up some great cocktails. Highly recommend the Betterman and the Ultimate Martini!

Update (7/26): if I could give 10⭐️ I would! We stopped in again tonight before we head back to America and Seagal was bartending upstairs. Made a fantastic tiramisu drink, much like an espresso martini and it was spot on tiramisu. Fiancé asked for a variation on an espresso martini and he nailed it. The whole staff was engaging and worked so hard. We will be back and recommend this spot to everyone we know! Cheers...