Black Horse, Locksbottom, Orpington

Large, suburban, food-led pub. Partly opened out to form a variety of seating areas. Modern(ish) furniture and decor. Light background music. Good atmosphere and efficient staff. Two banks of four handpumps on different parts of the counter, offering Pride plus Harveys, Fullers Red Fox and Hopdaemon Incubus. There were also little chalk-boards highlighting which of the guest beers had been used in some of the menu items. Overall, given that it is part of a chain, I thought the place is a pretty good example of its type.

This is an Ember Inns pub with all the usual trademark features, particularly the burnished copper in abundance and the see through open fireplace, as well as the usual panoply of furnishings, but heavily accentuated towards armchairs, sofas, tub chairs, etc. There were also some tall tables and stools, as well as normal tables and chairs. It’s a fairly large pub, as this chain’s pubs invariably are, with a central horseshoe bar with dining and drinking areas meandering around it. You always get the same feel with Ember Inns pubs, and this one is no exception, having achieved the hotel lounge look to perfection. They had four ales on – London Pride, Courage Best, Harvey’s Best, and Leeds Brewery Midnight Bell. They were doing a very brisk trade in food when I was in on Wednesday lunchtime, but as this was the hottest April day on record I guess more than the usual number might have been taking advantage of the garden to the side of the pub. The menu and prices were typical of a chain pub. It’s a fairly comfortable pub, with a reasonable ale choice available. You wouldn’t want to make this a destination pub, but it’s OK for a pint if you happen to be in the area, or if you fancy a chain pub meal.

The Black Horse official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk

The Black Horse official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk