Black Horse, Wakefield

With a little bit of thought and effort, the Black Horse could be a far better pub than it actually is. The premises is decent enough and has been spared from the worst excesses of major refurbishments or attempts to clubbify it to match the gaudy nature of most of its neighbours. It is handily positioned on a main road close to the station and a short walk from the town centre and yet it seems to be stuck in an almighty rut. Ihe interior is pleasant enough with a traditional if fairly formulaic approach. The main bar has plenty of polished paneling, brass bits and, as it wraps itself around to a pool table area at the rear, various New York themed prints. Off to one side is a separte slightly sunken room with built in seating, brewery mirrors, a plate collection, horsey pictures and, for some reason, a reproduction newspaper proclaiming the loss of the Titanic. The fairly large patio outside seems wasted and could be put to much better use if was suitably furnished. Whilst it is all very neat and tidy in its own way, the pub is let down by its beers. Of the 5 hand pumps, just John Smiths was available (a second pump with Magnet was reversed and the other 3 unused). A far more interesting selection would at least be a start if this place has any ambitions beyond attracting half a dozen people in here on a Saturday night. As things stand, it is currently not much more than a quick pint stop which is a huge underachiement given the potential.