The Black Horse, Salisbury

It was empty in here on Saturday afternoon which may have had something to do with the pub showing the Setanta football sports feed on the projector rather than England's first six nations match. I'm not sure whose bright idea that was as most pubs in the area were heaving. I found the barmaid to be very nice, but £3.80 for a pint of Staropramen is a bit excessive. There is an ale pump, but it was off during my visit. There is also a dartboard around the back, but I don't think that I'll ever be playing on it as I doubt I'll bother with this place again.

The Black Horse is housed in an old forge which has had a rather unattractive conservatory added. The setting is wonderful, and it's worth walking out here from Ford or Salisbury just for the walk. Sadly, the pub still fails to live up to its full potential, however. The beer is good but not great, and the food is overpriced for what it is, although it is usually well-cooked and tasty. The clientele tends to be a bit cliquey, and the welcome is never particularly warm from Ross or Kim, the current owners. Fine to drop in for a quick pint or meal if walking or cycling through the lovely local countryside, but at the moment I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.