The Black Horse, Preston

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Black Horse

Saturday was my first visit to the Black Horse since summer 2010. I fondly recall the heritage interior but somehow remember the pub as being much bigger than it actually is. There are a number of small rooms, all possessing plenty of character but when the pub is busy, it feels quite cramped. On a Saturday evening, there was quite a rowdy crowd in. One of the bar staff was clearly annoyed when he picked up a glass covered with a urine-filled sock, which wasn't the sort of behaviour you'd normally expect in a lovely old town centre boozer. The barman concluded that he hated Christmas and it seems true that pubs can attract the more unusual and unsavoury characters at this time of year.

Robinson's own the freehold to this pub. So it's unsurprising that Unicorn & Dizzy Blonde are regular cask ales. In addition, their Old Tom & Winter Nights were also on. 6 guests were Titanic Raspberry Pale & Cherry Porter Grand Reserve, Three Acre Extra Pale, Ilkley Mild Mary, Bateman's XB & Squawk Mydera. Ciders on were Weston's 1880 Vintage, Wilkin's Farmhouse, Templars Normany Cider & Gwatkin Red Diesel.

I opted for the Winter Nights and was drinking up quickly to try to fit in another new Preston pub before my train home. But then I noticed the Weston's cider which I'd never had either. So, instead I elected to stay for a second.

Seating includes a couple of lovely front rooms, a separate bar just beyond to the right and what is effectively a drinking corridor leading to the "hall of mirrors", a large table surrounded by mirrors, which was fully occupied during my visit. An upstairs area was roped off.

I think this pub is best enjoyed at quieter times when it is easier to admire the original features. The beer and cider range is excellent, which makes for an enjoyable extended session. I've been to some good pubs in Preston and I'm fairly sure that there are some equally good ones that I haven't yet visited. This one is right up there.

On 31^st December 2025 - rating: 8
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