The Black Horse Inn, Battle

Traditional village pub, with the bar (and a small, semi-separate lounge to the left) in the main building and the dining area in a lower extension (or conversion?) to the right-hand side. Although these all stretch along the frontage, the window area isn't great, so fairy lights help enliven the interior (in addition to the expected hop bines, decorative plants, etc.). As a Shepherd Neame house, I found Spitfire and the seasonal Maverick (£4.50, and rather hazy although it tasted OK) being served from two of the three handpumps.

The Black Horse Inn is a Shepherd Neame pub that is quite a stroll along the A2100 from Battle Town. The location has dictated that this pub has travelled down the dry sales route. For this reason more attention seems to have been paid to the right hand side of the pub that is set up for diners. As I had no interest in the food I decided to remain in the thin and uncomfortable bar area where the usual SN draught range was available (Oranjeboom, Export etc.) I also noted the presence of four hand pumps, two of which were unused leaving Spitfire and Master brew as the cask ale options. I spotted a dartboard and a small plasma screen that was switched off during my recent Tuesday evening visit; however I did spot an advertisement for BT Sport. Out the back is a beer garden with a few picnic tables and some children’s climbing apparatus. There is also a grubby decked area that is covered for smokers. Being food led there is obviously a car park. Was it worth the walk just for a beer? I think not, but there were a few pensioners turning up for their dinner as I left.