Black Horse, Hertford

Nice old building with timber ceiling beams, three connecting rooms from the main bar area. Split from the town by the terribly planned through road. Unfortunately a GK house serving IPA and Abbot, Old Trip, plus Bury St Edmunds Westgate Brewery advertised "Bonkers Conkers".....I know not this brewery or its beers....on research it seems the brewery shares GK's address. Just a feeling the way it was presented as purporting to be a guest is typical GK shennanigans. More punters outside smoking than in, including possibly the landlord, as the "Thanks Lads" doesn't usually come from the pavement outside.

When I walked in here the governor was polishing the pumps on the bar and who I think is his wife made me feel very welcome even though I was the only person in the pub at 22:00. It is Greene King, but there was a guest and I don't really care as I was drinking Guinness and I was glad to find a pub in Hertford that didn't have the McMullen mark stamped on it. I spotted a plasma screen that was off due to no worthwhile sport being shown on Sky and there is also a dartboard which I gleaned must be used regularly after spotting all of the events advertised on the A-board outside. I think that the management of this pub are hospitable and are making an effort, so if the blinkered few out there that can't see past the Greene King badge were to open their eyes they may just enjoy this pub.

Under the new management of Chris and Kim since July 2008 the pub is once again thriving. Following a complete redecoration and new carpets throughout, the introduction of an ever changing value for money menu, and the opportunity to dine "al fresco" in one of Hertfords largest and best kept pub gardens, this venue is going from strength to strength! Full SKY and SETANTA sports now available, though not intrusive to normal pub life, and a high standard of well kept beers and lagers, with regular changes of GK seasonal and guest ales. A great little neighborhood pub for grown ups of all ages.