The Black Horse in Ashford

Walked in to a hostile environment, told we could not have a drink in normal circumstances but today was an exemption due to being quiet. Staff unwelcoming and seemed embarrassed to have a normal family present. Asked my child’s age, unsure as to why. We decided to sit in the garden. Our child was walking round the garden, a lady watched us from the window and staff then told us our child would need to stay next to us. In an empty garden at 7pm? For a ‘fine dining’ restaurant we were provided with what only can be described as a child’s glass to drink from. Quickest drink ever to avoid the atmosphere, watched from the window as we walked back to the car. Lovely family pub down the road, play park and friendly, The Swan Inn.

Great little pub! The staff are very friendly and the food was good too. Well worth a visit in my opinion.

Most enjoyable meal we have had in a long time! We saw the black horse on instagram and decided to check it out. The new owners have really made this pub into a 'destination' pub. There's a relaxed, up-market vibe to the place and the food is outstanding! The owners are up front of house and they are friendly and tentative. We were out for a family meal but we both have said "can't wait to go back and have a proper date night!" It's 'posh nosh' without the stiff, formal atmosphere that often accompanies this kind of dining (having said this, you could easily dress up and go for a date and not feel out of place) We had the crab, the carpaccio and the scallops- all utterly delicious! Followed by the duck and the hake. My duck was perfectly cooked. Everything is beautifully displayed on the plate and the flavours and textures are perfect. If your thinking of going- I can't recommend enough that you do. I'm thrilled to have this fine dining gem of a pub practically on our doorstep. Looking forward to coming back later in the month.

The new owners deserve high praise for the transformation of The Black Horse. The food is exceptional and the hospitality & atmosphere is fantastic. We can’t wait to return.

The Black Horse is lovely and the food very nice. Service also very good. My only comment would be that Sunday lunch is not cheap and the pork was rather limited on the plate. Other people had plenty of meat, and the beef was lovely, loads of veg. Whether it was the end of the pork as we were the last sitting I don't know. But if there is not enough to serve the expected portion then I would prefer to be given the choice. Would go back though

Friendly and welcoming, picturesque setting, atmospheric building, let down by the meal. A pleasant enough meal which was spoiled by being over-seasoned. I like salt, some would say too much, but there needs to be restraining influence on whomever's responsible for covering every piece of food in Malden Salt Flakes!We left the pub dehydrated and feeling like a cured ham, lay off the salt flakes please!! After this quick fix, I would certainly make the journey again to dine here.

Warm and inviting, the hosts were very friendly and the food delicious.

My wife and I visited for lunch and we were blown away.I had the scallops and duck, both of which were 10/10.Front of house is run by the husband and wife team, both of whom are happy to have a chat.Will visit again (and again).

Fantastic food and fantastic hosts. We were a little sceptical when booking a birthday meal, considering The Black Horse has been handed over to lots of different owners over the years. But we had a very pleasant experience , with fantastic food and fantastic cocktails. It was so nice to have menu that really did make it difficult to choose what you wanted as it all sounded delicious. We all had different dishes and there certainly wasn't any complaints. Presentation, portion sizes and most importantly taste were all spot on. The hosts could not of done anymore for us and we left feeling very well looked after.Give The Black Horse another try, you won't be disappointed.

Loved every bit of my lunch time visit. Great service and people and the food was so nice. Will definitely be back 🙂