EACH month, the SNJ’s new Pub Spy visits a local eaterie to give his verdict. In the first of our new feature, The Black Horse at Amberley comes under the spotlight.

To mark my first Pub Spy I thought I would visit somewhere I had heard a lot about.

The Black Horse, I was told, offered some of the best views you could wish for while enjoying a great dinner.

Visiting as the sun went down through the clouds on a warm Saturday evening, I wasn’t disappointed.

Matching the idyllic streets of Amberley the Black Horse’s spacious garden and patio area offers breathtaking views of the valley below and green Cotswold hills.

I visited the pub with several friends, so before we ordered we sat outside as the light slowly faded, overlooking the rolling countryside.

Understandably, you can see the pub has tried to make is their outdoor area their its centrepiece, with a large amount of seating and beautiful landscaping.

After browsing a good selection of beers and ales at the bar, I chose a pint of Budding from Stroud Brewery, which was hoppy and refreshing, and tasted very good in the warm evening breeze.

Moving inside, save for some odd and somewhat out of place photographic prints of racing cars, the interior was homely, blending the old stone walls with a more modern decor.

After a toss-up between meat and fish, I ordered a locally sourced organic sirloin steak from a friendly and accommodating waiter.

This was exemplary of the staff, who The staff were all polite and eager to help with ordering and advising.

The menu had a wide selection of meals, including seven different types of enticing gourmet burgers and a reasonable number of vegetarian meals.

Cooked medium rare, my steak came quickly and was served with balsamic on the vine cherry tomatoes, flat mushroom, small garnish and twice cooked chips, costing £18.95.

The meal was worth the price however, with an expertly cooked and good-size piece of meat and a plentiful amount of chips.

One thing I would have liked would have been the option of peppercorn sauce, and the presentation could have had a bit more imagination but overall the meal was tasty and filling.

Succumbing to food envy, I also couldn’t help try one of the delicious king prawns my friend had ordered, which came in a chilli and garlic butter sauce.

Through mouthfuls of food, my friends also voiced their inaudible approval, highlighting in particular the mushroom, stilton and cranberry pie, which one friend claimed was the best he had ever tasted.

If you are looking to enjoy a meal or even just a pint with a spectacular view, this pub is far and away the best one to visit.

Atmosphere: 8/10 (but with a 10/10 for the view)

Decor: 6/10

Staff: 8/10

Drink: 7/10

Food: 7/10

Prices: 7/10

Overall: 7/10

 

- Pub Spy