The Black Horse, Thurnham - pub details

I and a group of friends were touring Kent and choose to stay here for a couple of nights. Although close to several major transport routes, closest of which are the M20, A249 and the Channel Tunnel rail link, the pub nestles comfortably and quietly at the foot of the North Downs in the attractive village of Thurnham.

The front of house bar area is cosy and welcoming, in a traditional part-timbered style with bare wooden floorboards. The restaurant extensions to the rear are sympathetic to this design and comprise of a series of partitioned tiers, sloping away out of view from the main bar. Thus, not intruding on those customers just there for a drink.

Three cask ales were available, with a programme of forthcoming guest ales posted on a blackboard. The Grasshopper Bitter I had was consistently of a good standard. The food served in the restaurant was also of a very good quality. On our first evening, a Tuesday, the restaurant was fully occupied. This may in part be due to the hotel part of the business. The rooms and reception are entirely segregated (and concealed) from the pub & restaurant elements of the inn. Considering that this place has so much to offer, I find it sad that other reviewers comment so little about the wider positive aspects of the business and focus only on apparent minor negatives. Sampling hospitality, food and drink over two days (four meals and two bar sessions) I and my companions agree that this inn is a first rate gem, in all aspects. We wouldn’t hesitate to return if ever visiting the area in the future. Overall, this place is excellent.

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Hellskitchen - 17 Sep 2011 17:39

Seems rather downmarket American, drinking out of the bottle.
(I must say, I don't understand the sandwich rule though!)

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Grand_Mufti - 16 May 2011 14:50

Very good service on the whole when we visited, but they have silly rules like you can't drink from bottles and eat food - except sandwiches - out front. Overall though staff were friendly and the service was good. Not cheap though, but food of a good standard and beers okay.

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meland - 16 May 2011 12:26

Very nice olde worlde country pub in a very nice location. Excellent service. Excellent food.

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theskinnyfatkid - 1 Mar 2011 17:02

The recession is biting and Christmas is looming, and my wife and I were the only customers at 12 o'clock on Saturday (although a few more came in later). We were welcomed cheerfully, and seated ourselves by a warm log fire. Food was tasty (steak in ciabatta, with chips) but salad was meagre. We both had sticky toffee pudding. This was a basic pub lunch, nicely prepared and pleasantly served, but the prices reflect the cost of keeping three uniformed waitresses. Grander dishes are available if you want to splash out. We will definitely go back when the weather is better and we fancy pottering along the Pilgrims' Way on our bikes.

If you go to the toilet you might need a string or a trail of crumbs to guide you back to your table - this pub is a fascinating maze!

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Viridian - 3 Dec 2010 09:35

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