The Black Horse, Climping

We visited this pub the day after the Royal Wedding, we were slightly concerned after having read some of the comments on here, but then realised that a lot of the comments were over a year old, and were very skewed towards the Oyster Catcher, which always makes me suspicious.
We arrived around 7.30, trade was medium, we were served quickly and efficiently. Prices were reasonable - I can confirm a real ale, lager and cider were around �10.
There were lots of specials on the board all between �11 and �14 for mains, and included Smoked Haddock, Lobster Salad and Crab Salad, as well as a lamb dish and pork belly. The normal menu was also available with 7 or 8 starters and a similar number of mains.
I had the Prawn Cocktal special, which was a large portion of fresh prawns and marie rose sauce, with a salad and bread, my friends had the Chicken Livers, which were excellent, and the Deep fried Brie, which was good too.
Mains wise I orginally ordered the Smoked Haddock, but was then asked if I would like to try the fresh Whiting, which I hadn't had since I was a child, it was coated in a herby crumb, which was delicious, and served with pan fried potatoes - it was amazing. Juicy meaty fish that fell off the fillet, delicious. My friends had the Pork Belly with mustard mash which was superb, and the Goats Cheese tart, with salad and new potatoes. We could not fault a thing
Service was relaxed and informal, yes the meals took longer than the standard 9 minute pub chain usual, but on the other hand they were individually prepared, and cooked to order. Let me think a quality home cooked professionally served meal, or a boil in the bag special - which would I choose ????!!!!!! Not a difficult decision.
The pub was 2/3 full, mainly diners, and we didn't witness a single problem.
We were in the area on holiday, and will absolutely return.
One further thing, Monday to Thursday, they do 2 themed meals, for example Roast of the day on Monday, and Fish and Chips on Thursday, with 2 glasses of wine for �20. Excellent value
Staff were organised, focussed and very friendly btw

2 May 2011 20:52