Black Horse, Sidmouth

I think bdp is a bit harsh in his criticism of this pub. Yes, I agree the service and attitude of the bar staff is at times appalling, but it is an all-day catering establishment, which provides a useful facility for locals and visitors alike. I haven't tried many of the menu choices, but the all-day 6-item breakfast at �3.99 is good value for your money. And if you visit after 9pm on friday or saturday nights, you'll be entertained by some really good groups - for free !!
Like bpd's old gentleman, I've been ignored by the bar staff, and when that happens I go across the road to the Ship. My main concern is how they keep their real ale, and this is something the breweries should tackle, the Otter brewery especially. There is no excuse for serving a bad pint of real ale.

6 Jul 2010 11:44

Volunteer, Sidmouth

Went into this pub a few weeks ago and had a nice pint of Abbots Ale, but two weeks later ordered another pint of this beer and it was sour. This has happened to me in other Sidmouth pubs, and I can't understand why there is no consistency in the standard of real ale served. I wonder whether this is a matter for CAMRA or indeed the brewery supplying the pub.

Waggerstaff

1 Nov 2009 20:17

Black Horse, Sidmouth

Served a pint of Otter Ale a few nights ago - could not believe that it was cloudy, because it is usually one of the best kept beers in this part of the county. When I returned it, the staff served me with another cloudy pint - unbelievable !!
For entertainment this is one of the best pubs in Sidmouth. Unfortunately, there appears to be very little proper management on these occasions, and all the customer gets is abuse for complaining about the beer.
What a shame, because this is where a really good pub falls down. I guess that, thanks to this wretched government, and in order to survive, the pub is forced to employ temporary staff that are not properly trained to serve real ale.

23 Aug 2009 23:39