The Black Horse in Kingston is Back in the Race. The newly refurbished pub is calling to foodies and is perfect to visit after a walk in Richmond Park.
The Black Horse pub in Kingston has had a few name changes in its hundred years existence. Now however it is using its strong heritage and overhauling its menu to become a foodie bolthole for the local area.
The Food at The Black Horse in Kingston
This impressive pub has long brought delight to the local community with its “good English menu with a twist” and now new chef, Giovanni Lezzi, has conjured up fresh, exciting dishes. He selects sustainable, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and always includes a vegan dish.
I chose from the main menu: a succulent cod fillet, sitting on top of artichokes, crushed new potatoes, capers and amaranth cress – beautiful, fragile little flowers. It was both comfort food and unexpectedly enticing.
My guest went to the specials menu and chose lamb rump, crushed potatoes and wild garlic pesto sauce, swirled with gravy. The meat was as soft as velvet, utterly delectable.
Chris Isaac, the new manager helped us choose a glass of wine to suit each dish from their extensive range. The wines are sourced by The Black Horse wine masters, Rupert and John Cavalli. “I like wine with character,” said John, as he perfectly selected a Spanish biodynamc Viognier ‘Viento Aliseo’ to go with the fish. As well as a Roche de Belanne from the Herault in France, a Carignan, grown on 40-year-old vines. House wines come from the Languedoc in south-west France. “We are trying to get a reputation for good wine and food,” says John. He hopes soon to be offering food and directed wine evenings.
Desserts at The Black Horse
We shared the double chocolate cheesecake that was a chocoholics dream. Also a tempting trio of sticky ginger sponge, served up with poached pear and vanilla ice cream. If you don’t have the capacity for mains and pudding, The Black Horse also has tempting contemporary bar snacks. Including sharing platters and a range of smaller portioned meals.
The ambience is perfect: there’s an enticing, well-stocked bar area, an inky blue-walled dining area with a beautiful open fire. Plus plenty of outdoor seating, with a games room for children and giant Jenga in the garden. I loved the added details like using gardening tool handles as the beer tap handles.
The Black Horse is just 10 minutes walk away from Richmond Park’s Kingston Gate in Queen’s Road, Kingston. How perfect a treat, to take a walk in the park and then trot round to The Black Horse for a well-deserved lunch or dinner.
The Black Horse, 204 London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6QP.
www.blackhorsekingston.co.uk
Disclaimer I was gifted the meal in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.