The Black Horse Restaurant, Pluckley

Great little pub! The staff are very friendly and the food was good too. Well worth a visit in my opinion.

The only word I can use the describe our experience was nice, nothing was bad, but equally nothing was amazing or had that wow factor, and when they are marketing themselves as a high end restaurant, with starters/desserts priced at £10 per portion, and mains at £25-30, I would definitely expect more than nice….

The tables each have their own candelabra, and the walls are decorated with Kentish hops which is nice, but the atmosphere definitely felt lacking. The were more than enough waiting staff for the amount of covers, which resulted in them being slightly to over attentive, we have 2 people come to ask if everything was ok with our starters.

The food was nice, but severely lacking in seasoning. The terrine was accompanied by onion bread, but I can only describe this as a miniature loaf, and it was too small to cut and eat with the terrine, a nice concept but failed in delivery. The pork belly for main, the protein was well cooked, but the sides which were all stacked together for presentation, was just missed that wow factor. The food was not bad by any means, but wasn’t OMG amazing.

We just had the best meal here that we have had for a long time. The food was well cooked and the menu, although limited, had something for everyone. It was nice not to see the ubiquitous gourmet burgers on there! The owner greeted us at the door and we were shown to our table. We were never left too long, nor was the service hurried. We were warned that the pork belly would take extra time which was good. We will definitely be recommending this to our friends and will be returning.

I have visited the Black Horse in Pluckley twice now and both times I was impressed with the service, the food, the drinks and of course, the setting.

The first time I visited was in the summer and for lunch. We sat inside but grew jealous of the beautiful sun so asked to move. Sitting outside with our cocktails, the staff were attentive yet distant. Unfortunately, my friends and I grew irritated with nature and asked again to move but we were faced with such pleasant responses from the staff. They couldn't do more to please us and for that I am grateful, because I knew we were being a pain. The food was delicious and served in such a way that I could taste every part of it with my eyes as it landed before me! When I actually ate it, it was just as good, if not better, than it looked!

I returned again last night with the same friends, Jo from Sheldon Spa and her partner, but brought my husband too. The setting was fantastic!! Candle light, Live Violinist and a really fun magician visiting all of the tables. Frankly, we could have kept the magician with us all night as he was so pleasant and kind. I did arrive about 10 minutes late because of childcare timings, but I was greeted with smiles and warmth despite my poor punctuality. Each and every staff member that tended to us was warm, funny, pleasant, giving and most of all professional. With the bartended I enjoyed a conversation about shared experiences tasting Whiskey. I felt like I was visiting a friend's house for dinner, but without the stresses of cooking and entertaining yourselves at home. The Violinist was absolutely impeccable. And lastly, though certainly not least, the owners...I simply do not know what to say. They glide around the room with elegance, joy, love and care for each and every person in the room. Their company I just wish I could have more of, as they are such wonderful people to be around and with them I love talking.

If you are ever looking for a beautifully styled old English looking restaurant, look no more. Duck when you enter, but beyond that...you'll feel like absolute royalty, I assure you of that!

We enjoyed a very special evening at the Black Horse, the food and service were excellent, as was the wine. Recommended.

Could not have asked for a nicer meal. The atmosphere was lovely. Each table had a candelabra which set everything off with such style.
Food was amazing, the olives we had were the best ever tasted. Rest of food was excellent.
Staff were friendly and attentive. Nothing was rushed. Will definitely return in the future. Thankyou so much for the picky sticks too 🤗🙈🤗

The new owners deserve high praise for the transformation of The Black Horse. The food is exceptional and the hospitality & atmosphere is fantastic. We can’t wait to return.

Just a very fine restaurant and not a pub!Food is really tasty, nice atmosphere and warm welcome. Perhaps a bit posh but it’s what we expect from this little bijou.
Please don’t forget the chef, he can cook!