The Black Horse | Stylish Gastro Pub near Inspiring Epping Forest
Francesco Mari
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The Black Horse situated in Pilgrims Hatch is a traditional,stylish Gastropub North-East of London in the municipality of Brentwood, a very pleasant centre in the County of Essex a historical territory of England well known to have been one of the former Saxon Kingdoms in the 6th century highlighted by a fascinating, verdant countryside.
Located halfway between Chelmsford and Romford at the border of the inspiring Epping Forest its current denomination says accommodated since the 12th century several pilgrims on the way trough Brentwood to Canterbury to visit the Chapel of St. Thomas containing the relics of that iconic Saint and Martyr named Thomas Becket, former Archbishop of that town well known for his numerous conflicts with King Henry II and murdered in 1170.
That event apart to give the village the current name elevated its fame in an area well known also for several, beautiful Gothic, Neo-Gothic Churches, fabulous Tudor buildings linked to the secular history of an important dynasty of the British Monarchy which established in that land, manors, mansions, hunting lodges including in many charming, small hamlets.
The Black Horse which loyally represents the long English tradition is hosted in a splendid building erected in the 16th century boasting architectural details in a refined Tudor style developed since the late 15th century related to a Royalty which gave the country five Kings.
The main facade fully reflects that style consisting in a harmonious combination of stone, timber and plaster in a unique layout in a sort marriage among different kinds of materials.
Highlighted by a fascinating gable front side, fine wooden patterns present all around the sides of the construction, the structure was conceived respecting all the canons of the most classical Tudor style with an unmistakable sense of geometry in the execution of every section.
Originally the house had a cross wing at the northern end while another one was added to the structure later.
You will notice in addition timber elements placed in strategic spaces with symmetric vertical and perpendicular lines established around rectangular windows, doors beneath a traditional dark sloping roof highlighted by captivating stone chimneys covering an ample part of the frontal section, the image of the building is very attractive and nothing is bizarre.
A wooden door connected to a small passage directly leads to the interior and once inside facing a stylish bar you will notice a splendid interior superbly decorated with timber elements.
Other fine higlights are framed pictures fixed with taste on the walls in strategic points with other objects arranged to delight the view of the customers sitting at the tables in a pretty spacious environment.
The setting was perfectly studied representing a splendid mixture of classical and rustic transmitting a welcoming, cosy, friendly atmosphere with a very pleasant presence of fine furniture and beautiful mirrors.
The soft luminosity of the lights never disturbs the human eye falling in focal points as the area in proximity of the bar, immediately inviting to start with an aperitif or sitting in a corner flanking the entrance providing an attractive, small lounge with comfortable chairs.
In addition you can enjoy a very nice garden accessible by a large door on the left side of the structure in the case you want for a while to breathe fresh air or simply sitting outside with your cool drink having a chat in a peaceful outdoor space.
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The staff is very kind, professional, efficient ,the quality of food is excellent, with an ample variety of starters such as Caesar Salad, Salt and Pepper Calamari, King prawn, lobster and avocado cocktail, Oven-baked garlic and cheddar mushrooms, Oak smoked chicken, liver pâté among others.
In alternative you can enjoy a varied list of Sharers and Grazing tasting Warm rustic bread with soya roasted seed butter, garlic and rosemary pizzettes stoned-baked with vine cherry tomatoes, Box baked Camembert with rustic bread, Pork Scratchings or Bowl of marinated olives with lemon and thyme.
The list of the main courses is excellent with the typical Fish & Chips, Breaded Scampi ,Smoked Haddock, Chargrilled chicken breast and Kapia pepper, Lamb rump, Hunter's chicken, Beef and Merlot pie, steaks and much more.
The Black Horse offers you the opportunity to enjoy the typical Sunday-Roast, a classical, a very old British tradition with the chance to taste the iconic Roast beef but also chicken, turkey, pork and vegetarian option too.
All that is combined with fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli next to the emblematic roast potatoes with an ample choice of sauces ready to satisfy the taste of everyone.
Notable is also the offer of delectable desserts, great to finish a good meal with something of sweet, the establishment boast an excellent selection such as Bramley apple crumble, Belgian chocolate brownie, Treacle tart, Rhubard and custard compote, Sticky toffee and apple pudding among others.
The Black Horse provides a wide list of fine wines such as Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec, Prosecco, Sangiovese, Rioja, Chateneuf du Pape, Zinfandel, Legend Bordeaux, Chablis Bouchard and Aussiéres Rouge among others.
Very recommended for a lunch,a dinner with friends, family, to celebrate a birthday, a social meal or different kinds of events.
The Black Horse also provides an ample parking with an excellent capacity located immediately outside the establishment, a great facility that place offers.
The Black Horse is situated in 420 Ongar Road, you can reach it from London taking the A13 and M25 in direction Stansted Airport driving towards mentioned Colchester following the indications Chelmsford-Brentwood along the A12 and A1023 roads.
This stylish gastro pub is strongly recommended for its quality, services, location, a splendid place to breathe the traditional atmosphere of England in a pleasant environment will enchant you.
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5moGood article, but no, it is not on the border of Epping Forrest. You may have Pilgrims Hatch and Brentwood mixed up with another Essex town. Re-check your map.