The Black Horse, Brent Pelham

Intrigued by the story of a community-saved pub in an east Herts village, food and drink editor Richard Cawthorne visited, to find it flourishing

- Richard Cawthorne

WITH pubs closing at an alarming rate, it’s refreshing to report on one that was about to suffer the same fate and was saved by the community it serves. This is the Black Horse at Brent Pelham, a true village gathering place, which was destined to become a housing development until nearby resident Kristian Lane applied and was granted a community asset order on it via the parish council. Landowner Ted Barclay then stepped in to save the pub, now Grade II listed, and bring into the fold one of the only structures in the area his family has never had in its portfolio.

The Black Horse consists of three buildings, the earliest dating from the 17th century. The first landlord that can be traced is Thomas Tinworth in 1866, but investigations continue. His latest successor is Hugh Cater, with an extensive hotel and restaurant background and now in charge of a major work-in-progress to reinstate the pub in its rightful place, with new menus as part of the plan. Head chef is Tom Parcell, while there is also a special wine list curated by London-based sommelier Ellie McIndoe.