Sitting on a site that was once home to the original Black Horse pub, the Urban Pub and Bar Group have restored this former favourite boozer to its original glory. It calls itself a London pub and cocktail bar, with the site occupying two floors just seconds away from bustling Oxford Street. Downstairs is where you’ll find the makings of a modern British pub, with a large bar to the left, minimal fixed seating and decorated in classic dusty blue tones with mustard detailing.
Upstairs, meanwhile, has been reimagined as a cosy speakeasy-style cocktail bar serving elegant pours created by a team of experienced mixologists. Expect classic and bespoke creations, including a French Martini (Ketel One, Chambord and pineapple juice), Ring the Alarm (Casamigos Mezcal, chilli Aperol, pineapple, lime juice, sugar syrup and Peachchaud Bitter) and Matinee (Beefeater Blood orange, lemon juice and prosecco). Also on offer are a host of classic lagers and craft beers (this is a pub after all) along with a selection of premium wines and spirits. To set the scene, vintage interiors are articulated via deep red tones and velvet furnishings, while a distressed wooden floor and exposed brick walls retain the rustic pub feel.
A menu of bar snacks, small plates and loaded flatbreads are served to hungry diners throughout the space. Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern in a series of dishes that pack plenty of big, gutsy flavours. Highlights include honey and harissa baked halloumi with pomegranate and zaatar; spinach and feta parcels with roasted tomato and sumac dressing; Turkish sausage, mozzarella, feta, pickled hot pepper and sumac onion loaded flatbreads; and tomato, oregano, caper, garlic, pickled pepper and basil loaded flatbreads.
The Black Horse is Urban Pubs and Bar’s 35th addition to its portfolio, the team who are also behind classic London venues including Punch Tavern in Fleet Street, Paradise in Kensal Green and West End stalwart Salt Yard Group.