Often, the picturesque views aren't matched by the ambience and warmth of a pub - but, with the Black Horse at Beamish, it's proved that you can have both and more. 

After seeing rave reviews for the venue on TripAdvisor (and including the pub in my fair share of 'best pubs in County Durham' lists over the years, I thought it was about time I visited it. 

Driving towards the Black Horse from Causey Road, you start to realise the stunning and picturesque views as you see the pub from the road in a heightened and imposing position on the hill above you. 

After entering the car park, there's some accommodation on the land, alongside the pub itself, and a large children's playground on one side of the site.

The views towards Beamish Hall outside the Black HorseThe views towards Beamish Hall outside the Black Horse (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Having decided on the Black Horse as our destination for the day, I never realised it would be such an amazing view from up there. 

Overlooking the trees, the stunning scenery that greets you, and the distant view of Beamish Hall, it's easy to see why this is a popular pick for people wanting a special place to celebrate or a nice place for a catch-up with friends and family. 

Boasting a four out of five-star rating on TripAdvisor, The Black Horse has over 700 excellent reviews from people over the years, which highlights the exceptional service, warm and historic feel of the pub, as well as a lot of diners complimenting the choice of food and drink they can get there.

Outside the Black Horse at BeamishOutside the Black Horse at Beamish (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Before we even get into the venue, there's a large beer garden, outdoor dining area and terrace area, which would be perfect for a summer setting. 

But, since we had t-shirts, jumpers and jackets on, we favoured a seat inside in the confines of the cost pub. 

Upon entering The Black Horse, it's easy to see the historic charm which visitors fall in love with - after all, there are 300 years of history in the old pub, which includes its previous use as cottages and the spooky goings-on and claims over the years of people seeing the ghost of George Ridley; a man who used to live in one of the cottages on the Black Horse site with his wife and nine children.

After booking a table in advance, we were shown to our table by one of the friendly waiting staff, who was attentive for the whole meal and didn't try and rush through our orders at any point. 

The outside seating area at the Black HorseThe outside seating area at the Black Horse (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The table that we were seated at was steeped in its own history, which was next to two collections of old matchboxes from throughout the years; one of the many interesting bits of memorabilia that the pub has. 

The next thing you notice about the Black Horse is that a lot of the tables and chairs are different and don't match; a quirky detail that doesn't go unnoticed by me, and a welcome addition to the historic charm of the pub. 

After relaxing in the pub's cosy atmosphere, which saw numerous other diners come to the pub at the same time, you never felt cramped, given the pub's vastness. 

Ordering the food, it's a fine selection of classic pub grub, burgers, items off the grill, as well as starters and desserts. 

While the fish and chips tempted me, it felt like a hearty pie and mash sort of day; and the Black Horse's Steak and Bomdadier Ale Pie with mash and buttered greens fit the bill perfectly. 

The Black Horse's Steak and Bomdadier Ale Pie with mash and buttered greensThe Black Horse's Steak and Bomdadier Ale Pie with mash and buttered greens (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) With its flaked pastry and lashings of gravy, the big chunks of steak in the pie were melt in the mouth and paired perfectly with the creamy mash and vegetables. 

While the portion was massive that I ordered, as was the fish and chips and burgers that my friends had ordered - the pricing wasn't bad at all at the Black Horse, with £16 for the pie and mash and £16 for the fish and chips. 

Other offerings on the menu included a starter of black pudding scotch egg, home-cured salmon, and mussels among other things, while the main dishes boasted the Black Horse Burger, scampi and chips, a mixed grill, and steaks including sirloin and ribeye. 

This smorgasbord of delicious food was all good orders, but those that I was with plumed for fish and chips, the Black Horse burger and a cajun chicken burger. 

We headed on to the Causey Arch after the pubWe headed on to the Causey Arch after the pub (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) With the pie and mash only just finished off, it was safe to say that the dessert menu didn't even get a look - but the inviting nature of the pub kept us in its presence for another hour or so before we ventured out into the coolish, mid-Autumn air. 

As for puddings, which we, again, didn't get to - there were options including double chocolate brownie, cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding, which would have been top options - but, alas, the main course was too much for us. 

Most read:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access to the latest offer for annual or monthly subscription. Click here for details.

After well and truly taking in the impressiveness and charm of the Black Horse, we walked past the lavender fields, which they have to the side of the venue, as well as a marquee for private functions which they also have on the site. 

Driving away from the venue towards Causey Arch, where we would walk our pub lunch off, we left safe in the knowledge that this place definitely lived up to the rave reviews it has received on TripAdvisor.

The Black Horse, Red Row, Beamish, Stanley DH9 0RW
Website: www.blackhorsebeamish.co.uk

Ratings:

  • Surroundings: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Food quality: 8
  • Value for money: 7