The Black Horse used to be a frequent drinking hole back in the day, but plenty of changes have occurred at the Great Linford based hub in the years that we have been away, and things have changed radically, writes Sammy Jones.
Full marks go to the decor and venue ambience, which is warm and inviting upon arrival. The sort of place you might pop in for a swift half and be persuaded to stay until closing time!
We visited early on a Tuesday night and found a surprisingly busy pub, with a mixed clientele; workers, families and couples, which bodes well, we think as we take our seats.
We have been tempted along by the vegan menu.
Yep, a full menu of vegan fare. What a welcome progression.
We reach straight for the menus and get involved with the starters. Al plumps for the Homemade Soup of the Day, and when we visit, that is carrot & coriander.
When it arrives, it is a bowl of thick, comfort-food type soup – a perfect Autumnal starter, although it arrives lukewarm when piping hot would have been preferable.
A rustic roll is served alongside for dipping and mopping, and heat-sensation aside, it has a nice consistency and is a hit.
The Roasted Lentil Falafel is ordered on this side of the table, and again it's full marks for presentation; plump little fala's with an accompanying crispy rustic toast and a Lebanese style dip, a nice intro to the main course, and there are some nice choices to be had there too, including Avocado and Red Pepper Sandwich, Roasted Aubergine, Spinach and Harissa Burger and Wholefood Salad.
As unashamed curry fiends, we both plump for the Spiced Coconut Curry.
It arrives with Ras el hanout Roasted Squash and Sweet Potato, Sticky Jasmine Rice, and a scorched red chilli, only to be messed with if you are able to take your spices.
It's full of flavour and the rice is rather nice.
The only complaint is about the portion size. As a main course, it's rather scant, and served on its own, it won't take care of belly rumbles!
Bowls are emptied in record time, partly due to the amount set down before us, and partly due to the yummy flavours which have won both sides of the table over.
Desert menus are offered, and I choose the Treacle & Pecan Tart, served with Coconut Sorbet and Rosehip Syrup, and Al goes for Coconut Sorbet with a Raspberry Sugar Shard.
Full marks for the presentation; it looks almost too good to touch, but as the sorbet begins to shift in the rare warmth of an Autumnal evening, we get busy with the cutlery; the tart needs a knife and fork to separate it, and even then it takes plenty of effort!
When we have managed to chip off a mouthful, the taste is surprisingly good, but getting to that point involves a little work out that shouldn’t be necessary!
All in all, a nice meal, but when the creases are ironed out, we expect things will be all the more pleasant.
Visit: Wolverton Road, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK14 5AJ
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