A CLYMPING GREAT LOCAL PUB

BY KATE STEWART

The Black Horse is a Grade-II listed property dating back to the 17th Century when it was a smugglers inn. It was formerly the White Horse in 1851 and even the White Swan briefly in 2013. It is now owned by Historic Sussex Hotels, and the pub has gone through an extensive renovation and is now open for business.

“This 17th century pub has always been a popular haunt for locals to gather, a well-loved and welcoming place for the community, families and visitors to the area and it’s time to re-ignite this tradition with our choice of pub classics, fine ales, Sussex wine, locally inspired cocktails, craft beers and delicious food,” says the new Black Horse, General Manager, Luca Pearson

The existing downstairs bar area has been stripped back and the parquet wooden floor carefully restored. A beautiful chimney stack has been uncovered and now houses a double-sided wood burner stove. A sparkling, pewter bar runs almost the width of the pub allowing lots of space to order drinks, and all the original wooden banquette seating has been repaired. They have created a stunning oak frame extension called The Ryebank, where people eating or drinking at the back of the pub can enjoy the view over the terrace and local rife. And outside tables at the front will be perfect in the warmer weather.

If you want to stay overnight there are seven bedrooms, each decorated with beautiful wallpapers designed by Clymping resident Fiona Howard. Why not pop in and see what you think!

Black Horse, General Manager, Luca Pearson talked to InFocus Magazines just before the grand opening on 7 March:

Where were you working before? I was working at The Beach Café in Littlehampton, before that I lived and worked in the French Alps for a luxury ski chalet company, and I did a brief stint for British Airways as cabin crew.

Do you come from Sussex? I moved to Sussex eight years ago, originally from Farnham in Surrey – not a million miles away!

What are you hoping to achieve? We are keen that The Black Horse plays a key role in, and reclaims its place, at the heart of the local community. We want to create a pub where locals come for a drink, and to meet friends, the place for a no nonsense but delicious lunch or dinner as well as the place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary and have fun.

What are your plans for the pub? I have plenty of lively evenings planned throughout the year with all sorts of entertainment from quiz nights to live music nights.

What are the opening times? We are open seven days a week, Monday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 11pm and Sunday from 8am to 7pm. Roasts on Sunday will be a big thing – make sure you join us for a clymping great roast!

Will it be a family pub? Yes of course! Smaller portions if there is something they fancy on the main menu, or we have a kid’s menu. We have also created a glorious pink private room, perfect for cosy celebrations, a fun family lunch or noisy dinner party.

Are dogs welcome? Yes of course! Welcomed with lots of cuddles and treats.

When are you serving food? Food will be served throughout the day, from breakfast through to dinner.

What’s on the menu? Astonishingly delicious pub grub - with full flavour menus, inspired by the seasons, bursting with traditional pub favourites and local ingredients.

The Black Horse Menu

Lunch 12pm to 2pm | Dinner 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Monday to Saturday

STARTERS

(v) Spicy Guinness and Sussex Charmer soup, confit peppers £7 (Cy, C, M, Su, S)

Smoked salmon, dill creme fraiche, rye croutons £12 (C, F, M)

Ham hock & confit chicken terrine, celeriac remoulade, piccalilli £10 (Cy, E, Mu, Su, S)

(v)Roasted beetroots, Sussex Slipcote cheese, candied walnuts, mixed leaves £9.50 (M, N, Su)

(ve) Roasted cauliflower, romesco sauce, bloomed sultanas, toasted almonds £9 (N, Su, S)

Charred Sussex coast mackerel fillet, new potatoes, pickled shallots, mustard seed sour cream £10 (F, M, Mu, Su, S)

Mains

Sirloin steak, peppercorn butter, roasted tomato, grilled mushroom, chips £29 (M, Su)

Roasted chicken supreme, mashed potato, kale, baby onions, smoked bacon, button mushrooms

£18.50 (Cy, M, Su, S)

Harveys beer battered fish & chips, crushed peas, tartar sauce £18 (C, E, F, Mu, S)

Climping beach fish pie, (catch of the day), parsley sauce, grilled cheddar mash £16 (Cy, F, M, Su, S)

Beef burger, Brighton blue cheese, red onion chutney, grainy mustard mayo & chips £18 (gf available) (C, E, M, Mu, Se, Su, S)

(ve) Confit celeriac, curried lentils, carrot puree, onion bhaji £18 (S, Su)

(v) Potato & herb gnocchi, cauliflower puree, wild mushrooms, roasted onion, Cheese crisp, truffle oil £18 (C, E, M, Su, S)

Puddings

Affogato with Jude’s ice-cream with a freshly made double espresso £5 (E, M, S)

Sticky toffee pudding, vanilla ice cream £9 (C, E, M, S)

Mango, passion fruit & pistachio knickerbocker glory £12 (C, E, M, N, S)

Triple chocolate brownie, chocolate sauce, salted caramel ice cream £9 (C, E, M, S)

Bramley apple crumble, custard £9 (C, E, M, S)

Banana split, candied pecans, caramel sauce £9 (M, N, S, Su)

Jude’s ice cream & sorbets (three scoops) £8 (E, M, S)

The Black Horse, Climping Street, Climping Street, West Sussex BN17 5RL 01903 715 175

E: info@theblackhorseclimping.co.uk | www.hshotels.co.uk

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