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The Black Horse at Ireland

Ireland, Shefford, Shefford SG17 5QL, England
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Ranked #1 of 7 restaurants in Shefford
Price range: S$30 - S$59
Cuisines: British
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Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Romantic, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Description: The Black Horse is a family owned Inn with character and style set in a small hamlet in Bedfordshire. The Black Horse was built in the 17th Century, and although it has been updated and given a contempory style, it still holds its charm and character. With it's exposed original beams, inglenook fireplace and low ceilings, the bar is warm and welcoming - perfect for relaxing with a drink or a glass of wine. The restaurant consists of two distinct dining areas each offering their own unique style and atmosphere with either garden or courtyard outlooks. Our seasonally changed menu's use only the freshest ingredients sourced locally (where possible). The dishes are expertly prepared and presented by a team of highly qualified chef's.
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257 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    161
    51
    26
    12
    7
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Bedford, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

We enjoyed a great family get together while my daughter was home from the US. We sat at an oval table with plenty of room and the ability for everyone to join in the conversation - and there was plenty of that. Good selection of choices with a couple of starter and main course specials. Wait for the specials before... More

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
17 June 2013

Thank you John for taking the time to write such a wonderful review - much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Black Horse for another memorable meal. More

Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
17 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013 via mobile

Have heard so much about this pub from my brother. So pleased we went. Stayed in one of the little lodges. Really comfortable & homely. Food was delightful & staff very attentive. Can't wait to return !!

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your food and accommodation. We are due to refurbish the 'lodges' in October with new bathrooms, flooring etc. so a return visit may be in order! Look forward to welcoming you back to The Black Horse. Many thanks More

Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013 via mobile

I celebrated my 40th birthday here with the girls. We had lunch in the small secluded courtyard. The food, service atmosphere and even the weather were fantastic. The staff were very patient and accommodating. Darren and team always make you feel special and there is never any pressure to leave so they can close. One of my favourite restaurants in... More

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Stotfold, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
140 reviews 140 reviews
58 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

We couldn't believe how busy this place was when we arrived for lunch on a Tuesday! The greeting at the bar was very good and we were politely told that we would probably have to wait about 20 minutes to be served ... we were in no rush, so that was fine. We ordered some drinks and were given a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Milton Keynes
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

First visit to The Black Horse. Didn't quite live up to its reputation but we enjoyed our food and liked the ambience. Felt it was a little overpriced and would have expected smarter service for the prices charged. However it was good to have a decent sized helping in a gastro pub! £6.95 seemed alot for a very ordinary fruit... More

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Bedford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

This is a superb restaurant in a village called Ireland, near shefford. hidden Gem. Fantastic Sunday lunch. Highly reccomend the roast Lamb. Great wine list.

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Quorn
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013

We went here as a friend had previously been. Well I can't say enough about this place. So clean and tidy inside and the staff and service are out of this world! Our food was first class and there was such a vast menu. If we lived closer this would be a regular. And the food was reasonably priced.

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
29 May 2013

May I thank you for your excellent review on The Black Horse. We are passionate in delivering an overall meal experience to all our customers and I was delighted to read that you appreciate our high standards of cleanliness. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Black Horse in the not too distant future. More

Bedford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 via mobile

Visited The Black Horse with my parents for lunch on Tuesday 14th May. Overall an excellent experience with special mention to Our Host Ann who was lovely and very attentive. The young lady who shared with us the daily specials was brilliant she was very passionate about the products and my wife ordered the Roasted Pollock,which was brilliant in terms... More

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
29 May 2013

Thank you for taking the time to post your report on your recent visit to The BH. It was a pleasure to read your glowing review on our food and I have taken on board the presentation of the skinny fries with our kitchen team. Ann, Tom and the team have been with us for a long time and I... More

Langford, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Have just come back from having Sunday lunch at the Black Horse. Some years ago, friends of ours recommended the Black Horse, so we went for dinner one evening. The food was not dreadful, but it wasn't particularly memorable either - certainly for the price one would expect better, but what we had was only marginally better than your average... More

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
15 May 2013

Hello Archie T It is a shame that you did not air your views at the time of your visit regarding your opinion of our food. I can assure that we would have changed any dish that you did not like. With regard to the ham croquette, this is one of our most popular starters and perhaps, as you thought... More

Bedford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Always excellent you have to book to be able to go as always fully booked and would very rarely get a table without booking all food and products have been thought about and they have some excellent suppliers based on the quality of the food

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James C, Owner at The Black Horse at Ireland, responded to this review
10 May 2013

Thank you for your excellent review. Whilst it is advisable to make a reservation to be assured of a table, you can turn up on the day and we will try and accommodate you where possible. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Black Horse in the future. More

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