This Sunday sees the official reopening of The Blackhorse (all one word now, in keeping with a neighbouring farm and road) in Gozzard’s Ford, on the Western outskirts of Abingdon. Having lain empty for a number of years, the rural pub was bought from Green King by Tom Rainey, the owner of Oxford’s The Punter and The Porterhouse.

Let’s face it, we all love a decent country pub. The roaring fires, the hearty food, the British countryside on your doorstep. But they can be a mixed bag; thankfully, this one comes with pedigree. If you’ve never been to The Punter on Osney Island or The Porterhouse near Oxford Station, let me fill you in, so you know what to expect…

Both venues serve modern, British food. The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms is a high-end steak venue with guest rooms – yes, the clue is indeed in the name – with a deep, moody, elegant vibe. Think grass-fed beef cooked in a Bertha charcoal oven, paired with classy cocktails and indulgent wines. The Punter is a riverside neighbourhood pub that has been serving a vegan menu, but is now expanding it to reintroduce fish. Think natural wooden tables, fresh food, and light airy spaces.

Check out their sample menus here:
The Porterhouse sample menu
The Punter sample menu

Both venues serve what I would call more interesting food, without leaning too heavily on the traditional fare of many pubs. So what can you expect at The Blackhorse?

The Blackhorse will serve up a mixture of meat, fish and veg – bringing together what’s worked well at its sister sites and adding to it – with the emphasis still on modern British, using excellent ingredients. The paired back menu will feature a selection of small plates, 4-5 main courses, and puddings, with roasts on Sundays. The term Gastropub seems far too dated a term, but picture something more modern and fresh than that, pairing traditional features with modern design, and you’ll land in the right place.

The interior is a mixture of grassy greens, dusky pink, and stonework, with warm lighting, soft tan leather, and ocre banquettes to welcome you in. The exterior didn’t go ignored either, receiving a new charcoal paint job and fresh pub signage by local artist Mani.

They open their doors officially this Sunday with a roast, so if you’re game for booking on their first day of service, you’ll be in for roast beef right from the start. Then, before long, you’ll be able to tuck into octopus, cote de boeuf, and steak tartare, to name a few.

The garden at The Blackhorse is set to be a major feature, but don’t expect to see that take form until next Summer. Plants are going in over Autumn, and it’s a huge landscaping job that’s set to become a Mediterranean utopia, with ample space for plants, and nooks for dining amongst the flora.

The pub opens its doors this Sunday 7th June, and is now taking reservations – there’s plenty of space in the car park for anyone not within walking (or cycling) distance. We’ll share more once the Bitten Oxford team has thoroughly tested it!

The Blackhorse
Gozzard’s Ford, Abingdon
theblackhorse-gozzardsford.com