The Black Horse in Mid Suffolk

My second visit, my friend hadn't been before. A perfect roast pork lunch, and the profiterole dessert looked stunning (I was done by then)... Staff were lovely, and couldn't do enough for us, and the local ale was on point... I can't praise the Black Horse enough... Go and experience it for yourselves!!

Good fish and chips and service was excellent. Nachos to start are a must, and deserts are very good so save room. Warm and friendly atmosphere, eat in the bar if you can.

Absolutely wonderful service and food. The lady who looked after our table was so polite and welcoming and looked after my mum and I whilst we dined with my two Cockapoos. Tasty and very clean. Definitely recommend

Just had lunch at the Black Horse . It was lovely and warm inside and our welcome was very friendly. The food was delicious and the service was great. A really welcoming little pub and we enjoyed it very much.

This is a pre review. We are going to the Black Horse for a Christmas Lunch. We go there on a regular basis, mainly for Sunday Lunch (highly recommened, I am particuarly partial to their turkey!). The gravy is a proper gravy and the portions are more than adequate!. Craig and Darren are on to something here. We now don't go anywhere else for Sunday Lunch. The food for the rest of the week is just as delicious but the Sunday Lunch is pretty special. Well done guys!

We visited with a group of 9 adults and 8 young children. There was plenty of choice on the main and kids menus and the service was really friendly, efficient and quick. The pub itself is very attractive and in a lovely bit of countryside. Definitely one we would happily return to.

What a gem. We found it as a result of searching for a new walk near Thornham. It was just what we wanted. We had the Sunday roast, but all agreed everything could have been just what we wanted. The food was delicious. Tender beef, great veg and then wicked desserts. Loved the ambience and the the staff were welcoming and helpful. We will definately return (again and again).

We had always enjoyed eating Sunday lunch at the Black Horse in Thorndon but hadn't visited since before Covid. We wanted to treat some friends and were hoping that it would be up to a similar standard as before. We weren't disappointed. Even our favourite waitress was still there and recognised us! Although there wasn't the same help-yourself-system, the food and service was excellent, the staff even bringing me things before I even asked meaning they were observant and alert. i.e. a cushion and a smaller spoon! My husband is unable now to use his right hand and there was no problem when we asked if the chef could cut his meat into smaller pieces. Our friends and ourselves thoroughly enjoyed our meal and highly recommend.

We returned while having a weekend away in Thorndon after not being here for a few years. Glad we did still excellent food and friendly staff. A bonus we can take the dog in with us in the bar area. Strongly recommend this place and will be back.

With short notice asking for a table of 11 & a large dog The Black Horse Pub was very accommodating! The weather on the day was horrendous & made us late coming from North Norfolk but they did not moan! The food was generous & fabulous, my Sunday roast was the best I every had! Complements to the chef! Not but least the staff were fantastic, running around with a full pub of hungry customers. Again, very helpful & polite. I’m so jealous this pub is not my local but my daughters but I will definitely be back!! Thank you again for a lovely birthday lunch :)

I have visited this pub many times but this is my first review of the place - I don’t know why I haven’t reviewed before! Had a Fabulous Sunday lunch here last weekend. The mushroom and chestnut vegetarian pie is lovely as is the lemon cheesecake and both worth trying! Great food, freshly cooked, and there’s great staff. Usually visit every few months and it’s always a pleasure as the food is great and it’s a lovely pub. Have a 20 mile round trip to visit but it’s definitely worth it!

Brilliant meal at the Black Horse, staff were really friendly and helpful. Food was brilliant, we had the Southern Fried Stack - great to see something different on the menu. The only issue we had was that we were too full to try dessert, (which looked equally as good, judging by what the table next too is had!) Lovely atmosphere, we will be definitely be returning!

Love this place. The staff are friendly. The building is very historic. Their roast is the best you'll find anywhere. Well cooked. Generous portions. Tasty gravy. The desserts are good too.

A cute little village pub with friendly and welcoming staff. The lady who served us our meals was so lovely. The menu was great with a mixture of cuisines, and the food was delicious! Would definitely go back.

A warm welcome awaits at this lovely village pub for both locals and visitors. The food is excellent and includes some curry dishes that you would not normally expect to find outside a specialist restaurant and all complemented by excellent well kept ales. My only regret is that this place isn’t closer to home!

Had a great Sunday lunch here. Choice of beef, turkey, pork or a vegetarian option. Good-sized portions. Children's menu offered a child-sized portion of the roast or other options for children e.g. cod fingers or macaroni cheese. Pleasant and friendly staff.

While staying in a near by barn, our party of 9 visited for lunch in our crazy 70’s attire. The staff (and locals) we very welcoming, the food and service was outstanding. We will definitely be returning whether it be as our group or individually with our families. Three of our party have specific dietary requirements, (Dairy free and egg free), the staff were so helpful and knew exactly what they could and couldn’t have without having to check.

Whilst staying in the area we were looking for a good pub for a meal. Following checking reviews on here, we thought we would visit the Black Horse. Really friendly staff and locals, good beer choice and menu, which included vegan options too. Wish it was our local 👍

Amazing vegan options! The staff were incredibly pleasant, even when a family of customers were being particularly... Challenging. About half the menu was veggie options and there was about 5 vegan options! Would recommend the pie. Only thing that could be improved was the cleanliness - it's an old pub but there was quite a lot of cobwebs and some flies were pestering us constantly!

We went to the Black horse today we had a great Roast dinner and apple pie and custard we could not fault it great food and we were treated very well by the friendly staff we will definitely be returning to this amazing place.

Exceeded expectations. Friendly, polite staff, great food and a relaxing ambience. This pub caters really well for vegetarians/vegans. Dog friendly, roaring fire, spacious, clean and some really good wine. Highly recommended.

We visited this delightful country pub for Sunday Lunch (we had pre booked) which is advisable as they do get very busy we were met with a very warm welcome we both decided on the Sunday Roast we choose beef it was amazing cooked to...

Haven't been to the Black Horse for a couple of years and it was really lovely to walk in and receive a genuine welcome. Sat near the glorious fire and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere that this lovely old pub exudes. We each ordered something different...

We had a lovely meal at the Black Horse. Food excellent, well cooked and well timed. Landlady friendly and attentive.

An excellent set of 4 different meals for us. Served with a splendidly cheerful manner! Excellent nachos for 4 for a starter. Steak and Guinness pie was magnificent. Cant recommend this place more highly!!!

Such a lovely atmosphere in this old world pub/restaurant. The vegetarian options are many ( unusual to have such choice ) and the carnivores have a good selection too. Well prepared and presented. Attentive and friendly staff who had good knowledge of what was to...

Welcoming and friendly. Aesthetically a lovely building to be in. Best vegetarian choice I've known. No long waiting even though they were busy. Well impressed. Will make a point of returning when in the area again.

Visited here after many years for a family get together. Everyone had something different and every meal was superb. Couldn't fault it at all plus service was great and we were pleasantly surprised by the bill which was very reasonable. Will definitely be back.

We're staying in the area and fancied a traditional pub style Sunday roast. The Black Horse turned out to be an excellent choice. Staff were lovely and got everything right with lots of smiles and attention to detail. The roasts were the best we have...

My wife and I have been staying locally for a week and have visited the Black Horse for Sunday lunch and an evening meal . On both occasions staff have been friendly and helpful, service prompt with the food being very good and very reasonably...

It was nice to sit outside on a warm evening in the outdoor area but unfortunately the food wasn't that great. My mushroom canaloni under the cheese top was a sloppy dish of bits of mushroom in a tomato based sauce but not as much...

First visited in the summer purely by reading the reviews on TripAdvisor. Went for Sunday lunch and it was absolutely outstanding and enormous. Have visited many times since and have been hugely delighted every time. I have never known an eating establishment to be so...

Came here with a few friends just after reopening, and was pleased to see that most of the Covid safe policies were in place. Outside seating was perfect, the food was good with a massive portion! The staff were polite & friendly. We will be...

Visited for a Sunday lunch which was Outstanding staff were outstanding Covid safe and the most welcoming atmosphere

First time we have been here after cycling past many times this summer. Nice country feel to the pub and lovely timber frame building but lacked a bit atmosphere. Questionable that the homemade pies were actually ‘homemade’; if they were, I have my suspicions that...

We visited this friendly pub whilst staying in the area recently. Both me my partner were very impressed with the food and how safe we felt with Layout of pub and with plenty of sanitizer laid on. We will return when next in the area!

Arrived at the black horse to order a takeaway and enjoy a couple of drinks while waiting. Everything is COVID safe, and still was made to feel very welcome. Service was excellent, polite and friendly, and had a wonderful takeaway roast dinner. Fully recommend this welcoming pub.

Stopped to get a takeaway after a long day on the road, Landlord and his staff could not have been more friendly and welcoming. Food was delicious and the drink while we waited for our food was much needed.

The Landlord appearing very intoxicated was very verbally abusive and tried to physically intimidate myself and my friends! Stay well clear of this establishment! Absolutely awful customer service!

We called off here whilst having a sight seeing drive, a lovely friendly place with a unique lunch menu. The lady that greeted us was so polite and friendly and couldn't help enough. We decided to sit outside next to the blooming potted flowers. I chose the mushroom cannelloni and I have never had anything more amazing or tasty,it was served with garlic bread and salad,my husband had the fish and chips, (the fish was huge and looked so crispy and flaky) he really enjoyed and ate the lot. Table cleared at just the right time not too soon as some places u can see them itching to clear away.I would highly recommend this pub as a peaceful place for something to eat the locals are very lucky. My husband was even impressed with the Aspall glass that had the history of Aspall on the back!!!!

We had recently got married, restrictions halted wedding plans. Married 10am 4/7/20 in Bury. Hadn't had a proper meal out in a restaurant. Recommended this wonderful country pub. We were not disappointed. The staff were just brilliant. Attentive, friendly , helpful and gave us a wonderful evening. The food was delicious and varied. Had a very nice chillean white with our Paella. Our friend and lift was treated to his Adnams in a tankard and we all finished with a beautiful tasting orange G&TThank you to you all.Covid restrictions in place and felt very comfortable and normal.Will be recommending to all we know.

Four of us visited for Sunday lunch.All ordered different meals and all came together.Every thing was perfect. Felt very safe and clean.The staff are very professional and friendly. Full marks to Burt for his great hospitality and attention to detail. Highly recommend to everyone.

We have just been for a meal here tonight. The service was brilliant. Maddie was lovely and very helpful. Craig couldn’t do enough for us. The food was amazing we had the roast dinner which was lovely. Puddings were amazing too. Very big portions. Thankyou for a lovely evening

We stopped for a quick lunch here yesterday after our car broke down and we had to wait for the RAC to help us. The lady behind the bar was really helpful. The set out was very well thought out with good distance between tables and a gazebo in case the weather turns. We went for a pint of local beer - Blondie from Shortts Brewery and a baguette. It was all delicious and fresh. Lots of hand sanitizer and our details were taken in case test, track and trace is required. It was our first time eating out since lockdown was lifted and we felt very safe. Even the black horse had a face mask on!

We've had several takeaways from the Black Horse over the lock down which have been absolutely delicious. We've had fish and chips, chicken curry and the steak burger in a brioche bun plus salad, cheese and bacon. All very tasty. Thank you The Black Horse

Visited here whilst having a few days away in Suffolk. Really glad we did, superb food and great service and dog friendly so the dog came to (in bar area). Really good portions and lovely home made fries. Definitely recommend and will go back ............ also do takeaway!

Friendly staff and a great place to meet new people for a chat. Food looks good and dogs are allowed in the bar.

Fantastic goulash & Adnams beer. Amazing rib-eye steak & chocolate & honeycomb cheesecake and lovely chat in the bar by the fire. No wonder this pub has been listed in national press. ❤️

Now this is how a good carvery is done! Well done to the chefs for an amazing carvery. A lovely old fashioned good grub carvery. The staff continually topping up the lovely fresh veg. Gravy just like Mum's homemade. Good value for money too. Staff are organised and friendly. We visit here everytime we want a roast dinner. Haven't tried the puddings as we are always full! They look yummy too. Thank you to all the staff. Keep up the good work!

Oh my where should I start!?This is by far the best roast dinner I have ever eaten out. It is a truly homemade dinner with gravy just how my Nan taught me to make it. It was just a shame that we were too full to sample their homemade deserts.My only regret is that we are here on holiday - if I were local I would be eating here every Sunday!!

We have eaten here a few times with local friends and am always amazed at the excellent service and high quality of food.I have always given 5 stars but our last visit was let down but the volume of cobwebs in the dining area. This is a beautiful old building but it really does need a good clean hence 4 stars.

We went here on a Saturday night and it was very busy. We ordered our food and didn’t have to wait too long. It was gorgeous. Also the lemon meringue pie was fab really good. Staff very friendly and nothing was any trouble. We will be returning.

Looks a lot of parking but it’s not when busy. Food was good quality but restricted menu, although carvery is available every day. Clean and tidy in bar and facilities.

You know the sort of thing..."Its such a nice evening, where shall we go that isn't too far?" The Black Horse is exactly the right place for such an episode. The meal was of good quality and cooked to order from fresh produce. Homely but not intrusive service and made to feel very welcome. Fish and Chips cooked properly (no soggy batter) and my burger (with chilli/sour cream and tortillas) was very good indeed.We will be back.

What an amazing place! We got soaked in the rain on bikes getting here and were inundated with offers of a lift home after our (delicious) supper! A gorgeous community-feel pub. Thanks to everyone, can’t recommend highly enough.

We ate here for a family reunion and I was so happy to see they had lots of gluten-free options on the menu. My daughter and I are Celiac and The Black Horse staff were great at ensuring we had everything we needed. We tried the burger with a gluten-free bun, the bun was so good I asked what brand they use, they use Genius! it was amazing. The chips are cooked in a separate fryer so they were ok for us to eat. I also tried the Eton Mess for dessert, this was my first time trying this and it was amazing! I only wish I wasn't so full so I could have finished it.

We have never been here before, it was a very nice surprise and we will go again. The food was great and the staff were all so friendly - Thank you

Visited on a Sunday with family, really excellent carvery. Delicious home made food, choice of 3 meats, I had turkey which was tender and tasty, home made roasties and light crisp yorkshires. Lovely selection of veg and flavoursome gravy. Couldn't fault it. Thoroughly enjoyed and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Staff very friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back.

Me and my partner recently visited this pub on a Saturday night for a meal with friends. The service was very friendly and all 4 of us enjoyed the meal. I had the pie of the day which was steak and ale and it was very nice! The lemon meringue for dessert was also very good. We are looking forward to visiting again soon!

was our wedding anniversary on thursday, as we have only been to this pub on a sunday for drinks and a light bite to eat decideded to try midweek, traveled the 25 miles to dirty wine glass bad tasting beer, was told that the tables were filling up fast if we wanted to eat we needed to hurry we sat in restaurant which was empty apart from one other table when they left we was only ones in there, the beef burger i ordered was over cooked and burnt the ham was very dry, this will be our last time not impressed at all

We visit here once every few months and the carvery never disappoints. We booked a table as we expected it to be busy (being half-term), and as we booked late we found ourselves in the room on the right of the pub in which you do feel rather cut off from the hubbub of the bar and main eating area. That aside, the food was excellent as ever.

A couple of years ago we were looking for somewhere different to go and someone recommended this place. So glad they did we have been coming here every once in a while ever since. Last time was about a month ago and it never disappoints. We celebrated birthdays here with some lovely food and yummy desserts. I love the trifle and the Bakewell tart which sometimes they have as a tart and other times they have a Bakewell cheesecake which is my absolute favourite. Definitely recommend this place to anyone.

Came here afternoon lovely day on the Norfolk broads as it’s local to where we are staying and my what a lovely surprise Food was very well cooked and lovely and fresh Staff were very pleasant and friendly Would definitely recommend

Went out for a treat for two mums on Mothers Day. Chose the Black Horse purely because my mum is a fussy eater and likes to view her food before making up her mind. I booked a table a couple of weeks ahead to be sure of a reasonable seat for a pensioner on wheels. The person who answered the phone was very helpful, and chose a seat for us four close to the door, with easy access for a rollator. They were already well booked up but suggested the second sitting.

The Black Horse has been our local for the past 9 years, during which time we have seen the hard work of Darren, Bert and the team rewarded for their extreme hard work by their increased popularity. Whilst it seems to serve a large number of carvery meals, they also have an excellent separate menu, which includes traditional dishes alongside more up to date tastes and curries. The selection of wines is very good and reasonably priced, and the beer drinkers in my family are always pleased with the selection of good beers available to try. The service, both behind the bar and at table is always efficient and extremely pleasant, and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Prices are very reasonable, and I would not hesitate to recommend this warm, friendly pub.

We stopped for lunch and all three generations were delighted with their meal. Three adults and one child had the carvery, the second child had tortilla’s. Reasonably priced, home made - even the roast potatoes were great and the Yorkshire puddings huge and light.

Been lots of times and one of our favourite carverys Normally has choice of three meats, variety of veg, roasts potatoes, puddings and lovely gravy. Staff very friendly and great old country pub atmosphere. Not only open on a Sunday but also available midweek roast carvery (at a reduced rate ) so would highly recommend....

Whilst very quiet with very few people, a cosy fire was burning which improved the atmosphere. The food however was delicious. Tasty doorstep sandwiches and a great pint, served by friendly staff.

The team were really lovely, very friendly and accommodating. The pub is a nice, traditional village pub and clearly very popular.

What a great restaurant -Pub this is. really enjoyed the food . Plenty of choice. Lots of car parking. Friendly staff. I would go back again.

Went here on a Monday lunchtime with my parents for the carvery. Beautiful food and the Beef, Pork and turkey cooked to perfection. Warm friendly service. And such excellent value for money.

Got to be one of the best carveries in the Diss vacinity--outstanding value for money and a high quality offer--will be returning

When asking family where to go for this meal it was a unanimous vote for The Black Horse once again.Everyone opted for the outstanding carvery,which as always didn’t disappoint. We had a selection of the delicious desserts also!! Staff were helpful and welcoming and we will definitely return and highly recommend it!

Where to start...?! I don't want to leave a long review but feel the need to help people make a more informed decision about eating here. Everything about it was wrong, from the dreadful service to the ambience to the clientele to the awful food. Several hours later I still have a bad taste in my mouth from the horrible chips. We were a group of 6 and were out for a good time... not looking for faults or trying to be picky but you couldn't ignore all the problems... badly trained staff, poor quality ingredients (badly cooked), bland veg's, overcooked beef, poor quality fish, greasy batter and odd tasting 'chips'. The beer was weak and watery and the coke was flat. An eating experience like this makes me sad... how can they get it so wrong when so many places get it so right.. it felt like nobody cared about the customer experience. We tried to say something at the time but the waitress just smiled nervously and had no idea how to handle feedback. We will never return!

We were in Occold and had decided to call at the Beaconsfield Arms having read some good reports....but it was closed, no sign of life, and definitely no sign of lunch, so we drove down to Thorndon to the Black Horse where the service was quick, the food tasty and well presented and where the place was actually open for business! We had a pretty good lunch at a very reasonable price. All good

Went for midweek lunch and had the carvery which was excellent. The highlight however, was the dessert selection, which was outstanding. We will return.

Food is definitely a cut above, with adventurous dishes like Goan Lamb Curry (which I might avoid in a pub) expertly turned out. Pricing competitive.

We came across this hidden gem by accident we were given a warm welcome and a table next to a roaring log fire the service was excellent as was the food I choose the carvery and had the choice to have all 3 meats there was a good selection of well cooked seasonal vegetables my husband choose fish and chips which were cooked to perfection he said it was the best he’d ever had the home cooked chips were amazing better than top class restaurants we visited last summer in Padstow and at a fraction of the price we shall definitely make a return visit and will highly recommend this lovely pub to our family and friends

Lovely little pub out in Thordon,excellent roasts and really friendly and excellent service,top banana.

Visited for Sunday lunch today, the pub was very busy and there was a bit of a wait for the carvery, but it was worth the wait! The beef was lovely and there was a good choice of vegetables, the sprouts cooked in bacon were delicious! We will return!

After reading all the positive reviews I booked for Sunday lunchtime carvery. The meat portions given were adequate and the Yorkshire’s nice - but- the roast potatoes were pale and the choice of vegetables limited to 3 options (sprouts, cabbage and swede. The cauliflower was empty. No peas or carrots on offer. Everything tasted of something similar to stuffing !! For the price I expect more choice so was very disappointed and wouldn’t go again.

A lovely mid week treat of a carvery, huge servings; varied menu; but we mostly choose the carvery. The Black Horse is also our choice of Saturday evening takeaway, where we have a drink whilst waiting for our takeaway, friendly staff, lovely surroundings.

Came on this pub by shear luck and as it was getting near dinner time decided to try the menu. We struck gold. The steak and ale pie and was the best pub pie I'd tasted in a long while. Had a pint of Ghostship all served by a very pleasant waitress. A nice way to finish the day.

Another good meal with family. Can get very busy on a Sunday due to the highly popular carvery but all staff very helpful

Really lovely old style pub not far from Thornham Walks (off the A140). Serves food 12-2 at lunchtimes and the carvery is very good value. Not only that but coeliacs are properly catered for and gluten-free stuffing, Yorkshire pudding and gravy are all provided . This is quite a novelty and a huge plus, as at places such as Toby Carvery and Hungry Horse coeliacs just have to go without. Really excellent dessert options as well (GF syrup pudding and custard!), and to top it all excellent staff who clearly understood our dietary issues.

Had lunch from the carvery very good food . I had heard the sticky toffee pudding was to die for but sadly both time we have been this has not been available bit disappointed over all great staff very friendly

I booked a Sunday carvery lunch for four people, @ 2.30 which was the earliest they could do, at this popular venue. There is ample parking.

On holiday in Thorndon and within walking distance of this pub- so glad we were.

We have lived in the village for 9 months now. We visit the pub about twice per month. Great menu, different from many local pubs. The food is excellent, great selection of beers and wines. Pub also does takeaway. Sunday Carvery is excellent. We love it.

Another traditional Suffolk Pub offering a fine service to its immediate community and to any visitors who choose this fine place to east and drink. We booked for Sunday Lunch with our family and were not disappointed. Lovely traditional interior, fine bar with an excellent offering of hand pulled craft beers and local ciders, the food on offer was excellent. A full choice of traditional roasts was complimented by vegetarian options, the quality and quantity being excellent. The staff were attentive and informative and service was first class. Try it yourself, you too will not be disappointed.

Exceptional carvery. Staff are efficient, food is delicious and home made. Veg are fresh and cooked to perfection. Please bring back the homemade trifles !!

Have been here a few times in the past for carvery and it's always delicious. Good choice of meat and really flavoursome vegetables. Homemade Yorkshire puddings and superb gravy. Good choice of dessert - if you have any room for it. From home, we drive past other pubs that do a carvery to go here, in our opinion it's the best carvery in the area!

Lovely food, friendly atmosphere and brilliant carvery. Would definitely recommend. Lovely open fire and dogs are allowed in bar section

We have just returned from a Christmas break in Thorndon and would share our thoughts on the local Pub / Restaurant 'The Black Horse'.

A regular meet for a family meal and once again we werent disappointed Always busy but always a warm greeting and friendly smile Plenty of delicious dishes and an array of ales Highly recommended

A most welcoming pub/restaurant serving great food and drinks. The service is impeccable and nothing was to much trouble. The Sunday carvery is a must and not surprised that booking a table is recommended given its popularity. Lookout for the Strummer, a delicious real ale brewed locally. Also, Aspall, a locally pressed cyder. Best of all our Westie was welcomed too.

Very good atmosphere, family friendly good food and drink, lovely service couldn't of made us feel more welcome.

We meet friends here from time to time as the food is good. Short menu done well. We were disappointed that the meat pudding had sold out on our first visit but was worth going back for.

Fantastic food, washed down by great beer in a lovely atmosphere. It's just a shame we live so far away ( we were on holiday in the area)

My husband and I decided to have a change from the very good Four Horsheshoes at Thornam Magna and try this pub instead. We stopped going there a while ago because always cold inside. Yesterday sadly cold again and had to keep our coats on. The dark haired lady behind the bar was civil enough but didn't manage a smile. However, the young blond girl who served us was very pleasant and welcoming. My husband had beef and I had turkey, both were fine. Cabbage, leeks and carrots also very nice but the 'roast' potatoes were absolutely white and not roasted at all. I think they were boiled then spent about 5 minutes in the oven. If being picky I would also comment on the fact there was only one gravy for 3 types of meat. We were not tempted by the pudding board. Apple crumble spoilt by the addition of raspberries and other desserts sounded very sickly. We are back to The Four Horseshoes next time.