The Black Horse in Preston named as one of CAMRA’s top 17 pubs in UK

The Black Horse is among the finalists of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024 competition.

A total of 17 pubs have battled it out with thousands across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area.

As the victor in the West Pennines region, The Black Horse will now compete for the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub.

Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but – most importantly the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.

The judges said of The Black Horse: “A visually stunning Victorian Grade II listed pub opposite the historic Preston open market. Having an interior of national historic importance, the Black Horse is a fantastic example of Victorian architecture, retaining original fittings from the era.

“Most noteworthy is the beautiful semi-circular ceramic bar, tiled walls and meticulous mosaic flooring throughout the pub. A seating area has been dubbed the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ due to the impressive use of original stained glass.

“The Black Horse serves ten handpumps including four changing guest beers from far and wide, plus a range of ciders.”

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, said: “These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.

“It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”

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