About us


County Dining Pub of the Year 2021 – The Good Pub Guide

Built in the 17th century, The Black Horse is an award-winning, traditional inn set in the small hamlet of Ireland, Bedfordshire.  Bought by the Campbell’s in 1999, this family owned and run pub/restaurant has built up an excellent reputation over the years for providing outstanding fresh food, cooked by talented chefs, served by friendly and attentive staff in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

The exterior of the building retains its original charm, enhanced with stunning flower baskets and window boxes overflowing with colour, flagstone frontage and manicured greenery, whilst the interior has been beautifully up dated in a contemporary style using natural materials, including wooden and stone floors and a slate top bar. With the low ceiling bar, original beams and inglenook fireplaces it still retains its character.

The restaurant consists of three distinct dining areas, each offering their own unique style and atmosphere;

The Garden Room is on split levels with high ceilings and impressive beams, offering cosy eating nooks, a fireplace and views out to our patio garden.

The Front Restaurant is set in the original section of the pub with low ceilings adorned with beautiful beams, the slate top bar and an inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove.

The third dining area is the Courtyard Room, which offers a slightly more modern aesthetics with its atrium roof and open plan dining looking out onto a walled courtyard with pretty pot plants.

In summer months the garden and courtyard areas are opened up to offer alfresco dining while enjoying the occasional British sunshine!

Show Pony!

The Black Horse has built up a reputation for its fine food and beautiful surroundings, which has made it amongst the best award-winning pubs in Bedfordshire.

  • Certificate of excellence – Trip Advisor
  • County Dining Pub of the Year 8 year’s running from 2013 to 2021 – The Good Pub Guide – with the exception of 2016, which was won by our sister site The Birch at Woburn, so we didn’t feel too bad!
  • Rated #23 in the Top 50 Gastro Pubs in Britain 2012 – Budweiser Budvar and Morning Advertiser (as voted for by top industry experts)
  • Best Country Pub 2004-05 – Period Living and Traditional Homes
  • Rated in the top 100 Best of the Pubs 2009 – Eat Out Magazine
  • Recommended in the Michelin Guide 2014
  • Recommended in the AA Guide 2014
  • Food Hygiene Rating 5*

The Black Horse also has two double room chalets with en-suite, boasting modern décor, comfortable furnishings and high spec facilities.  They have their own private entrance accessed by the garden. Find out more here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!


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For more details of our accommodation, or to check out our fresh food menus and book a table, just click on the links above.  And remember, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, just pick up the phone and give us a call, or contact us via email.

Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence