The Black Horse, Clapton-in-Gordano
History
The Black Horse, known locally as The Kicker, is a treasured hidden gem steeped in charm and character just a mile away from Portishead in the very pretty village of Clapton in Gordano.
The pub dates back to the 14th Century and has a reputation as one of the most unspoilt inns in the South-West specialising in cask kept real ale, numerous ciders and home cooked food at lunchtimes.
Built at the same time as the local church, the pub originally served a mining community and the pub name undoubtedly refers to either the ponies working in the pit, or those beasts of burden that would draw the coal to Portishead to be shipped. Legend has it that the horses were greys (white in colour) but by the time they arrived in Clapton in Gordano they were black with coal dust!
In those times, the pub served a dual role in the community as both watering hole to thirsty workers and as the village ‘lock up’ where those committing misdemeanours could reflect on their actions. The window in one room still has the bars in place reflecting this historical use. Today the pub has an additional use; it is also used as a polling station during elections, another example of the vital role it plays in its rural community.
The Landlords
The current tenants are local couple John Beynon and his wife Allison, who bought the business from Nick and Jane Evans in September 2019. John and Alison’s involvement only came about when an offer to buy the business was made by a Bristol businessman who was set on changing it into a full gastro pub. Fearing it would be changed beyond recognition and much of its history and character would be lost and passionate about keeping the pub how it was for the countless people who love the nostalgia, despite having no previous experience in hospitality, they decided to go for it!
John is reliably told he first visited the pub in a pram in the very early 70s, the Black Horse being a favourite watering hole of his late father, Colin, at the time. Throughout the 70s and early 80s he remembers regularly enjoying playing the table skittles and darts in the family room with a bottle of coke and some crisps while his Dad enjoyed a pint of real ale served by Jack - who was the landlord until 1979.
John also fondly remembers a traditional rite of passage when, for many years, the whole of Gordano upper sixth form would descend upon the Kicker for the afternoon after A level exams were over. It must have been great for business and there is even an old photo of John and some mates on the wall of the snug from 1988! “Looking a lot younger” John says! Nowadays, it’s slightly different as it’s a large group of teachers who arrive to celebrate the end of another school year before they go their separate ways for the six week summer break!
The pub saw a few different landlords after Jack retired in 1979. Bob Womersley ran the pub for a decade between 1979 and 1989. Tom Shaw took over for three years until 1992 when Nick and Jane Evans took the reins and so began 27 glorious years before retiring in 2019.
John, Allison and their team enjoyed a few brief months of carefree ownership before the Covid pandemic hit and the UK experienced periods of lockdown. The second lockdown was lifted in April 2021 and so eager were people to meet up with friends once again, that the pub had the busiest month it had ever seen!
The Kicker is Unique
So, what is it that makes this place so special? The pub retains much of its centuries’ old character: stone flagged floors, low ceilings with oak beams and period furniture including pews from the local church all lend to this old-world charm. But for electricity, you might imagine you have stepped back in time! Add a glorious display of hanging baskets from late spring onwards, roaring open fires in colder months and a warm welcome all year round and The Kicker is a destination not to be missed.