About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about the Old Black Horse – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem, tucked away in the Derbyshire countryside. From what I've gathered from folks who've been there, the food really steals the show; their homemade pies on Wednesday nights and the Sunday carvery are spot on, with plenty of rave reviews about how tasty and generous the portions are. Pair that with a cracking selection of beers and wines, and you've got yourself a relaxing spot for a catch-up with mates. The staff come across as genuinely welcoming, always quick to serve and adding to that cozy, community feel, especially during events like the Tuesday quiz nights that keep things lively without being overwhelming. On the downside, a couple of people have shared stories about the booking system being a tad inflexible – like getting a telling-off for being 15 minutes late due to traffic, with that 90-minute table rule putting a damper on things. All in all, it's a solid choice for a night out if you're after good grub and a friendly buzz, just make sure to plan ahead and arrive on time to make the most of it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
The food is absolutely spot on, with homemade pies and a brilliant Sunday carvery that's become a real highlight for many.
-
The staff are so friendly and professional, making every visit feel welcoming and efficient.
-
It's got a lovely, cozy atmosphere in a countryside setting, with a great beer garden that's perfect for a summer evening.
-
They offer a fantastic selection of drinks, from premium draft beers to good wines, and even local brews like Screech Owl.
-
The events are a blast – think quiz nights on Tuesdays and pie nights on Wednesdays, which add a fun, community vibe to the place.
Cons
-
Some have mentioned strict booking policies, like the 90-minute table limit, which can leave a bit of a sour note if you're running late.
Contact Information
Main St, Mapperley, Ilkeston DE7 6BY
+441159329624
Pub
Opens at 17:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday (Today) | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 20:00 |
Recent Reviews
When Scott and Sarah left the Punchbowl I thought we would never have a local pub again. However we started going to the Old Black Horse for the quiz on a Tuesday evening and I suddenly realised it felt like our local, even though it’s in Mapperly. The atmosphere is great and if you want to eat the food is delicious , thanks to Tony, the fantastic chef. It even welcomes dogs. I’m so glad that we started going to the Old Black Horse, the staff are lovely and very welcoming. We’re so lucky that we discovered the best pub in the area.
Absolutely fantastic food and the service and staff were excellent. Always looking for a place that served great sunday carvery meal. Well this place gets the vote. First time for me and family here as we were recommended the place so didn’t know what to expect. The place was cozy especially where the food was served and staff were very polite and happy. The food was amazing and the portions were so good. (Be careful your eyes could be bigger than your tummy lol)
Very tasty and plentiful. We had the sweets as well and that was lovely too. Great selection.
Will we go back? Most definitely and thank you Nick I believe the manager and the staff and to the chef Rob for a great experience yesterday.
Lovely meal we had lovely pies and a yummy dessert and service was good, the only thing to leave a bad taste was how we were treated when we called due to very heavy traffic due to unknown roadworks which meant we would be 15 minutes late, we were told tables are only booked for 90 minutes which seems pretty tight if you wanted more than one course. I understand tables can be booked, but it seems more appropriate to allow 2 hours for a meal reservation. The next table to us weren't late, but we're told they weren't allowed dessert and that they had to leave. We were lucky as they could move us to another table and move our booking later so we were allowed dessert.
16th October 2024, we visited the Old Black Horse, and it was the Wednesday Night Pie night. We had a really good night. The price was fantastic. You can also order off the normal menu. The pies are first-rate and as good as any I have tasted before. The staff are really nice being professional and very friendly at the same time. We have been a number of times and had the Carvary. This is one of the tastest I have tasted, and the price is resealable.
Stopped here during an evening walk from Shipley Country Park for drinks. Lovely pub set in the countryside with a large beer garden with plenty seating. Service was quick and they had an excellent range of beers on tap including Screech Owl from Castle Rock Brewery.
Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl
Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.
High Ln E, West Hallam, Ilkeston DE7 6HW
90/100
1.0mi
43 The Village, West Hallam, Ilkeston DE7 6GR
85/100
1.1mi
Ilkeston Rd, Marlpool, Shipley, Heanor DE75 7LX
86/100
1.8mi
Ladywood Rd, Ilkeston DE7 4NJ
82/100
2.4mi
The White Hart, Derby Rd, Stanley, Ilkeston DE7 6EX
89/100
2.4mi