Once Whitby’s youngest publican and now one of its longest serving, Sue Paling of The Black Horse on Church Street has been awarded a prestigious long service award by the pub’s owners Star Pubs.
The award was given to her by Area Manager, MatthewWilliams, in recognition of the contribution she has made to the community during her 20 Years behind the bar.
Sue was only 26 when she took on The Black Horse, an historic pub where she used to drink and had worked at as a member of bar staff since 1998 including during holidays from university. Her grandfather used to be a regular and Sue employed her mother behind the bar until 15 years ago when she retired.
Says Sue: “It was a case of right place and right time for me. I had graduated from university in Earth Sciences but fortunately realised rather than follow a career in science I should follow my heart. I felt happiest and most at home at The Black Horse, so when the opportunity came up to take on the lease, I leapt at it. For a short while I also ran The Fleece, but you can’t split yourself in two and customers expect to see the landlord behind the bar.
“I love the feel and history of the pub. It’s a characterful cosy two room bar still. In the past it has been a coaching inn, a funeral parlour, brothel and spirit warehouse. It also has one of the oldest public serving bars in Europe.”
When Sue took on The Black Horse trade was quieter and seasonal. Today it’s busy all Year round, as is Whitby. She invested in upgrading the interior, introduced food including the pub’s renowned Yorkshire Tapas – YAPAS2 – and made the pub’s four letting rooms ensuite. She’s also created 100 jobs over the years, many bar staff working during holidays, like she did once herself.
During Sue’s time at The Black Horse she has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity. Since 2016 alone, the pub has raised £40,185.00 for Whitby lifeboat from its handmade dog bandanas. People donate material, Sue’s mother Mave makes them, and they’re sold at the pub for £2.50 each.
The pub has also raised £6000 for Whitby and Scarborough Dog Rescue through sales of Good Dog walk Guides which lists other dog friendly venues, available for just £1. Sue and her partner, Ian, put together the guide nine years ago to raise funds for the charity.
Over the last 20 years The Black Horse has won a number of awards including an award from CAMRA and the 2014 Whitby Gazette pub of the year. It is Cask Marque accredited and has also been in Good Beer Guide since 2007.
Adds Sue: “I have loved and continue to love running The Black Horse and have no intention of leaving it anytime soon. We have some fantastic customers many of whom are holidaymakers who come back time and again. It has been lovely making friends and welcoming new residents to the area. So thank you to my lovely customers for all your support and friendship and to my hardworking staff.
“As for the future, The Black Horse now has a license to host weddings for a maximum of 12 people, ideal for those wanting intimate bespoke weddings. We already have two booked for 2025.”
Comments Star Pubs Area Manager, Matthew Williams: “The Black Horse may be small, but it has a big role to play in Whitby. It’s a popular tourist destination, a showcase for Yorkshire fayre and wonderful hospitality, and an outstanding fundraiser for great causes. None of this would be possible without Sue’s hard work and total passion for The Black Horse and the local community. I wish Sue many happy years at The Black Horse, as I am sure do her regulars.”
