Meet the Publican - The Black Horse, Aylestone

We venture to the outskirts of Leicester for this edition of “Meet The Publican”. At The Black Horse, Aylestone, you will find Stuart Fraser at the helm. He stands behind the bar with the real look of a typical pub Landlord.

Stuart was born on 1st April 1950 but he’s no fool; the place, the now demolished 20 Narborough Road.  His parents Alexander and Gertrude hail from Scotland. He attended Hamelin Road School and Braunstone Hall, moving on to Ellesmere Road School which he left at the age of 15.

His first job was a Telegram Boy for the Post Office based in Blackwell Court (next to Bishop Street). He moved on to the hosiery for 3 years, then GPO Telephone engineer for 9 years, based at 401 Aylestone Road. This was followed by 18 years in electronic security and alarms, during which time, on a visit to the Palais de Dance, he met Pauline Lax. She came from Royal Leamington Spa and was in Leicester spending the weekend with her friend from Groby. In June 1973 they were married at Leicester Registry Office. 

Stuart didn’t manage his first pub until 1996, taking on The Dovecote at Wednesbury in 1996, followed by The Dovecote at Stafford.  In 1998, he took on The Black Horse, Foxon Street, Leicester following the untimely death of Tim Ward. He soon established himself with the regulars and eventually earned himself a place in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. 3½ years later, he was looking for a bigger pub when The Black Horse in Aylestone became available. He moved there in 2002 where he intends to stay until retirement. His comments were “I’ve only had 2 pub names and 4 pubs”.

Pauline and Stuart have two children, Duncan age 26 and Kelly aged 32.  Between them they have three grandchildren, Fraser aged 4, Alexander aged 2½ and James aged 1. Stuart’s interests are any sport, especially Leicester Tigers, as he holds a season ticket. He enjoys playing golf as it’s the only sport he can still play.

The Black Horse in Aylestone is a large three roomed pub on Narrow Lane. Pauline and Stuart look forward to your visit.

Keith Williams.

This page last updated: May 28, 2008

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