Former 'Nut Employees Reveal a 'Wild Horse' for Every Day

A lighter, "warn and inviting" look has been revealed inside The Wild Horse Cafe in Beverly, which has been open for about a week after complete interior renovations by two restaurateurs who first met while working together at a Hamilton restaurant.

"The idea was to open it up and soften it up," said Matt Blanchard, who runs The Wild Horse with Chef Sam Hunt.

Blanchard and Hunt both met when they worked together at 15 Walnut Bistro in Hamilton. After talking they both decided they wanted to own and operate their own restaurant, and late last year bough the Wild Horse.

For example, the bar has been opened up to the dining room, creating a portion of the dining room that is adjacent to the bar. And in the middle of that section, a large "community table" that sits 12 people.

The table, made of refurbished Oak, is much like a bar but more social, Blanchard said.

"With a setup like that, it is easier to socialize," he said.

The bar area also includes several new flatscreen TVs.

The new entrance comes into the restaurant in the middle, and the side furthest from the bar retains some of what The Wild Horse has been known for - the big comfy chairs.

A portion of the kitchen is still open to the dining room too.

"We're trying to have a place where you can go any day of the week," Blanchard said.

The two sides of the restaurant also allow it to easily accommodate groups - from wedding and baby showers to birthday parties and rehearsal dinners.

Blanchard and Hunt took over at the restaurant earlier this year and took about four months to get a "good grasp on the clientele" before undertaking some changes.

The new look inside was the creation of Blanchard and Hunt, who worked with architect John Fuller of Beverly who took their "conceptual vision and put it on paper."

"What we have tried to do is create a feel that is comfortable for regulars," Blanchard said.

While there's a new look inside and a new menu, some things haven't changed.

"We're still focusing on martinis," Blanchard said, noting the "Girl Scout Martini" is still on the menu. There's still the nachos and a wide selection of craft beers at the bar.

The Wild Horse will also be open at lunchtime. Blanchard said there are only a handful of places that offer a "full dining experience" with liquor at lunch. The restaurant hopes to attract works from the nearby Cummings Center at lunchtime.

Brunch will also be served on weekends. It will be open until 1 a.m. each night an closed on Mondays.