I cannot believe that this is now not on the Qype map! The Bull at Brougthon has recently been taken over by Nigel Haworth of the Ribble Vale Inns fame and many T.V. appearances. When we read about it in the local paper we just had to have a look and see whether it had been improved. It most definately has. The ambience of the pub remains the same. A good english pub with good food a great ambience and not overpriced. However it does go beyond pub grub. I will tell you of our experience then you may judge for yourselves.
Wet dog, in laws who are not adventurous and all of us not dressed to kill after a days walking. We sat outside in the rear patio area. Wonderfully solid yet comfortable seats and tables with enough space to give you privacy but also able to feel part of the community. Each table had a very large umberella which as happened to us when it started to rain kept us dry. Although the staff did invite us in (even with the dog.)
Wonderfully attentive staff, beautifully presented although a bit bemused at times by the menu but this was their first week!
The menu is comprehensive you can have a light snack a main meal or a more adventurous choice at any time of the day. All the produce is local and you can tell, it's good up here!
We opted for no starters although we were all sorely tempted.The fish pie is to die for, fluffy mash and a solid amount of fish white and sustainable and salmon succulent prawns and a creamy sauce. Others in the party opted for a side dish with this but it was not necessary as it was filling in itself.
The vennison which my husband had was to die for. Beautifully presented and every item on the plate cooked to perfection. The steak again was a triumph and for a father in law who has the same everywhere he goes this was the best he had had, he always has pepper sauce with it which he declared a triumph and did not this time pour it all over the steak as it was to good to ruin! Nigel you have triumphed he is Scottish and this is the first time he has eaten a steak in England without the sauce. Although the sauce was splendid!Whilst we where there some friends arrived and they chose the pate which they allowed me to taste, it was sumptous and served on boards with plenty of homemade warm bread,butter and beautifully displayed in a Kilner jar. However, you cannot please everyone and our friends did not like the kilner jar??
The staff bring your food outside and place it on a small trestle table and then serve it which is a lovely idea.
The interior is just as delightful, cosy with open fires in the winter and a lovely light ambience in the summer.
The only downside for me was the central ordering system which seemed out of place and more suited to a fast food pub. I must add thought that this is no reflection on the member of staff as they were helpful to the unth degree!
All the desserts we had were wonderful especially the seasonal blackberry creme caramel. My only slight fault was that the pancakes which I had were slightly overcooked but a small complaint in the grand scheme of things.
As a seasoned traveller with dogs and the disabled this is an easy access pub and the staff are soooo helpful it is wonderful. They would have been quite happy to have moved a table for us to accomodate our needs and this can be rare.
Give this place a try I do not think you will be disappointed and for you wlakers out there with dogs it is a joy. Easy parking to the rear and the front. Easy access to the rear and the front for disabled and wheelchair access although a bit tight to go to to the toilets. read more