Ahead Of The Game
The Black Bull at Old Langho has always been one step ahead and with further investment planned, the pub continues to remain a firm favourite, writes Tedd Walmsley
It’s not quite six months since our pubs and restaurants re-opened back in April, initially opening outside only but each month slowly regaining some sense of normality and service. At the Black Bull at Old Langho, each challenge has been met with the same passion and panache – whilst others might have erected makeshift DIY marquees and plastic chairs and tables, the Black Bull embraced the situation creating a wonderful outdoor space with signature ‘sail’. I’m told the investment outside will continue with more covered space and feature fires as events such as their Oktoberfest are planned for later in the year.
This kind of investment and vision has made the Black Bull a beacon and ‘go-to’ for both locals and customers travelling from throughout the Ribble Valley and beyond. Liz and I have worked with owners Jamie and Rebecca over the last few months and really feel part of its evolution. We were there on the first night of celebrations – a cold and windy April evening when everything felt very new and different, and more recently, we enjoyed a superb traditional Sunday lunch to celebrate our wedding anniversary and experienced all that the Black Bull has to offer.
The restaurant has all the crucial ingredients, excellent food, super service and a great vibe which is easy to say but much harder to execute successfully. The success, in my opinion, comes from the same level of investment in the infrastructure, being matched with the training and development of the staff and their search for quality ingredients.
Like many of our hospitality clients, finding and keeping good staff is difficult but Jamie and Rebecca have done a fine job. The most recent addition to the team is Ian Cooper, who joined as their new head chef – young and full of energy and ideas with a great pedigree – look out for his speciality desserts and an evolving menu with new creations and seasonal favourites joining the Black Bull classics.
As the seasons begin to change many of us will want to move indoors to eat where the Black Bull takes on its own welcoming ambience with roaring fires and autumn delights on the menu. It’s everything you’d expect from a great traditional pub but also boasts fabulous private dining and numerous events including Live Ribble Valley’s own singles supper club.
The Black Bull has a strong social media presence, and this will be the best way to keep up to date with the wide range of events planned for the next few weeks. Please support the efforts that Jamie and Rebecca have made – I’m sure you’ll not be disappointed.
The Black Bull
Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW
01254 248801
enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
facebook.com/BlackBullLangho
