All Set For Summer
Sunday lunch never disappoints at the Black Bull, which is gearing up for summer with its fabulous alfresco dining options, writes Tedd Walmsley. Photography: Roger Moore
‘Food glorious food’. This old Lionel Bart classic always come into my head whenever I visit the Black Bull at Old Langho. Our recent return visit with friends Andy and Lynn, for Sunday lunch, was once again superb, ably looked after by the fantastic front of house team, who are always so friendly and simply want to make every element of the dining experience special.
Sunday is always a busy one at the Black Bull and their robust Sunday roasts never disappoint. Their attention to detail, consistency and flavours are as good as it gets in the Ribble Valley and are a feast for both the eyes and the belly. Our empty plates bore testimony to that!
There is an amazing young and very talented chef that I want to praise and the man who is also behind the evolution of the extensive menu. Callum is a young chef bursting with ideas and a huge asset to owners Becky and Jamie Govier. It’s easy to wax lyrical about the pub classics, doorstep sandwiches and grazing boards all of which are great, but there’s so much more to the current menu. Becky encourages Callum and his team to express themselves with a selection of inspired dishes that change frequently and which are usually determined by the availability and seasonality of the fresh ingredients.
We, the diners, are of course the beneficiaries and can currently choose from a host of fresh fish and seafood, stunning salads and sweet treats. As we move into early summer the other key asset is the pub, which comes more to the fore with the outdoor alfresco dining area adding another set of options to the mix. For those of us who enjoy eating outdoors, simply enjoying a bottle of wine, cocktails or a cold beer on a hot day, this is the place to be. The wonderful sail shaped canopy provides shade alongside heaters and blankets to take the edge off a cool Ribble Valley evening and its often the place for live music, fresh pizza or a barbecue and the preferred lunch spot for many.
Becky of course will never stand still and as we speak, is planning a host of events around the bank holiday and will no doubt communicate these via their very effective social media platforms. Becky is not one to be underestimated and the combination of a fine building and outdoor area isn’t just by chance – it’s through commitment, passion, investment and sometimes just sheer bloody-mindedness, but it’s a cracking formula and one to be admired.
I think you’ll be thrilled with any visit you make across the seven-day opening and whenever you go, you’ll always be made welcome.
The Black Bull
Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW
01254 248801
enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
