British Classics…
With new-season menus, weekend breakfasts and roaring fires, there’s always something to look forward to at the Black Bull and Edisford Bridge, writes Tedd Walmsley
It had been far too long since I had last caught up with the irrepressible Becky Govier. My timing was impeccable as she had hot-footed back from her second site in Clitheroe, the Edisford Bridge. She and husband Jamie had just signed the lease to secure its long-term future under their care and more-than-capable stewardship.
The Edisford is unashamedly, a traditional and historic Ribble Valley pub with great value food and drink to match its surroundings. It’s clear that the customer base is a mix of returning loyal locals and visitors many of whom are staying locally. Great pub food classics and even a weekend breakfast service have become very popular indeed.
It was also fantastic to see work finally going full steam ahead on their other project, Keepers Cottage at the Black Bull. Now back on schedule for a spring 2025 opening, this stylish boutique hotel will add much needed quality accommodation to our local area. Becky and Jamie’s commitment, drive and determination and their ‘can do’ attitude really needs to be acknowledged and applauded.
Having covered off the macro issues, I was keen to understand how autumn and winter looked at the Black Bull. On the day of my visit there was a definite autumn feel and a nip in the air – a waft of wood smoke told me that the fires were lit. It’s times like these that British pubs come into their own, with menu changes to reflect the season and a move towards creating a cosy and comfortable escape from the approaching colder weather.
Over the years I’ve seen first-hand Becky’s efforts and innovations to encourage people to visit her pub. A great example of this is a new autumn set menu which has just launched which is available Monday to Thursday 12 noon to 5 pm. It’s terrific value for money but with no compromise – with two courses at £25 and three at £28, this looks a splendid way to sample some of the Bull’s classics. I could also be tempted with the ‘pie and a pint’ Thursday or a ‘schnitzel and spritzer’ on the same menu. I envisage a host of different, tempting offers coming up in the weeks ahead – social media platforms are probably the best way to keep up with what’s new.
All our Ribble Valley restaurants are now also starting to gear up for Christmas and the New Year. Becky and the team always have plans in place to ensure you make the most of the festive season – their parties were so popular last year that many of the nights are already filling up. The combination of great food, an amazing drink selection and live music makes this both a popular and an obvious choice for those organising small office parties or those getting friends and family together to kickstart Christmas.
With four Fridays starting 29th November through to 20th December I would suggest securing your place with an early booking – small groups under 15 won’t need to pre-order which I think takes the heat out of the organisation and keeps things flexible so you can simply enjoy the night.
Becky and her incredible team have worked tirelessly on making the Black Bull the ‘go-to’ for events. I noticed recently two very different groups, both full of praise about their own very different individual experiences. One group was celebrating the passing of a loved one and the other an uplifting baby shower. All private events are bespoke and tailored to suit the occasion and I believe that this combination of innovation and consistency is the key to the continued success of Becky and both her teams. The root of her ambition is simply to ensure that her customers have the very best experience possible and off the back of that, I think it’s probably time to get a good old fashioned Sunday lunch booked into the diary and enjoy a signature roast in the very best of surroundings.
Enjoy autumn at the Bull – you will be very welcome.
The Black Bull
Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW
01254 248801
enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Edisford Bridge, Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB8 3LJ
01200 422637
01254 248801
facebook/Edisfordbridgecountrypub
