Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Tedd Walmsley applauds the creative and talented team behind the hugely successful Black Bull at Old Langho, which is gearing up for a triumphant Christmas
It’s hard to imagine that this time last year we were heading into a full national lockdown with non-essential retail and all hospitality having to close their doors.
What we didn’t know at the time is that this four-week circuit breaker would last pretty much through to April for Ribble Valley hospitality venues. The draconian tier system, that with hindsight was so unfair, was the major factor in this.
The ever-resilient owners of the Black Bull, Jamie and Becky did everything possible to keep the doors open whilst working to the new rules. They served hundreds of delicious takeaway Sunday lunches and stood outside in all weathers offering hot drinks and hot sandwiches to walkers and those desperate to exercise and be outdoors. These weekend initiatives helped them maintain a presence for the pub and provided a platform for the success that was to follow.
We now roll on 12 months and thankfully things have improved. As I write this article, we can at last look forward to spending time together enjoying the company of friends, family, colleagues and clients and finally get to celebrate Christmas – albeit 12 months late.
The team at the Black Bull have created a wonderful Christmas party menu and can accommodate groups from four to 60 people. The menu is available Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 7.30pm and represents excellent value at £25 for two courses and £30 for three courses. It was so difficult last year to not be allowed to mix freely and to be with, and celebrate with, people you care for. I genuinely think we owe it to ourselves and to venues like the Black Bull to get booked in and finally sit back, relax and enjoy some incredible food and wine served in such a traditional setting.
The run up to Christmas will also see the breadth and variety of an ever-changing a la carte menu, which introduces new seasonal dishes, alongside the classics for which the Black Bull has become renowned. Having spoken to Jamie and Becky I know they’ll be pulling out all the stops to create a perfect Christmas backdrop and atmosphere – this doesn’t happen by chance – their creativity combined with a fully committed front of house, will make your experience complete in my view.
Outside space is going to be transformed into a Santa’s grotto with resident Father Christmas and a very naughty elf – this is firmly one for the family to enjoy. This is a great excuse for mums and dads to get the kids into the fresh air and also enjoy a mulled wine.
As we move headlong into winter, I for one continue to applaud the energy and passion of everyone at the Black Bull. From adversity we now have triumph – I truly hope everyone can enjoy their efforts particularly in the run up to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.
The Black Bull
Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW
01254 248801
enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
