Stunning Line-Up
The Black Bull continues to impress with its festive line-up and unrivalled Sunday roasts, while at the Edisford Bridge weekend breakfast has become a real crowd-pleaser, writes Tedd Walmsley
It was a stunning autumn day in the Ribble Valley for my meeting with Becky the owner of the Black Bull at Old Langho. She had just taken yet another booking for her ‘Christmas Party Nights’ which are proving to be as popular as ever. As always, she’s putting the customer first by making the process of booking simple and as straightforward as possible – with the opportunity for smaller groups (under 15 covers) not needing to pre-order, which puts pressure on both the organiser and guests alike. Guests can relax in the knowledge that the evening will be a huge hit, and one to remember for colleagues, friends and families getting together pre-Christmas to get into the festive spirit. I can only recommend a phone call sooner than later to avoid the disappointment of the nights being over-subscribed. All of the information you need is displayed opposite.
The preparation for Christmas is in full flow which wouldn’t surprise you given the importance of the period to all our hospitality clients, who need your support. The first three weekends in December see Santa and his elves visiting the pub which is going to be a huge hit with families once again – this will need to be booked in advance for sure. The run-up to Christmas looks to be about as festive as it can get with carol singers, live music, jazz and what is now becoming an institution on Boxing Day the Irish duo from 4:30pm.
The period of time between Christmas and New Year is also not to be ignored and Becky is planning a host of special activities and reasons to visit her pub. Social media will update you with all the very latest plans as they ‘go live’.
We are of course in early November and with a month before many of these events start there is still so much going on. Having been with friends for Sunday lunch just a couple of weeks ago, I was reminded just how good their roast dinner is. No surprise then that in recent weeks, both the Bull and their sister pub The Edisford Bridge, have been full each week with diners leaving replete and with positive experiences. Talking of the Edisford, they have found a new niche serving breakfast at the weekend which is proving to be very popular and something I really must try with my pals. Chef Callum is certainly turning out classic pub dishes and being supported by a returning throng of locals alongside visitors to our beautiful valley.
I also recently experienced and thoroughly enjoyed the new sandwich menu back at the Bull. My good friend Jason was in raptures and could’ve had one of the half a dozen choices from the menu – sitting by a roaring fire makes for special times as autumn moves into the cold nights of winter.
If you are a foodie like me, you may well be glued to the new series of MasterChef the professionals, which started this week. I want you to look out for one of our own in the form of Daniel Merriman – chef here at The Bull. Becky is understandably proud and thrilled to see such a talented young chef appear on such a prestigious show. Look out for his progress and to see just how far he can get in a competition with such a talented group of chefs from all around the UK.
The excitement as we build to one of the most important times in the hospitality calendar is palpable here and sees Becky prepare her teams for long shifts and fabulous events. I urge you to support them because you’ll never be disappointed with the welcome, the food nor the service.
Have a Merry Christmas at the Bull.
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.com/Edisfordbridgecountrypub
