The Full Bull Experience…
As we head into the New Year Tedd Walmsley chats to Becky Govier about the success of the Black Bull and the new boutique accommodation
I caught up, probably for the last time in 2024 with Becky Govier, one of the most hard-working women in the hospitality industry I have ever met.
Our plan was to sit down and look at the first quarter of 2025 and the host of innovations planned across the year. It was always going to be a brief conversation as alongside chatting to me, Becky was simultaneously sorting out Christmas decorations, lighting a fire and answering the phone with bookings for the festivities. Just an average day for Becky and one of the reasons the Black Bull is now one of the true cornerstones of the Ribble Valley hospitality scene.
I was keen to understand the progress on Keepers Cottage, which she tells me, should be open for next summer – building work has progressed on the seven-bedroomed boutique B & B with additional suites in the grounds.
This will be a welcome addition to the current accommodation offering in the Ribble Valley and will give visitors from outside the area a firsthand opportunity to experience a full ‘Bull’ culinary extravaganza.
In addition to the boutique hotel, Becky has set her sights on making the Bull a hub for bespoke celebration events. From intimate weddings to memorable milestone birthdays, the venue caters for every conceivable occasion. Events are bespoke, tailored to individual clients’ requirements ensuring that every detail, from the menu to the décor, reflects their unique style. The Bull has become more popular than ever for this type of private event with the team focused on creating an unforgettable experience. Be sure to book well in advance for your unique celebration and particularly if you want to take advantage of the new accommodation at Keepers Cottage.
The Bull is one of the few venues in the Ribble Valley that remains open seven days a week – a decision not taken lightly given the pounding the whole of the hospitality sector was given in the last budget. I urge you to support her by making it the ‘go to’ at the beginning of the week whilst never ignoring the stunning food and drink each evening, the stellar service and their special Sunday lunch.
Becky and her husband Jamie have a second venue of course, just down the road in Clitheroe – the Edisford. Serving unashamedly ‘pub classics’ in a warm and convivial atmosphere, this is another perfect venue for a cold winter’s night or after working up an appetite on a midweek walk in the stunning Ribble Valley. The weekend breakfast goes from strength to strength, which seems to be supported by an enthusiastic group of regulars. I can’t think of anything better than a ‘full English’ before a big sports event and it’s our plan to meet up pre-football in the very near future.
By the time you read this article the results from the recent BBC programme, MasterChef: The Professionals will be known. As we went to press it was finals week and we all have our fingers and toes crossed for the outcome to be positive. Becky is understandably proud of Dan Merriman and his achievements in the show – what a talent in our midst!
Let’s show our support by making 2025 a great year for Becky and her team.
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
