Wonderfully Welcoming…
Tedd Walmsley visits the Black Bull at Old Langho to discover one of the Ribble Valley’s most popular country inns
Set in beautiful countryside is one of the Ribble Valley’s hidden gems – the award-winning Black Bull at Old Langho, a traditional pub with a burgeoning reputation for fantastic food, super service and a laid-back vibe.
The pub is owned and run by husband-and-wife team Jamie and Becky Govier, Becky is very ‘hands on’ and is the driving force behind the business.
Many pubs in the Ribble Valley don’t open early in the week, limiting the choices for lunch and dinner. Becky saw this gap and the Black Bull is usually extraordinarily busy during this time with a variety of customers from locals, walkers, business clients and of course tourists all keen to see what the fuss is about.
Over the past couple of years, the pub has seen plenty of improvements both inside and out – representing a serious investment for Jamie and Becky, who have restored the building to create a wonderfully welcoming country inn. Inside the traditional pub the features are enhanced with roaring fires and a stunning dining area created for celebrations and private dining. The interior is tastefully decorated with lovely touches throughout, enhancing the whole experience that shouldn’t be underestimated.
The outside space was transformed during lockdown to become an iconic al fresco dining experience – complete with its sail canopy to offer both shade and protection from the odd wet days in the valley! It has proven tremendously popular with a variety of groups and is dog friendly, child friendly and very relaxed. It’s become the place to enjoy a cold beer, a crisp, fruity G&T or a glass of fizz on a stunning afternoon or evening surrounded by birdsong, wildlife and incredible views over the Ribble Valley.
The exciting addition of a seven-bedroom boutique B&B opposite the pub will be completed by the summer of 2025 with additional suites in the grounds. This will be a welcome addition to the accommodation options in the Ribble Valley.
The main reason to visit the Black Bull is of course the food – the breadth and variety on the menu is superb. There really is something for everyone, generous snacks and nibbles sit alongside doorstep sandwiches, signature sharing boards and a host of main course options to suit all tastes and appetites. Like everything at the Black Bull, the food is prepared with love and passion. Weekly specials are creative and varied and their Sunday lunch has become legendary – my wife and I are frequent visitors to enjoy this and use it as our benchmark whenever and wherever we eat Sunday lunch in the UK. Cask ales and cold draught lagers are complemented by an intriguing and well thought out wine list.
We shouldn’t forget the service at the pub and this, for me, can make or break a meal. Becky has recruited a formidable team of staff to look after their guests. Attentive where necessary but balanced with discretion and quiet efficiency – nothing is too much trouble and their smiles are infectious and once again, add something to the overall experience.
You may have seen that the Bull’s very own Dan Merriman recently won the BBC MasterChef: The Professionals competition. There are some exciting evenings planned in the first few months of the year (see the box out for more details).
In recent months Becky and Jamie have taken on a second iconic Ribble Valley venue – the Edisford Bridge, which overlooks the River Ribble and bridge of the same name – another transformation is underway and the early results look incredible.
No visit to Clitheroe should be complete without visiting this quintessential British pub. There are plenty of pub classics and fine ales to enjoy and a new outdoor space is soon to be completed for everyone to enjoy.
If you find yourself in the Ribble Valley at all, then be sure to drop into either one – or even both – of these fine establishments where you’ll be guaranteed the warmest of welcomes.
The Black Bull
Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW
01254 248801
enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk
The Edisford Bridge
Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB7 3LJ
01200 422637
