PUBS

One Year of The Bull at Charlbury: Inside the UK’s Hottest Pub

The Bull at Charlbury is a stylish, unique English pub located in the historic town of Charlbury. Recently The Bull celebrated its first birthday. One year of pints, pies and local produce. The Bull is the perfect example of a village pub, owners Phil Winser and James Gummer both feel a responsibility to nurture the traditional hospitality of pubs, bringing things back to the basics by connecting them to farming and the land and by making them the centre of diverse local communities.  We spoke with Ronnie Bonetti, the executive chef, where he discussed the inspiration behind The Bull’s dishes and their farm-to-table ethos.

BY ARCHIE CAWTHRA

9 July 2024

The Bull, Charlbury Fireplace

The Bull opened in July 2023, after an extensive refurbishment, by Charlbury born publicans James Gummer and Phil Winser, who also run The Pelican in Notting Hill, known as one of the best pubs in W11. Ironically, James and Phil had their first pint in this very pub! From the moment The Bull reopened last summer, it was an instant hit with the locals, who loved the unique feel in the historic English pub. Preserving this old-age boozer with a modern twist.

Standing on the corner of Sheep Street since early 1500s, it has been the cornerstone of Charlbury for centuries. It has seen many iterations over the years, however, its charm and character have remained. Primarily a local pub serving good beer, they also have a restaurant centred around open fire cooking. The proximity of the ingredients and close working relationships between chef and farmer allow for the menu to change regularly, working directly with farms and growers, including their own Market Garden at Bruern Farms, which started in May 2023, with the chefs receiving a bounty of weekly produce added daily to the pub’s menu. We spoke with Ronnie Bonetti, the executive chef at The Bull, where he discussed the inspiration behind the dishes at The Bull and their farm-to-table ethos.

What is unique about The Bull?

“Its approach and values as an English pub. We have a great supply chain with Tom, our head grower, supplying us with fresh produce that is beautifully grown and in season. We also work closely with FarmEd, who grow our vegetables for us as well. Our ethos is the best of UK produce.”

Do you think The Bull will change the way future pubs are done?

“You would like to think so, as pubs are having such a difficult time, change needs to happen to put a heart back into them.”

What do you think is most important when it comes to a pub?

“The pub is a public’s house and needs to be welcoming for everyone to use and enjoy.”

What inspires the food at The Bull?

“Cooking with British produce and making it stand out.”

What is important to you when choosing and creating the menu?

“The magic with seeing what’s available on the day and let the produce stand out for what they are.”

What do you think is most important when it comes to a pub?

“Don’t over complicate it and also it’s important for the guests to interact with our wonderful team to learn about the menu and food served at The Bull.”

How would you describe The Bull in three words?

“Unique English Pub”

The Bull is home to ten beautiful rooms and a boutique cottage, perfect for a single night stay or a long weekend away. You have everything you need for a relaxing countryside escape. Bedrooms feature freestanding baths, super king-sized beds and amenities by Wildsmith. Activities include clay-pigeon shooting, a friendly tennis match at the local court or if you’re in the mood to unwind, some weekend yoga.

These rooms aren’t the classic, dingy hideaways often associated with pubs, but stylish, minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing boutique rooms.

The Bull is only a short train ride from London Paddington and 8 minute walk from Charlbury station, making it the perfect way to spend a sunny day escaping the city.

From £180 per night, visit thebullcharlbury.com