Popular Henley pub reopens with ‘stunning’ new look
October 5, 2016
The Bull on Bell Street has reopened after a major refurbishment that has given the popular town centre eating and drinking spot a more colourful, contemporary and relaxed feel.
The makeover, masterminded by owner Brakspear’s in-house design team, has given the bar and restaurant a lighter and brighter feel, with sanded floors and bold colours in furnishings. New layout and seating has created more flexible spaces for guests to enjoy a drink, snack or meal. While changes have been made throughout, the ‘wow’ factor is most noticeable in the conservatory, where a striking wooden floor with turquoise patterned slates is offset by bright velvet banquettes.
Both food and drink have been refreshed along with the decor. A range of sourdough pizzas with delicious toppings are cooked in the new pizza oven installed in the upstairs kitchen, and are available until 12.30 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Small plates such as soy & sesame duck salad and gambas pil pil are ideal for sharing, along with a range of nibbles such as chickpea chips or salt & pepper squid. Main courses include steaks and burgers as well as fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Children are catered for with their own menu, complete with mocktails.
Drinking is as important as dining at the Bull and the updated drinks menu offers a wider range of cocktails such as the Mojito, Amaretto Sour or Garden G&T – the latter using Hawthorn’s, one of the seven speciality gins served at the Bull.
Wine lovers will find plenty of choice on the Bull’s impressive list, including Champagne and prosecco, which are offered in the new ‘Fizz Friday’ promotion between 4 -7 pm. The bar has a wide selection of draught and bottled beers including several cask ales from the Bell Street Brewery.
The Bull on Bell Street opened in spring 2013. Brakspear’s interior designer Stephanie Dennett said, “Three years is a long time in the eating and drinking out market and we needed to update the Bull in line with customers’ expectations. It looks absolutely stunning and is a really cool, fun place to spend time.”
General manager Simon Behan added, “We’re amazed at how different the Bull looks and feels now and the changes to the menu and drinks list give us a more contemporary edge. We really are offering something different to anything else in Henley and we’re confident we’ll attract new customers as well as our many regulars.”
He added, “Although we’ve a new look, we’re not changing everything. Our popular weekend brunches are continuing, along with live music from 1pm – 4pm on Sunday afternoons and our DJ on Saturday nights. And of course the Bell Street Brewery is just yards away, so we’ll always have the newest seasonal ales on the bar as soon as they’re brewed, as well as Brakspear Special as a permanent beer.”
The Bull on Bell Street, 57-59 Bell Street, Henley, RG9 2BA
01491 576554 / book@bullonbell.co.uk / @bullonbell
OPENING HOURS
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 12.30am
Sunday: 10am – 11pm
Food is served at the following times:
Monday – Friday
Lunch: 12 noon – 6pm
Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Saturday
Brunch: 10am – 12 noon
Lunch: 12 noon – 6pm
Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Sunday
Brunch: 10am – 12 noon
Lunch: 12 noon – 6pm
Dinner: 6pm – 9pm