‘The Bull’ at Burford , top quality hotel accommodation at an affordable price.
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Sitting talking to one of the locals over dinner he remarked that the Bull was now one of the best places to eat in Burford, a comment that I have to say was well deserved.
Situated in the pretty Cotswold town of Burford just off the main road from Oxford(20 miles) to Cheltenham(22 miles), The Bull was bought about 18 months ago by Jean Marie Lauzier.
Living just four miles from the town he had for some time been looking for a property to buy when suddenly it was pointed out by a friend that The Bull was for sale.
Closed down for many years it had been owned previously by a brewery but was in a terrible state. Investing their life savings in the venture they started with just nine rooms which now has been increased to twelve.
Built originally in 1475 the hotel includes the Market Room which was used for conducting business until the mid 19th century. Oliver Cromwell has links with the establishment and imprisoned over 300 levellers in the nearby church. If you visit the church which is a short walk from The Bull you will be able to see a recent plaque dedicate to some of the souls who perished in this event.
In 1669 King Charles made The Bull his headquarter and in 1802 Nelson stayed here. A recent visit from David Cameron added yet another celebrity to its books!
The rooms are extremely comfortable and have a number of services on offer including tea and coffee making facilities and an excellent range of toiletries. The Market Room is which is now a bedroom and very spacious is exceptionally comfortable There is a small car park at the back and free parking opposite in the main street. Many of the rooms have four poster beds and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
Thoroughly upgraded you will also be most impressed with the friendly welcome which you will get from the staff.
A Grade 2 listed building one of the major delights is their top quality restaurant .Using local produce there are a range of dishes designed to show off the best of the chef who has been with them since the start of business. A 2 star AA Rosette establishment there is both a set and a la carte menu. I was fortunate enough to try a meal which consisted of grilled asparagus, a delicious mixture of roasted rump of lamb and puy lentil sauce.This was followed by the chef's signature dish the caramel experience which was quite spectacular and meant for one night forgetting my daily calorie intake! My partner enjoyed the set menu which she commented included some of the best food she had tasted for a long time. If you are staying half board then there is a generous allowance set against the a la carte menu each evening. Breakfast included a delicious porridge with apple and raisins and scrambled egg and smoked salmon.
The hotel offers a range of two and five night deals together with romantic breaks.
Jean Maire said that, ‘There was lack of a good restaurant in the area which we have now provided. We are user friendly and probably the best restaurant within ten miles. The rooms are constantly full and very popular throughout the year.'
The Bull is ideally suited for short breaks as there are plenty of attractions in the area. First time visitors should visit Bibury with its tiny Cotswold houses, Blenheim Palace childhood home of Winston Churchill and Stratford upon Avon. An area of outstanding beauty you should also take time to walk around Burford and explore some of the side roads which are littered with attractive buildings.
Jean Marie and his wife Clare are ideal hosts and will provide a warm welcome to all guests.
For more information and special offers go to www.bullatburford.co.uk.
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