The Bull Hotel, Ludlow

This was once probably a fine coaching inn with an 18th century façade to a 16th century core and grade II-listed since 15th April 1954. It’s also a pub where respect for the ancient, multi-level interior has largely gone by the wayside, with a mishmash of old and new displaying some very fine old wooden members, sadly painted. Then there’s patterned wallpaper and paint that’s either a shade of ‘Islington smoky blue’ or ugly chartreuse; another wall was clad with plywood for some reason. There’s a games machine, a silent TV showing dross, pool table to the rear and a myriad flyers warning customers not to vape otherwise extolling the virtues of not getting barred, so I can only assume that at busy times – always assuming such a state of affairs occurs here – there may be trouble ahead. Aside from the couple playing pool, there were just two other customers; several mattresses were being delivered, the whole giving the impression that this is some sort of downmarket backpackers’ pub. Cask companions amounted to three unused pumps then one with a reversed Ludlow Gold clip (probably permanently), me opting for a half of Guinness at an expensive £2.50 served by a taciturn landlady who continued her conversation with a young woman (the aforementioned Miss Ludlow?) whilst pouring, her only communication with me amounting to ‘Cash or card?’. A different marking system gives the impression that my experience was better than the previous reviewer’s but it really wasn’t; the Blue Boar is a short walk away.

Official site of The Bull Hotel - www.bullhotelpubludlow.co.uk

Official site of The Bull Hotel - www.bullhotelpubludlow.co.uk

A slovenly mess and the barmaid wasn't much better. A pub that looks totally unloved, with glasses all over the place and a general feel of untidyness at 1 p.m. on a Monday. A couple of handpumps, but no beer on either of them. We have Banks's on keg said Miss Ludlow. No thanks I said as I can't be bothered wasting my time in this sort of pub. Obviously lots of people feel the same way as there were only two other punters. A total dump now which is a shame judging by the earlier reviews. I left and went to the nearby Queens. I'm expecting to have to mark this closed fairly soon.

A fairly generic town centre pub once you are inside. The servery is to your left and the interior is long and thin but it extends out at the far end of the bar. Lots of people watching the Villa/WBA playoff. Beers were from Marstons. Its not a bad pub and was probably the more busy of the pubs in the vicinity.