The Bull, Stratford Old Town, Stratford-Upon-Avon

The central L-shaped bar counter in the Bull supports premium keg and three handpumps that were drawing Wye Valley’s The Bull alongside Sharp’s Doom Bar and Doom Bar Extra Chilled, FFS. The L-shaped interior has seating and a pool table at the front and at the rear is a stage with music equipment and a dartboard that had a piano on the oche. To the right of the entrance is a curtain with ‘Fat Cat Club’ written on it, I didn’t investigate as I was the only customer during a recent midweek evening visit. The front of the pub feels like a pub, but the rear feels more like a village hall. I left thinking that this place is on its last legs, and the ‘publican wanted’ sign on the exterior backed up this thought. The service was polite, but I found the whole experience a bit disappointing.

Official site of The Bull - thebullatstratford.co.uk

Official site of The Bull - thebullatstratford.co.uk

The West end has been renamed The Bull. Decent pub a short stroll out of town. We had the "house" beer - Wye Valley Bull pale which I suspect was HPA rebadged. A good pint all the same! Worth a visit.

The former New Bulls Head has been given makeover in a semi-modern style that is slightly unexpected in this side street location some way off the main tourist track. However, it is well done, and the new landlord is very welcoming. The main bar still has a pool table at the back but the former shop beside the entrance is now a small lounge. There is also a smart patio beer garden to the rear. Four of six handpumps were operational when I visited, offering Doom Bar, Landlord, Hooky and an excellent pint of Windrush from North Cotswold (£3.80).