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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat on the Pub Forum

Black Bull, Stirling

Main Street
Gartmore
Postal town: Stirling
FK8 3RW

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Will Larter left this review about Black Bull

This place featured in a TV documentary about how pubs were having to reinvent themselves - in this case, as a community-owned pub reviving what had become a somewhat moribund outlet. As I recall, part of their business model included volunteer labour from the people who had put money into the new venture. My route by car took me near enough to justify a stop, but I soon wished I hadn't. The two real ales on the bar were both from Harviestoun Brewery: nice to see a local brewery featuring, but the beers were Schiehallion lager and a wheat beer. Very odd. I looked among the keg taps for something to try and spotted McEwans 70/-. The lass who was serving me poured about two-thirds into a half pint glass - one-third froth - took my payment and walked away from the bar. I waited for her to come back, and waited. When she eventually returned she still paid no attention to my untouched beer, and I finally had to break the silence and ask her to top it up. I almost wished I hadn't bothered, as it was cold, fizzy and taste-free, but I'd paid £2.50 (yes, it was £5 a pint!) for this crap and I wanted to get full value.

On 4th July 2022 - rating: 5
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Graham Coombs left this review about Black Bull Hotel

Family-run village hotel with a slightly old-fashioned feel. The friendly bar on the road frontage is pleasant but not huge, with a couple of dining rooms behind and a function room to the rear. Only one of the two handpumps seemed to be in use, dispensing Old Speckled Hen at time of visit. Food is home-made and fine. A good traditional local.

On 2nd July 2015 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3641 recommendations about 3576 pubs]