The Bull, Hertford

Official site of The Bull - www.thebullwatton.co.uk

Official site of The Bull - www.thebullwatton.co.uk

My first visit since this old building has been renovated into a gastro pub,the new owners have tried to maintain some pub atmosphere.Once through the front door you are met by waiting staff wanting to seat you at a dining table,with both rooms to the left and right having tables set for dining.Ahead is the main body of the pub which has the bar to the left opposite a huge brick fireplace and there are seats,a large banquette and tables for drinking or dining.As the restaurant fills up,diners migrate to the bar area but there is a drinking shelf of substantial wood,looking like a butchers table,either side of the front door where you can sit on a stool,drink and gaze out of the front window if you don't want to be invaded by diners.Outside at the rear is an awning and wooden furniture for use in good weather.The steady drone of jazz style muzak detracted from the experience inside. On my trip there were three real ales,Doom Bar,Ringwood 49er,and Woodforde's Wherry in OK condition but the ale selection did nothing to set the pulse racing and was unambitious for somewehere branding itself as gastro.There was little on the menu under £10,many mains around £15 and although well cooked,the portion sizes were somewhat nouvelle cuisine. The two dining areas are quaint and stylish but not huge ,so it is worth booking ahead.It may be unkind to describe The Bull as a triumph of style over substance but at the food prices charged I didn't receive great value and I wouldn't choose this place to sink a few pints.