The Bull Inn, Cranbrook

One of two pubs in the village, and this one is more food led, but it's certainly not a fancy gastro-pub. It retains a pair of seating / dining areas, divided by the central servery, with the main counter to the left and a lounge / restaurant (with more of a wide hatch) to the right. Both have a mix of semi-traditional also has a part-covered patio area to one side. I only found one of the three handpumps in use, but this produced a very serviceable pint of Harvey's (£4.60).

Official site of The Bull Inn - thebullinnrolvenden.co.uk

Official site of The Bull Inn - thebullinnrolvenden.co.uk

What a difference! The last and only time I visited this pub, at least fifteen years ago, it was dark and malevolent, a real fighting pub. A bit out of place in what seems to be a somewhat upstage village, former residents include Ian Dury and Joanna Lumley (not necessarily at the same time.) Now it is bright and open and a bit soulless. A traditional village building, the front door opens onto a long, somewhat cluttered bar giving onto all areas. My fleeting visit was on a bright December Saturday lunchtime:a shooting party having enjoyed lunch had some problems with welly identification. Amongst the keg and lager fonts on the bar were two handpumps serving Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter and Old Dairy’s Red Top, brewed just down the road. I didn’t try the Harvey’s, but the Old Dairy seemed in good condition. The folk behind the bar said the new management had been there for about eight months and was developing their catering offering. They deserve to do well, and when the initial brightness tones in The Bull will be an asset for the area.