The Bull, Oxfordshire

The owners behind critically acclaimed London gastropub The Pelican have expanded to the Cotswolds with the opening of The Bull in Charlbury, Oxfordshire.

James Gunner and Phil Winser, who have been critically acclaimed for their Notting Hill venue, undertook a complete restoration of the 16th-century inn that has been the cornerstone of Charlbury for centuries.

The Bull is only a short train ride from London Paddington and an 8-minute walk from Charlbury station.

The character inn boasts flagged floors, timbered ceilings, Cotswold stone and open fires, giving it a relaxed and intimate feel. There is a 55-cover dining room, bar area and a large outdoor space.

Both Phil and James grew up in the area and had their first pints pulled in The Bull. Their families still live in the area and James said “we feel this is coming home for us.”

It trades as a local pub serving good beer that also has a restaurant centred around open fire cooking. The menu is overseen by Chef George Williams.

It prides itself on using local produce with a farm-to-table concept and has daily conversations with its farmers and growers, which means the menu is constantly changing.

Delights on the menu include salt baked celeriac, green sauce; rump, black cabbage; cuttlefish, celery and chicken liver, pickles and whole partridge, bacon, cabbage. bar snacks include peppercorn cured sausage, game tea, liver toast and sausage roll.

The pub also has 10 en-suite bedrooms, many of which have freestanding baths and super king-sized beds. It also offers a semi-private room that can accommodate groups of 8 to 12 guests.

For a more intimate setting, the secret garden room provides an elegant backdrop for gatherings of up to 25 guests. Larger celebrations of up to 30 guests can be hosted in its marquee that offers a great outdoor experience.