FOOD + DRINK
A DINING DELIGHT AT
THE BULL INN ,
BETHERSDEN
BY SAMANTHA READY
Nestled in the idyllic Kentish countryside , The Bull Inn in Bethersden is a charming 17th-century coaching inn that effortlessly blends history with a fresh , contemporary dining experience . Located just a short drive from Ashford , its location makes it the perfect escape for those seeking a hearty meal in a picturesque setting .
Upon arrival , the inn ’ s classic white weatherboard exterior and welcoming gardens set the tone for an evening of rural relaxation . Inside , The Bull is equally inviting , with a décor that beautifully balances traditional charm with modern flair . Think exposed oak beams , warm fireplaces , grey panelled walls and deep leather chairs paired with soft , muted tones and stylish touches like industrial-style light fixtures and rustic wooden tables . The ambiance is cosy and intimate yet vibrant enough for a lively meal out and is particularly welcoming , aided by flickering candle light , in dark wintry evenings .
The Bull Inn recently welcomed a new team , including Josh Long as its new head chef , and his influence is already making waves on the menu . Known for his emphasis on local , seasonal ingredients , Josh has brought a creative yet unpretentious flair to pub classics .
The menu offers something for everyone , but we couldn ’ t resist starting with the chicken wings . Crisp on the outside and tender within , you have the choice of two smothered coatings , mine were drenched in a tangy , slightly smoky bbq glaze that delivered just the right amount of heat . Mr R upped the spice stakes with the Korean glaze which delivered a lip-smacking flavour punch , both offered the perfect prelude to the main course .
For mains there was only one pick for me , for the steak , a rump cut which arrived bursting with flavour and smothered in crisp onions . The locally sourced cut was beautifully charred on the outside while remaining succulent and full of flavour . Paired with crisp fries and a rich , spicy peppercorn sauce , it was a quintessentially British dish done well . Mr R swayed initially by the pies , eventually settled on the Bull Burger , rewarded with a towering creation stacked with two juicy beef patties , which are made in-house each day , melted cheese , and a tangy house-made relish . Served with crispy fries and a crunchy slaw , it was a showstopper of a dish that will leave even the hungriest diner ( Mr R I ’ m looking at you …!) satisfied .
To round off the meal , we couldn ’ t resist Josh ’ s signature dessert , sticky toffee pudding and also added the indulgent dark
chocolate and orange mousse . The sticky toffee was everything a pudding should be – rich , moist , ( huge !) and dripping with a luscious toffee sauce , topped with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream . While the mousse was velvety smooth and bursting with seasonally citrus flavours offset by a sharp crème fraîche . Both were the perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal .
Service at The Bull Inn deserves a mention too . The staff , led by Stacey , are attentive , friendly , and knowledgeable , with an obvious pride in both the food and the setting , and they have made great foundations to becoming the heart of their community with initiatives such as a set lunch menu for pensioners , steak nights , great kids options and of course , their soon to be infamous Sunday roasts ( which are also well worth the visit !).
Whether you ’ re a local or just passing through , a visit to The Bull Inn is a must . With a passionate team at the helm and a menu that celebrates both comfort and creativity , this gem of a pub is raising the bar for dining in the Kentish countryside .
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