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The Bull Charlbury

Oxfordshire, Charlbury - Modern British - Pub with rooms - £££

The model of a modern country pub

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Currently part of the Public House Group (which also runs contemporary venues such as the Pelican in Notting Hill), the reenergised Bull has become a magnet for the smart out-of-town set, although ‘the locals can still be found occupying its nooks and crannies’. The departure of big-name chef Sally Abé early in 2026 hasn't affected the fortunes of the place one jot – judging by recent reports of ‘superb food’ and ‘exceptionally attentive staff’. A good time is had by all. There's plenty of finesse on show in the kitchen, which proves its prowess across the board: the ever-present ‘Bull pie’ is ‘exceptional’, or the whole table can splash out on a rib of beef with horseradish.  A pairing of mushrooms and monk’s beard has hit the spot, likewise a strawberry and custard bun for dessert; also, don’t ignore the ‘Bull Whippy’. The atmospheric, moodily lit interior feels just right – or...

Currently part of the Public House Group (which also runs contemporary venues such as the Pelican in Notting Hill), the reenergised Bull has become a magnet for the smart out-of-town set, although ‘the locals can still be found occupying its nooks and crannies’. The departure of big-name chef Sally Abé early in 2026 hasn't affected the fortunes of the place one jot – judging by recent reports of ‘superb food’ and ‘exceptionally attentive staff’. A good time is had by all. There's plenty of finesse on show in the kitchen, which proves its prowess across the board: the ever-present ‘Bull pie’ is ‘exceptional’, or the whole table can splash out on a rib of beef with horseradish.  A pairing of mushrooms and monk’s beard has hit the spot, likewise a strawberry and custard bun for dessert; also, don’t ignore the ‘Bull Whippy’. The atmospheric, moodily lit interior feels just right – or you can head to the lovely garden space for a summertime BBQ. A terrific drinks selection includes an enterprising list of local cask ales alongside an adventurous wine selection.

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A Sargent

20 August 2026

Serves superb food and the drinks are local. The pub serves the community alongside travellers to it. The staff are exceptionally attentive and provides a wonderful experience. We will travel out of London to go to the pub for an evening and I feel it should be recognised.

G Buchanan

21 July 2026

We stayed for two night and had the joy of eating there on both evenings as well as having breakfast. Our first evening meal we had at least five starters between the four of us and all were delicious, the mushrooms made...
We stayed for two night and had the joy of eating there on both evenings as well as having breakfast. Our first evening meal we had at least five starters between the four of us and all were delicious, the mushrooms made us realise how limited our day to day choice is. For mains we had to have a pie, we decided on two pies, rib of beef and courgette, one of our group wasn't in the sharing mood and went for the rump, all were exceptional. For pudding we had the strawberry bun, if it's on the menu...
We stayed for two night and had the joy of eating there on both evenings as well as having breakfast. Our first evening meal we had at least five starters between the four of us and all were delicious, the mushrooms made us realise how limited our day to day choice is. For mains we had to have a pie, we decided on two pies, rib of beef and courgette, one of our group wasn't in the sharing mood and went for the rump, all were exceptional. For pudding we had the strawberry bun, if it's on the menu go for it. The next evening as we had Sunday lunch at another venue we went light, two of us had the pie, its a different one each day, the others had the Mediterranean salad, all as good as the first night, then of pudding the treacle tart x3 and a bull whippy. The breakfasts are good too, you can choose from crumpets to full English or just order a sausage which is excellent. Parking, park in the Co-op car park, there are bays for 3 hours and 10 hours.
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L Bell

18 December 2025

I did the review of the Bull in Charlbury for the Good Pub Guide in 2023 at launch, accompanied on that occasion by the Telegraph reviewer. Receiving the full red carpet conducted tour of the inn. This was long before it...
I did the review of the Bull in Charlbury for the Good Pub Guide in 2023 at launch, accompanied on that occasion by the Telegraph reviewer. Receiving the full red carpet conducted tour of the inn. This was long before it grew in popularity especially with the local 'celebs'. But since Sally Abé took over as executive chef, the food has reached a different level. Quite recently, I had the best pub lunch I have ever had and I have reviewed thousands over the last 30 years. Their signature Bull Pi...
I did the review of the Bull in Charlbury for the Good Pub Guide in 2023 at launch, accompanied on that occasion by the Telegraph reviewer. Receiving the full red carpet conducted tour of the inn. This was long before it grew in popularity especially with the local 'celebs'. But since Sally Abé took over as executive chef, the food has reached a different level. Quite recently, I had the best pub lunch I have ever had and I have reviewed thousands over the last 30 years. Their signature Bull Pie, served with mash whipped to perfection, was outstanding.
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J Barral

8 September 2025

Extremely cosy pub. Open fires all around (wood not coal which is key). Food is very fresh an seasonal. Some gems on the wine list, great beers. Rooms are beautiful too.

A Winkler Hughes

1 September 2025

It’s hands down my favourite pub. The atmosphere is great, the staff are always lovely and the locally produced food cannot be faulted!

VENUE DETAILS

Sheep Street
Charlbury
Oxfordshire
OX7 3RRGB

01608 656957

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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