Every village needs a proper pub.
Limpsfield is a small village near my home town of Oxted, at the foot of the North Downs in Surrey. It’s very pretty with many listed buildings, a volunteer run local store, and strong showing in the annual Britain in Bloom competition.
The Bull Inn is a Grade II listed pub which sits proudly on Limpsfield High Street and has served the community and thirsty travellers for hundreds of years.
In May 2018 the pub was bought by a consortium of more than 200 local investors called ‘Enterprising Limpsfield’, with the aim of restoring the building and creating a pub-hub for the community.
I’ve visited a few times now, and they’ve done an incredible job. The pub is stylishly refurbished, with great seating areas both indoors and out. They’ve got a changing selection of local beers on tap, as well as a strong selection of gin, and a thoughtfully put together wine list.
The food is what really stands out though – it’s original, local and beautifully presented. This part of the country has lots of good pub food, but its not usually so refined.
In particular, I’ve enjoyed the sharing platters, which are generous in terms of portion and well-priced – one of these between two people is enough for a quick lunch or dinner.
Standard pub fare also appears on the menu. The pork and chorizo Scotch Egg is The Bull is elevated way past any of your usual pub fare. A homemade piccalilli contrasts and cuts through the richness of the egg and the filling. It’s the best scotch egg I’ve eaten and find it impossible to resist ordering one when I visit.
Other pub classics include ‘Helles Belles’ Fish and Chips with the beer batter provided by the best selling local lager from Westerham Brewery.
The dessert menu is always a treat too. The chef has a skill for souffles – there is a different one paired with sorbet on the menu depending on the season. So far I’ve tried blackberry and lavender, and raspberry and rose – both amazing.
Since opening, they have also renovated an adjacent barn which is known as the Grain Store. This houses the old bar from the pub and serves tapas, as well as holding sporting events.
The team are now seeking further investment from existing and new investors.
Lunch and dinner at The Bull can be booked from its website.
Update: The Bull Inn has won ‘Best Pub in Surrey’ in the Surrey Life awards for 2019. Well done to all the team!
0 Comments