Review

The Black Bull at Brampton has been around in one incarnation or another for over 500 years, apparently even gaining mention in Samuel Pepys' diary for its good pint and 'comely wenches'. It's unlikely that Sharon Lewis, the licensee for the last 2 years' would liken herself to a 'comely wench', but her aim has certainly been to return to the old fashioned centre of the community style pub of yesteryear, serving good ale, honest , quality pub food and providing entertainment from occasional live music to running a netball team!

Turn left as you enter the front door and you will find a separate room for those who enjoy pub games,

Apparently the rabbits are provided by a local farmer, hung and prepared in the Black Bull's kitchens

complete with snooker table and juke box. But for those of us seeking a quieter time, just turn right into the quaint beamed bar, where you can enjoy real ales and home cooked food prepared by Head chef Ben and his able assistant, Alice. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and friendly. They pride themselves on being somewhere anyone would feel comfortable to visit even if alone. It was obvious that there were groups of locals at the bar just enjoying a pint around the cosy wood burner, but they must have been very strong willed to ignore the delicious aromas emanating from the kitchen!

Pie and chips is not something we would normally relish for a meal, but the extraordinary variety of pies offered under the auspices of 'Ye Olde Black Bull Pie Shoppe' was just too intriguing to dismiss. And so we found ourselves a little later tucking into scrumptious huge home made pies with hand cut chips and peas. The rabbit and bacon in red wine gravy pie was moist, packed with tasty meat and lip-smacking gravy. Apparently the rabbits are provided by a local farmer, hung and prepared in the Black Bull's kitchens. A pork and apple in cider gravy pie was similarly packed with apple-infused tender and tasty meat. The substantial pies were enclosed in lovely shortcrust pastry that was crisp without being dry. Needless to say the chips were fresh, hot and tasty; and there was additional home-made gravy if required. We were served by Ian, who somehow managed to maintain a lively conversation with us about his native Newcastle, keep an eye on who needed serving at the bar, and serve the other customers all at the same time.

Our cheesy garlic bread starter was crisp and freshly prepared, and looking around at other diners' meals it was evident that the other dishes on the menu (think traditional pub food - with generous portions) were similarly well cooked and freshly prepared. Sharon later explained that meat was sourced from a good local butcher, and local produce was used wherever available. Only certain deserts were bought in ready made; and even this is changing to all home-produced. Nevertheless, our 'spotted dick' and custard was very enjoyable.

Overall this pub is a little gem; with real ales like Timothy Tailor's landlord and Woodford's Wherry, food much better than the average, a warm welcome that includes children and dogs, and planned events throughout the year (there is a big garden ideal for summer events). Many confuse it with its larger namesake in Godmanchester, but the Black Bull at Brampton has plenty to offer - and with Sharon's vision and plans this will only be enhanced in the future. It had one last pleasant surprise at the end of the evening - warm and full, we were delighted with the tiny bill - this pub is really good value too!