Brantham: Historic pub The Bull reopens under new management

THE new owners of an historic village pub have pledged to serve only good-quality, home-cooked food – and no “pre-prepared rubbish”.

Paul and Gemma Chenery have recently taken over the Bull in Brantham, near the Essex/Suffolk border, and are looking to meet locals’ needs with a selection of quality ales and lagers, good wines and a range of dishes made using locally-produced ingredients.

“I’ve known the pub for years and know it’s got so much potential,” said Mrs Chenery.

“It’s lovely and big inside, meaning there’s a great atmosphere, and the views across the Stour from the huge beer garden are fantastic.”

The Bull closed last November but the enterprising couple, who run a family catering business, are confident that they can quickly turn it into a successful operation trading in what is a difficult industry, with 16 pubs closing across the country each week.

The pub reopened on Saturday, March 3 and has already taken several bookings for its first big day – Mothering Sunday.

The building dates back to the 16th Century and is said to have been built using timbers from ships that formed part of the Spanish Armada.

It was previously owned by Melvyn Hayes, one of the stars of hugely popular 1970s sitcom It Ain’t Half hot Mum.