The Great British Menu has been a favourite in our household for as long as I can remember. Each year, the incredible dishes showcased on the show inspire me and my wife to visit new restaurants, eager to taste the creations that captivated us on screen.
For the past couple of years, that inspiration came from chef Sally Abe. Unfortunately, we never made it to her previous spot, The Pem in London. But then, a few months ago while scrolling through TikTok, I discovered she had taken on an exciting new challenge—one that was much closer to home.
Sally Abe became the head chef at The Bull in Charlbury this year, just under 45 minutes from where we live in the Cotswolds. When The Bull was later named the UK’s best pub at the National Bar & Pub Awards 2025, our lunch visit was a must.
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On a warm summer day, after a six-mile walk through the rolling Cotswold hills, we arrived hungry and eager. From the outside, The Bull is exactly what you picture when you imagine a quintessential country pub—constructed from timeless Cotswolds stone and adorned with climbing ivy.
Inside, the wood-beamed interior provided a cool, shady escape from the sun. Though we arrived ten minutes late, the friendly staff welcomed us with smiles and reassured us we weren’t the only ones to underestimate the walk.
The garden was the perfect place to dine, with tables spaced generously and some shade from lush plants overhead.
Now, to the food.
Choosing starters was tough. The tempting options included beef tartare and courgette soup with crab toast. I went for the chicken liver parfait with rhubarb, while my wife opted for the mackerel with sorrel.
Her mackerel starter was a triumph—the skin beautifully charred and served with a fresh, tangy sorrel salsa that complemented the fish perfectly. It earned an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
My chicken liver parfait was feather-light and smooth, accompanied by delicate golden-brown biscuits with a subtle sweetness. The sharpness of rhubarb cut through the richness perfectly, making for a delightful pairing.
For mains, The Bull’s menu caters to all tastes. Those craving something hearty can’t go wrong with The Bull pie, which looked incredible being served around us. Lighter options include chalk stream trout with cauliflower or, for steak lovers, onglet.
With the sun shining, I chose the skate with asparagus and parsley sauce, while my wife went for the pork chop with peas. We shared roast potatoes on the side.
The skate arrived as a culinary masterpiece—fresh fish enveloped in a vibrant parsley sauce topped with perfectly cooked asparagus. The lightness of the skate balanced the richness, creating an exceptional dish. Skate is not something I’d normally cook at home, so this was a welcome treat.
Seeing my wife’s pork chop, however, sparked some serious food envy. The chop was impressive, boasting beautiful criss-cross char marks and nestled on a bed of peas with a rich jus. Juicy and packed with flavor, it was irresistible. When she offered me a taste, I didn’t hesitate. If it’s still on the menu next time, it will definitely be my choice.
Though we didn’t have room for dessert, the menu includes tempting options like chocolate mousse, ginger cake, rhubarb meringue, and treacle tart—something for everyone looking to indulge.
Our meal was fantastic, set in a stunning locale that perfectly captured the essence of the Cotswolds. We’ll definitely be back.
The bill came to £132—including three glasses of wine and a 12.5% service charge—making it a special occasion destination rather than an everyday spot. But for those who want to treat themselves, The Bull on Sheep Street, Charlbury, is an excellent choice.