Posted: 25th January 2018
FRESH NEW START FOR TRADITIONAL VILLAGE INN
The Bull in Newick officially reopened on Tuesday, January 23, with a new look and new faces behind the bar.
Angelena and Greg Churcher took over the historic Shepherd Neame pub in July last year, and shut it for four months in order to undertake extensive refurbishment work.
The Bull is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century, and Angelena and Greg have restored original features such as the oak beams and inglenook fireplaces. They have also updated the interior décor throughout, including rebuilding the bar with stylish copper and zinc fittings, and refurbished the inn’s nine double en-suite rooms.
A new kitchen has been installed, and The Bull now boasts a delicious new menu of traditional pub classics with an international flavour, along with sharing boards and handmade bar nibbles. Food is served from 12 noon to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 12noon to 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12noon to 8pm on Sunday.
It is the couple’s third pub, as they also run the Red Lion in Chelwood Gate and The Plough in Upper Dicker, both owned by Shepherd Neame.
Mum-of-four Angelena, 35, said:
“We took on The Plough in 2013, then the Red Lion in 2015 and when The Bull became available, we decided it was too good an opportunity to miss. There was a lot of work to do but it had so much potential. It is a beautiful pub, in an amazing location overlooking the village green. We have been delighted to take on 25 full and part-time staff, most from the local area, and have been really pleased with the warm welcome we have received.”
Local dignitaries and residents were invited to the launch celebration, with the first pint pulled by Baroness Julia Cumberlege CBE DL. Lady Cumberlege lives in the village, and previously opened the accommodation rooms at the pub when they were completed in 2000.
Lady Cumberlege said:
“I am delighted to return to The Bull for this special occasion. Pubs provide the heart of a community, and The Bull is very much at the centre of our village life. It is wonderful to see the pub looking at its best, and I wish Angelena and Greg every success in their new venture.”
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame attended the launch event, and to mark the occasion presented a £1,000 cheque to local resident Helen Morris, who is fundraising to help her five-year-old daughter Kelsey Meldrum in her ongoing battle against a rare form of cancer.
Jonathan Neame said:
“Angelena and Greg have achieved great success with the Red Lion and The Plough, and we are delighted that they have taken on a third Shepherd Neame pub. The refurbishment of The Bull has given it a fresh new look while retaining its character, and we are sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
For more information visit the pub's website or call 01825 722743.
