The Bull Hotel  

The Bull is situated on the main Salisbury to Ringwood road, at the traffic lights at Downton. It has been a roadside Inn for several hundred years, and has all the characteristic oak beams, low ceilings and fireplaces typical of a centuries old pub. It also offers excellent food, friendly and efficient service, in a local pub atmosphere. The Bull takes its name from the 'Bull Trout', not the four legged animal - despite the appearance of a Bull on the signage. This is due to its historic ties with the local rivers, famous for both coarse and game fish. The Bull is one of the seven Hop Back tied houses and is the closest to the brewery - 400 yards away. As such it usually has at least 4 of the Hop Back brews on and more often than not 5 of them. All are well kept and tasted great on this visit. Inside the Bull is all old beams and warm Mediterranean colours - watch out for your head though as some beams and ceilings are rather low. The walls are covered with memorabilia of bull's, though oddly not the fish kind. The single bar is situated at the back of the pub and is the entire length of the main bar area. This is both good and bad as getting served can be tricky when busy. Here there are window seats and chairs with the ubiquitous dark wood tables. The window seats catch the sun and so can be warming throughout the year. A central fireplace is also here and is the wall that separates the restaurant proper from the pub part. Here there are both tables for 4 and larger round tables for 8 or more. These are usually set out for food, but can double up at times. A step down to the bar is necessary - watch that head again. Another small area is at the far end (left of photo) as is an entrance hall and the toilets to the rear of the pub. These I'm afraid have steps and so are not suitable for the disabled. However there is access for wheelchair users to the bar. Food is good and is above average fayre and not your usual pub grub, though they do the obligatory Sunday roasts, vegetarians can choose something off the normal menu. Everybody in our party had a good meal and we recommend the food. For those of you over indulging in ale and food, they have four en-suite bedrooms at reasonable rates. For the summer there is a large beer garden at the rear away from the road and children are welcome here and in the restaurant. Downton is convenient for visiting the New Forest or the city of Salisbury. Also the Bull will serve you polypins and 4 pint carryouts, or you can stay and book a functions. Well worth a visit.

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