The Bull Inn, Sonning Refurbishment
If you stop at Sonning, put up at the "Bull" behind the church. It is a veritable picture of an old country inn, with green, square courtyard in front, where, on seats beneath the trees, the old men group of an evening to drink their ale and gossip over village politics; with low, quaint rooms and latticed windows, and awkward stairs and winding passages.
-Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat
Such is the quote written about The Bull Inn, Sonning in Jerome K. Jerome’s iconic book, Three Men in a Boat. The same may be said today, although perhaps with more of a mix of clientele! The Bull Inn, Sonning, a family run Fuller’s pub and listed building, has re-opened [21 May 2018] following a refurbishment. Designers have remained sympathetic to the style and nature of this 16th century building, while giving it an up-to-date and modern revamp.
Customers can now check in to one of seven of The Bull Inn’s individually styled bedrooms, each with new beds, décor, curtains and indulgent bathrooms. Within the wide corridor space, a communal seating area has been created, complete with easy chairs, fridges, and a coffee station for guests to relax in.
Downstairs, the bar and seating area has been renewed and a full new trade kitchen installed, allowing Fuller’s Kitchen chefs to produce fresh and seasonal dishes. These signature dishes are of a quality that customers of a Fuller’s establishment have learnt to expect including ingredients only available from Fuller’s, such as the London Porter smoked salmon and HSB gouda.
A new life-oak pergola has been built at the front of the property which can be used all year round and backs out onto the scenic St. Andrew’s churchyard. This churchyard has a key place in the Inn’s history, as pilgrims visiting a shrine in the church during the medieval period used the building (now the Bull Inn). More recently, The Bull Inn has been frequented by well-known faces such as Judi Dench, George & Amal Clooney and Chris Evans.
Sian Smith, General Manager of The Bull Inn who runs the pub alongside her husband Jason said: “The Bull Inn is a wonderful pub full of character and charm, it’s a real part of the community here in Sonning! Whether you’re an A-List celebrity, an A-List politician, or an A-list local, you are guaranteed a friendly, relaxing and enjoyable experience.”
The Bull Inn, Sonning:
Address: The Bull, High Street, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4 6UP, England, Google Maps
Social: