North Herts: £260,000 revamp for Whitwell's The Bull pub

The Bull, in Whitwell's High Street, will take its last orders - for a while - on July 27 with reopening set for early September.

With a history dating back to the 1600s, The Bull was once one of several pubs in Whitwell but is now the last one standing.

An artist's impression of what The Bull in Whitwell will look like after its refurbishment. (Image: The Bull)

In 2023, it was in danger of having to shut, but Hertfordshire-based Fishermann Pub company took on the reins - initially on an interim basis, and now permanently.

Pete Mann, co-founder of Fishermann, said: “We thought we’d help out by running The Bull for a few months, but we fell in love with it. It’s a beautiful old building that has served Whitwell for nearly four hundred years.

Pete Mann is looking forward to the refurbishment. (Image: Felicity Crawshaw)

"The Bull has lots of potential; it just needs TLC and someone to love it. We’d like it to be a hub of the community again, and residents have been very supportive of the plans. The investment is just what’s required.”

Fishermann will be undertaking the pub's refurbishment along with Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

During the temporary closure, the grade II-listed pub will be repainted, with new signage and lighting installed. There will be a mini makeover for the rear garden, with furniture seating 92 people as well as new planting and umbrellas.

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Inside the pub, a spokesperson said that the revamp will give it "a stylish new look whilst preserving its character and charm," including "heritage colours, William Morris-style wallpaper and deep button back banquette seating". Features including old quarry tiles, wood beams and timber floors will be restored.

The Bull is the last pub remaining in Whitwell. (Image: Felicity Crawshaw)

Inside, the bar will have a traditional bar, a snug with seating for a dozen people, a lounge with an open fire, and a games area including a new dartboard and a TV showing all the latest sport on Sky and TNT.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen is set for a refit, enabling staff to dish up lunches as the currently evening-only pub prepares to open from midday each day. Customers will be able to enjoy lunches and classic pub favourites such as pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts.

Customers will also be able to enjoy barista-quality coffee through the day, while pooches will also be catered for with a canine menu including veal and pork sticks.

A range of activities will be put on too, such as a quiz, bingo, music nights, darts and sports screening. The snug will be offered as a meeting room for good causes and organisations, and residents and regulars will be able to hold gatherings, celebrations and functions at the pub.

Dan Hayward, Star Pubs' area manager for Hertfordshire, said: “We’re delighted to be revitalising such an historic pub. Fishermann Pub Group have a proven track record for turning round struggling Hertfordshire locals so it’s brilliant they’re taking the helm.

"The Bull is getting the full works. It will be a fantastic local for villagers, providing great food and drink on their doorsteps without the need to travel.”