Today (22 August) the editors have had a sneak preview of The Bull by invitation of Matthew Freud. It is very impressive. There are 18 double rooms, in four categories ranging from doubles to suites, all elegantly designed and decorated. Original features of the building have been preserved including exposed timbers and fireplaces which were uncovered during renovation. Entry to the hotel is into a reception area which was previously Burford News, although totally unrecognisable as such.
The main restaurant has long tables for communal dining. The idea is that guests will all sit together and a variety of food will be served at 7pm. There is also a smaller "omakase" Japanese restaurant (omakase means literally 'I leave it up to you', and is used when dining at Japanese restaurants where the customer leaves it up to the chef to select and serve seasonal specialties.) The chef previously worked at the upmarket Japanese restaurant Nobu (for ever to be associated with Boris Becker although he is not thought likely to be visiting). There will be no menu and diners can discuss with the chef what they would like to eat. There is an intimate bar called Vincent's in memory of Matthew's beloved and recently deceased Labrador and a spacious terrace (see photograph).
So far the Bull has had friends and family as weekend guests to find out whether the facilities work properly. There is still work going on in the building so the official opening will not take place for a few weeks. Initially the restaurants will be for residents only but, once everything has bedded in, they will be opened up to non-residents as well.
The next project for the team will be the sister establishment the Highway Hotel although we understand that plans are still fluid about what facilities and food will be offered.
We hope to have more information and perhaps photographs in our October edition, and earlier than that if possible on this website. (The September Bridge is being printed and should be out in the next few days). It seems clear that Burford will soon became a destination for lovers of good food and quality accommodation.
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