The Bulls Head in Pratt’s Bottom, Bromley, is one of the highest rated pubs in this area of South London. With 4.4 stars out of five on Google with more than 360 reviews, there was only one thing to do – Book a table for a Sunday roast and see what all the fuss is about.
I’m always skeptical about having a barbecue dinner in a pub. In the past I’ve had bad experiences where the dried out fries taste like they were cooked in 100 BC. and charged a small fortune for the benefit. But I have finally found a decently priced and delicious local Sunday roast.
When I visit The Bull’s Head the exterior immediately warms my soul thanks to its village setting and period building which makes the perfect place to spend an afternoon with my mum and two year old son. You almost feel like you’re out in the Kent countryside without having to contend with the local motorways.
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When you enter the bar you are greeted with authentic smiles and a soft ‘hello’ from the welcoming staff who immediately make you feel at home. We were taken to our seats in a dining room, I was in awe of the sophisticated yet cozy decor with a fireplace, soft light and nostalgic images of the nearby countryside.
The room was so quiet I could have kicked off my boots, put my feet up and stayed there all afternoon. But enough about the laid-back atmosphere, let’s get into the food, did the fries pass the vibe check?
Why was the steak so delicious?
The pub has a special Sunday menu with a good selection of meats available, including beef, lamb, pork and a vegetarian option, but I ordered a roast chicken, priced at £20.95.
When my meal arrived it was piled high with a variety of vegetables, potatoes, a huge Yorkshire pudding and a perfect amount of red wine sauce. I didn’t realize the portion size would be so generous until I ordered a side of cauliflower cheese to share for £4.95.
The first thing I noticed when I tasted my meal was the freshness of the ingredients. You could tell it was made with care and even the fries had a slightly golden crunch and were fluffy inside. The chicken was plentiful and perfectly roasted (aka not dry) while the Yorkshire was twice the size I expected and had a nice crunch.
The meal also consisted of a variety of vegetables, including roasted carrots, zucchini, shallots, fine green beans and cabbage. Although nothing ever beats a home cooked roast this was certainly a strong contender.
I couldn’t resist a cappuccino (£2.80) and crème brûlée (£8.95) to round off the afternoon, which was an unsuspecting highlight. I broke into the crunchy top of my dessert with a spoon to reveal a creamy center that now takes the lead as my favorite dessert, ever. The fresh berries and two shortbread biscuits were also a nice and neat touch.
I know what you’re thinking, how much did all this food cost? Bearing in mind I had also ordered a Diet Coke for £2.70 along with two dishes, half a portion of cauliflower cheese and a cup of coffee the total for my lunch was £37.80.
The Bulls Head also has a huge garden with a children’s playground, an outdoor bar in the summer and a handful of themed eateries where you can sit, eat and drink. Children are also well catered for with their menu and baby changing in the toilets.
It is fair to say that this is not just a pub, it is an exclusive dining experience where you can relax and enjoy friends and family. Without sounding too dramatic, I can confidently say that The Bulls Head roast is the best meal I’ve had in a South London pub.
Where can I find Bulls Head?
The Bulls Head pub is located at Rushmore Hill, Pratt’s Bottom, Orpington, BR6 7NQ. For full details, including menus and booking, visit the website here.
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