The doors have re-opened to one of Henley’s favourites The Bull on Bell Street, and it has had a full on, some might say bullish, design makeover. See what we did there?!

The new look is bright and airy with hues of green and coral with botanical wallpapers along with plants and flowers dotted throughout.

Leading through the main pub door which is adorned with trailing pink roses leads to a spacious and welcoming glass door entrance where you can see through the conservatory with it’s baby grand piano, to the glorious new courtyard.

Indoors, relaxed furniture and booth seating has replaced the previous pub style tables and chairs with plenty of nooks and crannies to sit in, all the way through to the open style kitchen at the back.

This leads through to the stunning new indoor/outdoor courtyard which has a fabulous palm court vibe, with mirrors, paintings, plants and a water feature so that you can hear the sound of the trickling and tumbling water when sitting alfresco in the sunshine. There is also a rather funky outdoor fireplace space with sofas and cushions to chill out on and wait for it…the piece de resistance is the fully retractable roof, so you can drink and dine outside whatever the weather.

The Bull’s signature cocktail, The Bees Knees

Along with the new look venue there is a new all day dining offer with doors opening at 10am should you want to pop in for coffee or brunch. Experience Henley went along yesterday lunchtime to give it a test drive.

We started proceedings with The Bull’s gin based Signature Cocktail the Bees Knees (£9.50) with citrus, ginger, honey and soda. This is a dangerous little number for the summer, thirst quenchingly refreshing.

There was a lot of care and attention in each dish, the squid was super fresh and fish cakes packed with salmon and you certainly wouldn’t leave hungry after having the burger.

Crispy Salt & Pepper Fried Squid (£9.50)

Salmon & Herb Fish Cake with pea puree, hollandaise sauce, poached egg (£11.50)

Dry Aged Double Rib Cap Burger, gem lettuce, beef tomato & Brakspear beer onions (£15.50) bacon, cheese or truffled mushrooms are extra

King Prawn & Crab Linguine, tomatoes, pesto, shallots, garlic, white wine (£17.00)

Eton Mess Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with berry compote, torched meringue shards, fruit pieces (£7.50)

There’s a Brunch menu that offers a a variety of options from avocado toast to a Full English. Main courses include steaks, fish, burgers and sourdough pizzas. There is a changing specials board which offers a selection of dishes created from seasonal ingredients, while the Sunday Roast menu offers four meat and one veggie options and there is a really reasonably priced separate menu for the little people.

There is also a new private dining room available for special occasion dining and guests wanting to stay overnight can book into The Doll’s House, a townhouse behind the pub with four boutique bedrooms and its own garden terrace. Further accommodation is opening this summer in The Old Coach House, with five bedrooms and a secret back door entrance into the pub. 

That’s quite a makeover!

The Bull’s general manager Jeremy Du Plessis said: “We’re delighted with the makeover, especially the new Courtyard, which we think is the best al fresco space in Henley. The new interior looks sensational, and the menu takes our food and drink offer up to a new level.”

We think locals and visitors alike are going to love the changes and enjoy whiling away a few hours over a drink or two or bite to eat.

To see the new menus and to find out more, visit The Bull on Bell Street