Oxfordshire pub named in Estrella Damm Top 50 gastropub list

The Bull at Charlbury was ranked number 50 after standings were compiled using hundreds of votes from food critics and writers, gastropub chefs and other food influencers. 

Duo Phil Winser and James Gummer, who are also behind the critically acclaimed The Pelican on All Saints Road in Notting Hill, undertook a complete restoration of the 16th-century inn last year.

The pair were both born and bred in the Cotswolds.

Mr Winser enjoyed his first proper pint at The Bull many years ago before he embarked on a career in New York.

Mr Gummer had a successful career in London, but both see the pub as a very personal project.

The pub and 50-cover dining room also has 10 en-suite bedrooms with views of the fields which are designed in a similar way to The Pelican's using natural materials.

The Estrella Damm awards said: “The character inn boasts flagged floors, timbered ceilings, Cotswold stone and open fires, giving it a relaxed and intimate feel. There is a 55-cover dining room, bar area and a large outdoor space.

“Both Phil and James grew up in the area and had their first pints pulled in The Bull.

“Their families still live in the area and James said 'we feel this is coming home for us'.

"It trades as a local pub serving good beer that also has a restaurant centred around open-fire cooking. The menu is overseen by Chef George Williams.

"It prides itself on using local produce with a farm-to-table concept and has daily conversations with its farmers and growers, which means the menu is constantly changing.

“Delights on the menu include salt-baked celeriac, green sauce; rump, black cabbage; cuttlefish, celery and chicken liver, pickles and whole partridge, bacon, cabbage. bar snacks include peppercorn cured sausage, game tea, liver toast and sausage roll.”

The awards list also ranked pubs from 51 to 100 with a second Oxfordshire pub making the list.

The Bell Inn in Langford was at number 51.

Run by born-and-bred Cotswold gents Peter Creed and Tom Noest, the Bell Inn Langford, near Burford, focuses on good simple pub grub with a straightforward wine list, spirits and beer selection.

The award reads: "The venue offers a modern country pub feel, showcasing the duo’s love for a hearty, classic British menu with the addition of wood-fired dishes and an extensive drinks menu, with great hospitality and ambience also a top priority.

"Seasonal menus are ever-changing, sourced from local game dealers, farmers, butchers and fishmongers.

"Showcasing the best ingredients are dishes such as venison faggots, Barrington partridge, pigs head scrumpet and salt pig saucisson."