My New Pub

Bull Inn

West Tanfield, Yorkshire

Agent: Sidney Phillips

Located in the North Yorkshire village of West Tanfield, the Bull Inn has just been sold to experienced pub operators Jules and David Sandford. The couple, who most recently ran the Bluebell Inn & Restaurant at Farnah Green, Derbyshire, moved in two weeks ago.

They are busy writing menus and organising a marketing push to ensure that the pub's soft opening on Tuesday goes to plan.

Jules said: "Our search for the perfect pub went nationwide and I think that we've found it. We were very specific with our criteria — we wanted a nice pub with a good beer garden, a minimum of five letting bedrooms, and separate accommodation to provide a proper home for our son."

"We hope people will start travelling from a bit further away. We've got a river running along the garden — it's very beautiful," continued Jules.

David has 30 years' experience behind the stove and is planning a menu of simple, high-quality pub food made from local ingredients. The menu will include steak and kidney pie, fresh battered fish and "decent" steaks.

Theakston's Brewery, just down the road in Masham, will supply beer to the privately-owned free-of-tie pub. The Bull is used by locals and tourists and its beer garden backs on to the river Ure.

The property comprises a public bar, two dining areas, five en-suite letting bedroom, kitchens, car park and gardens. Adjoining is a two-bedroom cottage with a private garden down to the river.