The Bull is right at the heart of the charming little village of Ditchling – but don’t worry, the pub has plenty of parking! It is a great choice for sunny days with plenty of outdoor seating space, a play area for kids and an overall elegant pub vibe. Indoors is nice too, with a contemporary dining sector as well as a more traditional pub area.

One of the main draws of The Bull is its diverse and well thought-out menu, which caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegan, or in need of gluten-free options, the pub has something to offer. This inclusivity is commendable, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes care in ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The menu features a good number of dishes, providing enough variety without being overwhelming, which is a balance that not all establishments manage to achieve.

Our party sampled a few dishes from the Sunday menu, starting with the Sunday roast, the dish that many consider a true test of a pub’s culinary prowess. The roast was good, if not exceptional. The beef was cooked to a satisfactory level, retaining its juiciness, and the accompanying vegetables were nicely roasted, providing a comforting meal that ticked most of the boxes. However, while the dish was certainly enjoyable, it lacked that extra touch that elevates a meal from good to outstanding.

My choice for the main course was the pan-fried chalk stream trout, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal. The trout was excellently prepared, with a perfectly crispy skin that gave way to tender, flavourful flesh. The dish was paired with roasted artichoke, potatoes, samphire, and a delicate white wine sauce. The combination of these elements worked well together, creating a dish that was both well-balanced and satisfying. The only slight downside was the roasted artichoke, which I found to be undercooked for my taste, lacking the softness that would have made it truly enjoyable. Despite this flaw, the dish overall was delicious and showcased the kitchen’s ability to prepare fish dishes with finesse.

For dessert, we decided to share the rhubarb and apple crumble, a comforting end to the meal. The crumble itself was well-made, with the tartness of the rhubarb complementing the sweetness of the apple. However, the accompanying crème anglaise was a bit of a let down. I prefer a thick, creamy custard to go with a crumble, but the crème anglaise felt watered down, lacking the richness that would have made the dessert more satisfying. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it fell short of what one might hope for in a classic pudding.

One of the standout aspects of The Bull is its drinks selection. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, offering a variety of choices that cater to different palates and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp white, a robust red, or something sparkling, there’s likely a wine that will suit your taste. In addition to the wine, The Bull also has a nice summer cocktail menu, which we were eager to try. Unfortunately, the cocktails we sampled didn’t quite live up to expectations, as they tasted a bit watered down. It was a slight disappointment, especially given the otherwise strong showing in terms of drink offerings.

The Bull is a solid choice for a meal, the atmosphere is friendly and the menu caters to diverse dietary needs with particularly good selection of wines. While there were a few minor shortcomings in some of the dishes and drinks, overall, it’s a great spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends, especially with children and on sunny days.

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The Bull, High Street, Ditchling, East Sussex,  BN6 8TA

01273 843147

www.thebullditchling.com