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Reviews of The Bull Inn Pub

3.5 out of 5
The Bull Inn Pub
Stanford Dingley, Reading, England

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 50 reviews" "

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loud music, cold and cobwebs
I checked in on a Monday and the pub was full of people and the lights off when it says the pub is usually closed. I went to the room which was okay, I heard them turn the heating off so had an electric heater luckily but wasn’t the best. Seemed to be an event on and music was playing very loud until 12:30pm so not much sleep
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

S

Typical rural pub and restaurant and quite nice. Disappointed to discover they dont do breakfast so we only used the accommodation. Room is modern and provided the necessary things, though cleanliness was below average, large cobwebs above the bed and high level dust was scattered about when the heating eventually came on. Room was cold to begin with. Bed was comfortable though could feel the lump in the middle of joining 2 beds together. It was nice though, not likely to return.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Lovely, but it's a shame the service let it down
Lovely room, lovely pub, food good, however service is the slowest I've ever experienced. I sat down for dinner at 6.15pm and gave up waiting for someone to ask what I wanted for desert at 8.45pm. When you are a solo traveller it's a drag to sit there on your own for so long looking like a lemon. I left cash on the table and went to bed. The only other gripe I would have is that breakfast starts at 9.30am. That all said I'm sure the service was a one off, I'd stay there again and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Funky loo roll holder!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
hotel closed in february. should not be on expedia
hotel closed in february should not have been on expedia - panic to find further accommodation for my elderly father and family. New owners not due to open until September were unaware you had this hotel on your system. Absolute mayhem as my father and family were attending my daughters wedding and had nowhere locally to stay. Where is the apology from Expedia - I will never use this system again - be warned the place you book may not exist anymore and like us will cost you dearly to rectify.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay and good food for evening meal, shame breakfast was not available
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

6/10 Okay

Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great Location
The room was very clean and everything was OK except that the wall street are very thin and we could hear people either side of us talking and snoring kept my husband awake the 2 nights we were there. Great location and friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Mick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely location,just the job for a nice relaxing break,lovely food and bar snacks,friendly staff and locals,really enjoyed it
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
spacious and comfortable but no Wifi
The room was spacious and comfortable, however the WIFI was non existence and there the reception did not open in the morning to serve breakfast or check out
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice little place !!!!
Staff were fabulous friendly and pleasant couldn't ask for better hosts nothing was too much trouble ...would not hesitate to stay here again ..rooms are not massive but more than adequate for a few nights stay ..breakfast was ordered the night before and served at our requested time and tasted delicious ...all in all could not fault this place ...and to top it off when we first arrived was sat outside chatting to few of the locals .. and it was none other than pippa Middleton and her hubby and parents . Who by the way were very pleasant and happy to chit chat to us . Location of this hotel is nice too nice country area and can get about to other places thanks to the hosts for making us so welcome x
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Visiting the wolves
I was staying overnight to make sure I got to the wolf sanctuary on time in the morning for a day of photgrahing these amazing creatures. I thought the price should have included the tepid breakfast which had obviuosly been cooked ahead of time. Bacon still had the rind on which was irritating for me as I was out of practice and didn't realise and had to remove it from my mouth - embarassing! Bed squeeked and made cracking noises all night which was annoying and kept waking me up. walls are extremley thin and you could hear the conversation next door. Room was way to hot for me. Remote control didn't work very well and I had to turn over using the buttons on the side. Bathroom needed some TLC with paint peeling off the wall after an obvious water leak. shower needed repairing as sharp plastic along the bottom - gave it a miss. All in all I wouldn't rebook but its not the worst I have stayed in.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A pleasant room, but I need to point out that the shower needs changing. It was pretty much a trickle coming out of the shower head and there was no shower curtain/shield so the bathroom floor got very wet.

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely Country Pub
Bed Room and food in the pub was very good, poor wifi in room but good in pub phone signal none

8/10 Good

Caroline, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Warm and comfortable with good food
Friendly staff. Lovely old country village pub. Nice room with good shower but paper thin walls! Food was delicious. No one around to check me out and get a receipt.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely area - just a shame about the experience
These rooms need a lot of tlc. The shower had not been cleaned properly, the shower did not work properly and cut in and out. I had to ask for another large towel and milk when we got there. The breakfasts are over priced at £12 for a full English and £5.00 for two fried eggs on one bit of toast. When we tried to book out at 8.15 on Sunday morning no body except the cleaner who did not speak English was available. So sorry not a very good experience!

2/10 Terrible

Emma, Kingsley

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ant infested and filthy
The dirtiest room we've ever had to stay in! Only booked because we couldn't find anywhere else which had availability at short notice. Ants in the bathroom. Filthy, worn carpet. Very uncomfortable beds. Food was overpriced and poor quality. Nothing to recommend other than being set in a lovely village.

8/10 Good

neil, nottingham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bull
Lovely place and room. The only thing was when I walked into the pub the whole place went silent and everyone stared at me, which was weird. I guess it's a local pub for local people.

10/10 Excellent

Alison, West Yorkshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely country inn in a beautiful location
I stay here on a regular basis and the staff are always warm and welcoming, the food excellent and the rooms bright, cheerful and comfortable!

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Could have been wonderful.
On arrival, was issued my key - only to find my room had not been cleaned (this was 8pm). Returned to bar - was offered a drink whilst they cleaned in the room in the promise of 20mins. However, the beer was off. 45mins later get the key thrust at me in the bar with no words from the staff. Wake up at 7am to discover no hot water - and no sign of anyone at the bar. Had to leave cold at 7:45. A lovely pub, lovely setting. Disaster of a visit.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, Buxton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very lovely friendly couple. Food brilliant. Great pub. Great stay altogether. Will stay again if I will work in the area.

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They were really welcoming and helpful, we were going to a wedding nearby and they were very accommodating in helping us before the wedding.

6/10 Okay

Laura, Surrey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Lovely pub
The pub is lovely. Great food and service. Staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. The rooms are a bit random but it does the job. There were 5 spiders in the bathroom and reportable heater was extremely dusty. I would recommend staying here just for the pub itself. Lovely setting and great place.

10/10 Excellent

Ann, Carmarthenshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely fantastic break !
Our two night break was a real treat. Great welcome with a very friendly atmosphere amongst the locals, very clean, spacious room. Breakfast was second to none. We didn't eat for the rest of the day!! We will definitely be returning again.

6/10 Okay

kenneth, Manchester

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
excellent food and stunning location
Stayed for one night. Beautiful location. Food at The Bull is excellent. Room hadn't been cleaned properly but that didn't ruin our stay.

8/10 Good

Carole, Birkdale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, helpful and full of character
Arrived late in need of food but we had not pre-booked a table. They were very helpful and made sure we were fed but it was after 9:30pm before we ate. The wine list was great and good value. The room was a good size with a bunk bed as well as the double and was nice warm. The bathroom had a bath with a shower over. Breakfast did not start until 8am and we needed to leave before that so I cannot comment on breakfast.

4/10 Poor

Beebop, UK/NZ

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good for a Drink bad for a Sleep
Pub had a nice oldy worldy feel. Food ok. Rooms were shabby, Terrible drain Gurgling in the night, Minimal effort on the interior of the rooms and very basic. You will either scald or freeze in the shower and it could have done with a good clean. Shame the rooms back onto the garden bar - pretty noisy in the summer months I would think. Good internet though.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The shower wasn't working. Otherwise it is a pleasing room. The food is good and the staff very obliging.

8/10 Good

Glen, Southend-on-Sea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good for 1 night stay
Good service, staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. The walls were a bit thin and I could hear the person next door quite clearly but not a huge problem. Room was basic but clean with bottled water, tea and coffee on hand. The main negative point for me personally is the narrow and winding roads leading to and from the inn, this added quite a bit to my journey time into the office, which is the only reason I marked down the neighbourhood, although it's in a lovely village, just a bit remote for my commuting.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

zero wifi, zero phone signal, overall ok
this hotel is fine if you are happy with no contact with the outside world, it is literally in the middle of nowhere with no mobile phone coverage, NONE, and the rooms also have no working wifi, I needed both of these for work. However, if you require neither this place is pretty good to be fair

6/10 Okay

Alison, Cubert

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Nice stay in a quiet country village
I stayed here for 1 night for business. I was quite happy with the room which was big, clean and welcoming. Comfy bed, quiet room - though it appears as though the walls are thin as I heard someone next door very clearly when they entered their room, but they appeared to go straight to bed as I didn't hear any more from them. The windows look straight out onto the pub garden so you need to be careful that the curtains are completely closed when getting dressed! Staff were friendly and welcoming.

8/10 Good

Julie bee, Bromley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay
Had a one night stay here early October. Beautiful, room was lovely and clean and would definitely stay again if I was in the area.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed our stay. Friendly, efficient staff. Had our evening meal in the restaurant. Food was excellent and good value. Room was comfortable however the bathroom had not been cleaned thoroughly, previous occupants toiletries in shower.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lacking in most areas
Basic room, room had not been hoovered, sweets on floor, large cobwebs in bathroom obviously been there for some time, water sill in kettle with a large amount of loose lime scale in the bottom. Cleaned out before use. Fridge in room had mould all inside of it you would not want to have used it. Shower kept going hot and cold it also had all black coming from the seam along the bottom. Full breakfast is fried breakfast with tea or coffee no cereals no juices. Evening meals I felt were overpriced for a pub meal. Had to order breakfast night before with required time yet still had to wait 20 mins to get breakfast. Beware the cockerel 5.30am unless you need an early call.

8/10 Good

Lulu, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Traditional country inn with amazing food
Loved every minute ... The inn has a contemporary flavour with old fashioned hospitality extending from the initial welcome throughout the stay. The accommodation is comfortable although a little dated and spotlessly clean. The highlight is the dinner. I ate Belly of Pork which was succulent and beautifully presented. The mix of people from local farmers to visitors passing through and school teachers from the nearby college make for interesting chit-chat.

4/10 Poor

md, cheshire

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Dont think I will stay again ?
Ok, nice pub with rooms to block at the back. Friendly service in the pub. But, for the cost, I think its poor value. The allocated room had no hot water & someone had previously left a deposit in the toilet & forgot to flush ! The adjacent rooms were noisy till late & the pub is located a long way from communication routes. Overall ...not great !

8/10 Good

Hungry, Hove

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great pub with rooms
I always enjoy staying at the Bull. The location is fabulous and the beer and food are both great. The rooms are simple and practical, my only problem was with the shower which was below par. In all other respects the bull is a great place to stay.

6/10 Okay

shadders, north wales

Disliked: Room comfort
bit out the way
The hotel is down some single track lanes away from everything the bed was a bit bumpy and the shower was not much use the room was clean but the tv was that small you needed glasses to watch it

4/10 Poor

Kelvin, Norwich

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very disapointing
Food was bad, access to the room was a nightmare, broken toliet and shower. Overall not a great place to stay

8/10 Good

Lyn, Thorpe-le-Soken

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The Bull Inn
Set in a lovely village and rural location. The room was spacious and had a 'country' atmosphere'. The décor could do with updating and breakfast was not available until 9.00p.m. (Sunday) so I was unable to have this due to work commitments.

8/10 Good

nthatch61, Sheffield

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Lovely location
Overall a nice stay. They have nearly got it right but a bit more attention to the cleaning is needed - the shower screen showed streaks and the basin & taps were smeared and not as bright as I would expect. I had no hot water for the basin due to fault with immersin- not their fault this can happen at any stage. It might be as well to get duvet covers which actually fit the duvet. Mine was far too big and it looked like my bed had not been made - it had been on closer inspection. I would, however, return and hope they can view this as constructive criticism. The food is excellent.

10/10 Excellent

Simon,, Cornwall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great all round,fantastic setting and service
awesome place , great food only problem ( if you can call it that ) is no phone signal in the rooms, peaceful really !!! fab place to stay cant rate it high enough,

8/10 Good

Wilkig, The road!

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Quiet Country Pub, that gets busy.
Online booking for the first time and a last minute decision, very easy and quick. 15 minutes from M4 but down very narrow lanes. Ample parking. Warm welcome, friendly young staff. Room, reasonable size, comfortable and clean, with usual facilities. Attached to a pub serving good selection of food, if a little on the expensive side. Decided to stay an extra couple of nights but wasn't able to have the same room, but they made the transition very easy.

10/10 Excellent

Caroline, West Sussex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely rooms - but food expensive
The rooms were great but the food in the restaurant for evening meal and breakfast was very expensive.....

8/10 Good

Max, Yorkshire

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice room
Overall a pleasant experience, had dinner there with friends, very good but a bit pricey for what it was. When booked on website, there was no mention of breakfast or breakfast rates, I usually like this information in advance. Breakfast was ok but again a bit pricey for a village pub!! The location of the room was good, overlooking the garden, but there was a lot of dust and cobwebs, although the bedding was spotless. I would stay there again if in the area

10/10 Excellent

william

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Calm and beautifully decorated hotel
We had a lovely stay. Even though we had to arrive hours after we intended the staff was polite and helped us to check in out of office hours. The area is calm and you get to wake up to the sound of birds together with a lovely garden outside. We did not stay there any longer time, but would really like to visit this hotel again after this experience.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
temperatuur douche en verwarming
de temperatuur van de douche was niet te regelen. Het was of koud of heel warm. De verwarming in de badkamer stond heel hoog en was niet laag te zetten. Hoewel het een 2persoonskamer is, stond er maar een stoel. Het ontbijt was prima. Bestel je echter als extra een bakje sla voor 4 pond, dan krijg je 5 slablaadjes en een stukje ui. Jammer, want de ligging is prima. Prachtige omgeving en leuk dorpje, lekker rustig.

8/10 Good

Carlos, Lucena - Córdoba

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Bonito lugar, muy auténtico !