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Summary of reviewsBull Inn in the picturesque village of Sonning offers a delightful blend of historic charm and modern comfort, making it a highly recommended destination for travelers. Nestled near the serene Thames and close to Reading, the inn's location is perfect for scenic river walks, peaceful stays and convenient visits to The Mill Theatre. Its historic charm is evident in the beautifully preserved building and atmospheric bar-restaurant, which, combined with a welcoming and helpful staff, creates a lovely and inviting atmosphere.
Breakfast at Bull Inn stands out for its exceptional quality and variety with guests often describing it as one of the best they've ever had. Freshly cooked-to-order dishes, quality local ingredients and friendly service make for a delightful morning experience. Dinner also receives high praise for its tasty, well-presented meals with particular accolades for the Sunday roast and a notable wine selection.
The inn features cozy, characterful rooms that seamlessly blend old-world charm with modern amenities. Guests consistently commend the comfortable beds, cleanliness and thoughtful touches like complimentary bottled water and espresso machines. Although some rooms are on the smaller side, they are still warmly decorated and contribute to the overall cozy atmosphere.
Cleanliness is a hallmark of Bull Inn with many reviewers highlighting spotlessly clean rooms and well-maintained facilities. The staff's dedication to keeping the inn in top condition is evident and the service is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful and efficient.
The historical significance of Bull Inn, a 16th-century building close to the Thames, adds an enchanting touch to the stay, captivating guests with its original features and serene setting. Despite minor issues like room size or occasional noise, the majority of guests leave with positive impressions of a charming, comfortable and memorable retreat. Show more
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Categories
Boutique-style Hotel
Historic Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Small Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomThis room has a TV, telephone, and a radio.
Superior Double RoomThis room has a TV, telephone, and a radio.
Some rooms can accommodate children in extra beds. This is subject to availability and extra charges apply.
Standard Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, heating, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, heating, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior King RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, heating, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Sonning, 'Bull Inn' boasts a superb location that consistently garners praise from its guests. Situated near the serene Thames, it offers proximity to the tow path, making it ideal for scenic walks along the river. The pub's historic charm and character shine through, creating a lovely atmosphere that guests adore. This beautifully preserved old building is known for its rustic appeal, combining a historic ambiance with modern amenities.
Guests appreciate its prime position, just 2.5 miles from Reading yet providing a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The Bull Inn's setting is not just peaceful but also strategic, being ideally located for visitors to The Mill Theatre. With a friendly and helpful staff, the inn provides an inviting and pleasant stay.
The pub's excellent food and lovely breakfast complement its atmospheric charm and the location makes it perfect for both relaxation and exploration. Whether dining in the charming bar-restaurant or simply soaking in the serene village surroundings, guests find the Bull Inn a perfect blend of character and comfort in a quintessentially English setting.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Bull Inn is consistently praised for its quality and variety. Guests describe the morning meal as excellent, superb and even exceptional, frequently noting that it’s among the best they’ve ever had. The breakfast menu offers a wide range of options with many dishes cooked to order ensuring freshness and personal preference. Notable mentions include perfectly cooked poached eggs, quality ingredients and the use of local produce. Presentation and taste are highlighted as top-notch with diners enjoying both the selection and the flavors. The friendly staff and characterful atmosphere of the pub contribute positively to the breakfast experience. Despite a few instances of slower service, the overall impression remains highly favorable with the breakfast often described as a delightful and memorable part of the stay at Bull Inn.
Dinner
The Bull Inn offers a delightful dining experience that has received extensive praise from guests. Both dinner and breakfast consistently impress with their excellent quality and delicious flavors. Although the vegetarian options are somewhat limited, the helpful staff goes above and beyond, consulting with the kitchen to accommodate dairy-free diets. Many commend the tasty and well-presented meals, describing them as good value for money.
The atmosphere of this historic old pub, complete with quirky uneven floors and original features, adds to the overall charm, creating a fantastic setting for dining. The wine selection is notable, complementing the exceptional dishes perfectly. The Sunday roast, in particular, receives high marks for its amazing taste.
Overall, the food is lauded for its freshness, taste and presentation. Paired with great service and a lovely dining ambiance, the dining experience at the Bull Inn consistently earns high praise from its guests.
Rooms
Bull Inn boasts a charming blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for guests seeking a cozy and comfortable stay. The rooms are frequently praised for their beauty and character, decorated with a charming, quaint style that incorporates the building's period features. Many guests appreciated the spaciousness and tasteful décor in several rooms, noting they were well-equipped with thoughtful touches like complimentary bottled water, fresh milk and espresso machines.
Comfort is clearly a priority at Bull Inn with many reviews highlighting the exceptionally comfortable beds and the cleanliness of the rooms. The cozy atmosphere is a recurring theme with multiple guests describing their rooms as clean, warm and inviting, perfect for a restful stay.
While the smaller size of some of the rooms and bathrooms is mentioned, it often comes with a mention of how they are still adequately equipped and beautifully designed. The pub itself adds to the overall ambiance with its traditional charm, warm log fire and great beer contributing to a delightful atmosphere.
Food also receives high marks with delectable breakfasts and dinners that complement the cozy, characterful setting. Despite a few minor issues, such as small room sizes and occasional maintenance needs, the overall feedback indicates that a stay at Bull Inn is both pleasant and memorable, enhanced by excellent staff and a welcoming environment.
Beds
The beds at Bull Inn receive high praise for their comfort and size. Guests frequently highlight that the beds are super comfy with many describing them as very comfortable or extremely large and comfortable. The quality of the bedding, including duck down pillows and duvets, is also noted for enhancing the sleep experience. While some guests mentioned that the pillows were very hard and one noted the bed as extremely firm, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Additional feedback suggests that the rooms, in general, are well-presented, clean and tidy, contributing to a pleasant stay at the inn.
Cleanliness
Bull Inn appears to have garnered a reputation for its outstanding cleanliness and comfortable accommodations. Reviewers consistently highlight that the rooms are very clean, spotlessly clean and impeccably clean. Many guests found their rooms not only clean but also generous in size, beautifully decorated and well presented. A few reviews mentioned that the rooms are nicely appointed with thoughtful touches like little biscuits adding to the overall pleasant experience.
The service at Bull Inn also receives commendation with staff described as pleasant and keen to help, ensuring that the rooms are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. The food, mentioned in several reviews, is described as delicious and good, adding another layer of satisfaction for the guests.
While the majority of reviews focus on the hotel's cleanliness and comfort, a few guests pointed out issues such as room size and occasional noise. One review mentioned a strong smell of damp in the bathroom despite the room's overall cleanliness. Another review noted the need for a good clean or replacement in some rooms. There were also remarks about general uncleanliness and incomplete breakfast service which indicate areas for potential improvement.
Overall, Bull Inn offers a clean and comfortable stay with excellent service, although there are a few aspects that may require attention to ensure a consistently high standard for all guests.
Staff
The staff at Bull Inn receive consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. They are described as welcoming and accommodating, often going above and beyond to assist guests with a smile. The team, including notable mentions like Ray the barman, is recognized for being courteous, attentive and efficient, significantly contributing to the positive experience at the Inn. While the majority of the feedback highlights their excellent service, there are isolated incidents of terseness; however, such cases appear rare compared to the overwhelming commendations. Overall, the staff’s dedication and warmth make guests feel very welcome, enhancing the cozy and enjoyable atmosphere of this traditional country pub and hotel.
Historic
Bull Inn is a beautifully historic pub that exudes charm and character. Nestled in a lovely quiet area close to the Thames, the property itself is as stunning as its surroundings. The inn, a 16th century building beside the church, is filled with an enchanting historical atmosphere that captivates guests. Accommodation in this quaint, well-kept establishment remains comfortable and inviting. The hotel seamlessly blends historic and original features, offering an engaging glimpse into the past. Ideal for those seeking a serene retreat with ample historic importance, Bull Inn provides a unique, memorable stay.
No, Bull Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Bull Inn.
Yes, Bull Inn welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Bull Inn.