Uncover the Secrets of Chichester's Legendary Bulls Head Pub!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the legendary Bulls Head Pub in Chichester. And lemme tell you, it's not just a pub; it's practically a historical monument with a well-stocked bar, and I'm here to tell you all about it. SEO-packed too, so your Google search will thank me later! #Chichester #BullsHeadPub #HotelReview #Travel
First Impressions: Rolling into Chichester (and Hoping for a Pint!)
Okay, so the Bulls Head isn't just a pub. It's also got rooms! My initial search for "Chichester hotels" coughed it up, and the lure of history and potentially, a decent pint, sealed the deal. Getting there was straightforward – the car park (yes, FREE car park! Score!) was a sweet bonus. I’m a clumsy person and often struggle with my bags, but the "Car park [on-site]" was a lifesaver. Speaking of which, I was absolutely delighted to see CCTV around the property. I mean, safety first, am I right? Anyway, it's all accessible too-- "Elevator", "Facilities for disabled guests" …check and check. It's like they want you to feel comfortable.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanitized Sanctuary (Hopefully!)
Okay, the Bulls Head gets top marks in the age of Hand Sanitizer. I mean, they were on it. They have "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas" - it's like a fortress against germs. "Staff trained in safety protocol," too. And, you know, there's "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. The room I was in, they even had "Room sanitization opt-out available" - good to get that out there. I'm the kind of person who still worries about the "COVID-19", so extra points for peace of mind, I tell ya. They even have "Cashless payment service" now -- I mean, who carries cash anymore?
The Room: Cozy, Comfy, and… Does it Have Enough Sockets?!
Okay, let's talk rooms. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little obsessed with hotel rooms, particularly because of the "Available in all rooms" list. Did it have "Air conditioning?" Check. "Free Wi-Fi"? Double check, thank heavens! "Hair dryer"? Praise the heavens! But the real test? Sockets! I need sockets. Good news: "Socket near the bed" (bless!). It also boasted the usual suspects – mini bar (tempting!), tea/coffee maker (essential!), and a comfy bed. "Blackout curtains" too – because nobody wants sunshine in their eyes at 6 AM. "Complimentary tea" - lovely touch. It had "Laptop workspace" (important for the occasional Zoom call I gotta do). I appreciated the "Daily housekeeping," too. Overall? Cozy and functional. It gets a solid "yes" from me.
Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry: The Pub Life!
This is the reason you're coming here. The Bulls Head is the pub. And the pub life is good. I mean, they have a "Bar" -- obviously. But also, you get the benefits of some serious "Restaurants" on site. They serve "Breakfast [buffet]" – hello, carbs! – and you can even get "Breakfast in room" or "Breakfast takeaway service" if you're feeling anti-social (no judgement). Plus a "Coffee shop" - and bless them for the "Coffee/tea in restaurant". I did order a "Bottle of water" too. And the cocktails! I am a sucker for a good "Happy hour" - And the "Poolside bar" made it even better, although, I did not go into the "Swimming pool [outdoor]" because it was a winter time visit. I did get a glance at it and it looked wonderful!
The menu itself is pretty eclectic, if you're there for a meal, and I mean really. They've got your standard pub fare and it is good! But the thing is, they offered some "Alternative meal arrangement," if something wasn't to your taste! I'd call that a win.
Things to Do (Besides Drink): Exploring Chichester
Look, you're in Chichester! There's a whole city to explore! The Bulls Head is right there in the thick of things. I didn't see much of the "Bicycle parking" because I was too busy hitting the pub, but I did see plenty of other "Things to do"!
Accessibility and Amenities: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
Okay, let's say they have "Internet" - they have "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" - big win! But, they also have "Internet [LAN]" and "Internet services" - so you're covered! It has "Air conditioning in public area." And, in terms of services and conveniences, you can find "Luggage storage" if you get there early, "Laundry service", "Dry cleaning", and "Car park [free of charge]".
Accessibility: Who Can Stay?
The Bulls Head is generally accessible with "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator." I was happy to see "Check-in/out [express]" to get in and out with ease.
A Few Quirks (Because It's Real Life!)
Alright, a few hiccups – I'm trying to be as honest as possible here. On my visit the "Gym/fitness" was not available. And, there were no "Pets allowed", which is sad because I love dogs. Also, I didn't get the chance to try the "Spa" or "Sauna" or experience a full "Body scrub" - but it's a pub, not a spa retreat.
The Verdict: Should You Book the Bulls Head?
Absolutely. Yes. The Bulls Head is a genuinely charming hotel with a killer location, great food, and friendly staff. It's not ultra-modern, but it's got history, character, and that all-important pub atmosphere.
Booking Offer! (Because You Deserve It)
Wanna get a taste of Chichester history and enjoy a great pub? Here's the deal:
Book directly through the hotel's website this week using the code "CHICHESTERBULLS" and receive:
- 15% off your stay!
- A complimentary welcome drink at the bar!
- A free dessert with your first meal!
Don't miss out! The Bulls Head is waiting. Go!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to descend into the glorious, slightly chaotic mess that is my Chichester adventure… AKA, my attempt to find the perfect pint and hopefully not embarrass myself too horribly in front of the locals. This, friends, is less an itinerary and more a free-wheeling descent into potential absurdity.
The Bulls Head, Chichester - A Diary of Mild Mayhem (and Probably Beer):
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pub Reconnaissance
1:00 PM (ish) - Aeroplane/Train/Dragged Myself Here: Okay, let's be honest, the journey itself was a disaster. Delayed train, questionable airport coffee that tasted suspiciously like sadness… but I'm HERE. Chichester, here I am, ready to embrace whatever medieval cobblestones and overly polite British culture throws my way! First stop, the Bulls Head. I've heard whispers, legends even, of their beer garden. Hopefully it isn’t just a patch of slightly damp grass, I’m picturing some kind of magical beer garden filled with fairy lights and the gentle murmur of intelligent conversation… probably a pipe dream, but dreams are free, right?
2:00 PM - Bulls Head, Ground Zero: First impressions? Glorious pandemonium. Slightly… scruffy, but in that charming, lived-in way. The kind of place where the tables have seen a few spilled pints and overheard a million secrets. I try to look cool, order a pint of, I dunno, something local. The Chichester Champion Ale? No, that sounds too obvious… How about… The “Old Ram” Bitter? (I later learned it's a pub next door, minor detail, but already a clue, right?) The bartender, bless his heart, just gives me a knowing look. I feel like I immediately revealed myself as a clueless tourist. But hey, at least I'm trying. The first sip… heavenly. Seriously, a perfect, slightly yeasty, slightly bitter, pint. Score! The food? Simple, hearty pub fare. The burger was decent, but the chips… those chips, my friends, were bordering on religious experience. Crispy on the outside, fluffy within. I could eat an entire mountain of those. Send help.
Afternoon Rambles: I spend the afternoon wandering the city… lost. I mean, exploring. I pop into a couple of shops, buy a postcard (for my grandma, because, obligatory), and generally absorb the atmosphere. Chichester is lovely, all cobbled streets and historic buildings. I bump into a very friendly elderly gentleman, who regales me with tales of the cathedral. I'm not really sure how to react when he says "Yes, old chap, it’s been a while since they threw the witch in the well," but I'm too polite to question it. I end up buying a hat. It looks awful. I love it.
Evening - Back to the Bulls Head, Round Two: I returned to the Bulls Head… and it was buzzing. A mix of locals and other tourists. The atmosphere was incredible. (I did end up getting chatting with a woman, quite frankly, she was in this long pink dress that I just wanted to take a photo and then I’d forget her existence. But alas, I wasn’t a good photographer) I’m starting to feel that special, beer-induced, warm glow. The world seems brighter, funnier. The conversations are… more opinionated. I love it. After another few pints, I try my hand at a game of darts. Absolute disaster. My darts mostly end up on the floor. I’m pretty sure I accidentally hit the bartender with one. He just laughed. Such a forgiving bunch.
Midnight - Bedtime? Maybe? I'm not sure how I staggered back to my hotel. The last thing I saw was a blurry image of a very happy, slightly tipsy me, singing along to some random pub song. The next day I realised I left one shoe in the beer garden.
Day 2: The Cathedral and a Quest for the Perfect Scone
Morning - Regret, Breakfast and the Hunt for the Shoe: Coffee is essential. Then, I make the journey back to the beer garden to retrieve the shoe that was left behind. Success! The shoe is found, covered in what I hope is beer. Breakfast is at a quaint little cafe. I order a full English. I'm pretty sure I inhaled it.
Late Morning - Chichester Cathedral… Attempted: The cathedral is magnificent, I'm not going to lie. Soaring arches, stained glass windows that make you gasp… I try to soak it all in. Though the quiet is a little… intense, after the chaos of the Bulls Head. I wandered around for, well, I think at least half an hour – I’m not even sure because I was feeling very reflective.
Afternoon - Scone Quest: Okay, this is serious business. I've got a craving. A need for a perfect scone. Fluffy, buttery, with clotted cream and jam that doesn't taste like artificial sugary gloop. I try three tea rooms (again, all with the same terrible quality jam and a very strange clotted cream) before I find one that comes close. The scone is good, the tea is even better and the people are surprisingly… judgmental. I nearly spill tea on the table.
Evening - Bulls Head Redux (and Karaoke?): Yes, I’m back. Again. And this time, I'm convinced I'm joining the darts team. I spend a little too much time trying to become a legend, and end up making a spectacular fool of myself. Possibly, after enough pints, I might even try the karaoke. My voice is, shall we say, unpolished. Let’s pray to the beer gods that I don’t choose anything from the musical that I’ve been so patiently watching.
Day 3: Departure… and a Promise to Return (Possibly with My Own Dartboard)
Morning - Waking Up (again!): Another coffee. Another breakfast. One last wander through Chichester.
Late Morning - Last Pint: I'm going to miss this place. I have to sneak in one last pint at, you guessed it, the Bulls Head. I thank the bartender for his patience. He laughs. Tells me I should come back.
Afternoon - Goodbye, Chichester: The train back is less dramatic than the journey here. I'm tired, slightly hungover, and already planning my return.
Final Rating: The Bulls Head? Well, it's not perfect. But it's real. It's messy. It's got incredible chips, a charming atmosphere, and a place in my slightly tipsy, very fond memories. Chichester itself? A delight. A bit quirky, a bit old-fashioned. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, there you have it. My Chichester adventure. A testament to the power of a good pint, a welcoming pub, and the beauty of embracing the chaos. Until next time, Chichester! (And yes, I’m definitely getting a dartboard.)
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Uncover the Secrets (and My Shenanigans) of the Bulls Head! - A Messy FAQ
Right, brace yourselves. This isn't some polished tourist brochure. This is *my* experience. Expect rambles.
So, what's the big deal about the Bulls Head anyway? Seems like just another pub...
HA! Just another pub? Oh honey, you clearly haven't *lived*. Okay, okay, it *looks* like a pub from the outside. But inside? It's a time capsule! Seriously. It's like Chichester's grumpy, slightly smelly, beloved grandma. It's got that proper old-school feel. Think low ceilings (watch your head!), dark wood (splinter city!), and the ghosts of countless conversations and pints. You go for the history, the realness of it all. You *stay* because the beer is good, the locals are characters, and, well... sometimes because you can't actually *leave* (more on that later...).
Is it really haunted? Because I'm a total wimp.
Look, I'm not saying I've *seen* a ghost. But... I've felt things. Cold spots. The distinct feeling of being watched. And that time I swear I saw a pint slide *across* the bar... I might have been a bit tipsy, admittedly, but still! The Bulls Head has stories. Apparitions, mysterious noises during empty nights, objects moving around. Some regulars swear they’ve seen the ghost of a former landlady, known for her rather sharp tongue even in the afterlife. So... play it safe. Maybe bring a friend. Or a priest. Or both. I wouldn’t judge.
What about the beer? Is it any good? I’m picky.
Listen, I'm a *beer* person. Not just any beer, mind you. I like a good, proper pint. And the Bulls Head does not disappoint. They’ve got the usual suspects – your lagers, your bitters – but the real gems are the guest ales. They rotate them fairly regularly, which is *amazing*. Means there’s always something new to discover. And I have to tell you, last time I was there... oh, that session IPA? It was like liquid sunshine. Went down a little *too* easily, if I'm being honest. Which leads me to...
Let's talk about a 'last night out' at the Bulls Head...
Oh, boy. You *knew* this was coming. The time I truly, utterly, irrevocably lost track of time (and possibly my dignity) at the Bulls Head. It started innocently enough. A couple of pints, a chat with the bar staff (who are legends, by the way - they've seen *everything*), some friendly banter with the regulars. Next thing I knew, it's 2 AM. 2 AM IN CHICHESTER! Nothing's open! No taxis! *Panic*.
I vaguely remember... singing karaoke (badly), attempting a flirtation with a complete stranger (mortifyingly unsuccessful), losing my keys, and ending up... *in* the Bulls Head. I'm pretty sure the amazing bartender, bless her heart, let me camp out on a bench in the yard. Woke up freezing, smelling faintly of stale beer and regret. Found my keys (thank god!). And vowed to never go near the place again.
Which, of course, didn't last. I was back the next week. Because. The Bulls Head. It owns you.
Is the food any good?
They do the pub classics, but, let's be honest, the food isn't the main draw.. The fish and chips can be alright. But that's not why you go. You go for the atmosphere, the history, the shared experience of possibly, *maybe*, being haunted... and the beer. Stick to the beer and maybe some bar snacks. You'll be grand.
What kind of people go there?
A glorious mix! Locals who treat it like their second living room. Students looking for a proper pint. Tourists (bless 'em) wanting a taste of real England. People who just need a good pint and some friendly chat. There's always a wonderfully eccentric cast of characters. You could spend a whole night just observing them. Which, let's face it, is half the fun. You'll find artists, musicians, retirees, grumpy old men who have seen the dawn of time... It’s a proper pub.
Any tips for a first-timer?
Okay, listen up:
- **Go with an open mind. And potentially an open liver.** (Kidding! ...mostly.)
- **Don't be afraid to talk to people.** The regulars are generally friendly. (Unless you get on their bad side. Then you're toast.)
- **Watch your head.** Seriously, those ceilings are low.
- **Check the guest ales.** Always.
- **Have a designated driver... or prepare for a long night.** Or just embrace the Bulls Head's magnetic pull and your eventual inability to leave.
- **Take cash.** (They might take cards, but cash is always a safer bet.)
- **Don't order the fancy cocktails.** (They have a certain charm... however a proper pint of real ale is their true charm.)
- **Most importantly: Relax. Enjoy. And embrace the chaos!**
So, is it worth it?
Bloody hell, yes! Even with the potential ghosts, the slightly sticky tables, the occasional questionable karaoke, and the very real possibility of ending up locked in (hypothetically speaking, of course...). The Bulls Head is more than a pub. It’s an institution. A proper, proper, *proper* institution. And a bloody good one at that. Go. You won’t regret it. Probably. (And if you do... blame me. But I bet you won't.)
