The new managers of a Barkham pub and restaurant have taken the meaning of ‘local’ to a whole new level.
Experienced husband and wife team Phil and Lilly Waddington have reopened The Bull at Barkham after the Grade II-listed property closed earlier this year.
Phil told Wokingham Today: “We live literally down the road, and I was a regular for many years under the previous management.”
The duo are currently responsible for The Four Horseshoes at Sherfield on Loddon, and also own the Osero Camp Safari Lodge in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
The couple were interested in taking on the running of The Bull after seeing it laying empty, and following negotiations with landlord Stonehouse they opened the property last week.
Phil and Lilly intend to offer authentic Thai food, courtesy of their three native Thai kitchen team, alongside traditional British classics.
He said: “It’s a formula that we know works well, so why change a format that is working so well?”
As well as hosting diners in its historic surroundings, The Bull at Barkham will offer a takeaway service – although initially not as part of any food delivery platforms.
Phil said he was pleased with the reception from locals during the opening few days, and can’t wait for more people to pop in and say hello.
The Bull at Barkham still has space for anyone seeking a last-minute location for a Christmas meal to remember.
It will be open from 12 noon until 11pm.
Plans for events are being made, to include making full use of the outside space during warmer weather.
Phil said: “Our first objective is to get the place back to its previous levels of success.”
For more information visit: www.bullatbarkham.com.
