Black Bull Inn, Corbridge

Apr 27 2008 by Eleanor Gregson, Sunday Sun

A TRIP to the Northumberland countryside — with a view to squeezing in a hearty scran — is always a pleasurable way to spend a Sunday just not when the footy is on.

Little did the missus realise that she had booked a table at the Black Bull Inn, at Corbridge, dot on kick-off time for the Tyne-Wear derby last weekend.

Nevertheless, after a bit of bartering, a somewhat guilt-ridden Mrs E offered to pay for lunch, so into the Eatsmobile we climbed and off we trundled in the direction of the pretty Northumberland village.

Corbridge has been a firm favourite of Mrs Eats and I for many years — not only for its historic heritage and quirky little shops — but for its cluster of top-notch boozers as well.

And up there with the much-talked about Angel Inn — where we enjoyed a tasty meal a couple of years ago — is the Black Bull Inn.

Parking in Corbridge may be free in places on a Sunday but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will automatically bag a spot . . . it took a good run-around of the village before we finally managed to comfortably ditch the Eatsmobile.

The Black Bull stretches across three buildings on one of Corbridge’s quaint little streets and is picture-postcard pretty.

Part of the building dates back as far as 1755 and was a former coaching inn but has been in its present form for over 25 years.

Despite the bad timing of Mrs E’s booking, we would have gone hungry had it not been for her excellent organisational skills for there wasn’t a free table in sight.

On entering the pub, which has a lovely olde worlde atmosphere, I immediately spotted a selection of fine real ales on tap and headed straight for the bar, leaving Mrs E to carefully peruse the extensive menu.

By the time I had returned with my pint of Ruddles County, Mrs Eats informed me she had chosen the goat’s cheese fritters with apple chutney for starter, while suggesting I chose the chicken liver and mushroom pate with toasted ciabatta and onion marmalade.

Now, she might have booked a meal when I should have been watching the footy, but Mrs E knows my tastes better than anyone so, rather than disagree, I headed off to order our meals, with the strict order to return with a glass of their fine red wine.

The strange concoction of battered goat’s cheese turned out to be a taste sensation for Mrs E, who exclaimed slightly too loudly about how delicious they were. However, she wasn’t the only one enjoying her starter, for my pate was extremely tasty as well.

Mrs Eats had opted for the £13.95 fillet steak for main, while I plumped for the braised lamb shank at £10.45.

But for those wanting something a little less pricey, a roast topside of beef or leg of lamb with all the trimmings costs £7.95.

The tender steak — done to perfection — came complete with chips, peas and onion rings, and my lamb came smothered in a rich mint gravy, along with mashed potato and vegetables.

So big were the portions that we were both, somewhat ashamedly, unable to clear our plates.

After a brief respite to ease our aching stomachs, we ordered dessert, with Mrs E choosing the white chocolate and raspberry roulade, while I opted for the brioche bread and butter pudding with custard. Despite the need for a little loosening of the trousers, we both managed to polish off our delicious puds.

But for once it was me enviably looking on as Mrs Eats devoured her dessert . . . she definitely picked the best of an already tasty looking bunch.

On leaving the Black Bull, we were told that the boozer is due to close for a couple of weeks at the start of next month to be refurbished.

Once reopened, the pub will have a new exterior area for smokers, as well a new-look inside, while retaining its traditional style.

In a bid to walk off our hearty scran, Mrs Eats and myself sampled one of Corbridge’s true attractions . . . a stroll along the nearby riverside.

:: To get to the Black Bull Inn leave the A69 on the B6321 signposted for Corbridge and enter Middle Street, where the pub is located on the right-hand side.

Black Bull Inn, Corbridge, Northumberland

Rating - 18/20

Character - 5

Quality - 4

Service - 4

Value - 5

Telephone - 01434-632261.

Food served - Noon to 8pm.

Drinks - Pint of Fosters lager £2.45, pint of Ruddles County £2.40, glass of wine £2.70, gin and tonic £3.45, orange juice £1.75.

:: Car park - No

:: Kids allowed - Yes

:: Real ale on tap - Yes

:: Wine by bottle - Yes

:: Credit cards - Yes

:: Vegetarian food - Yes

:: Disabled toilets - Yes