Bull - Barton Mills — Restaurant in West Suffolk

We decided to book here for a fairly last minute couple of days away over new year, thinking we would get a nice luxury country hotel experience. I called ahead and asked to book a table for NYE (I expected they might be full but thought I'd try) and was pleased that they said that was fine. When we arrived, we were told there was no food or tables available, but we could book for their NYE party (we had no idea there was a party) for £90, which would have 'gala' food and cooking stations. Not what we had planned but we decided to splash out because it sounded lovely. Instead of gala food and cooking stations we were 'treated' to beige selection of finger food that I am fairly convinced was bought at Iceland. For £90.

The room was ok, but definitely not the luxury it was sold as. Not as clean as expected with cobwebs around the room, no handles on the inside of the ensuite door so you couldn't shut it, but we were just happy to be away.

On New Year's day we took a walk out in Bury St. Edmunds which was lovely then decided to head back to the hotel for a meal and a glass of wine. When we got back we were told that the bar and kitchen were completely closed down and we could have neither. We were never told this would be shutting. The bar and restaurant on site was part of the reason we chose to stay here. So we had to walk to the local Hungry Horse for a burger, followed by an evening just in our room.

For what was advertised as an award winning place to eat (although I note this has subsequently removed that claim on their website) breakfast the next morning was poor, and we were made to feel like we were an inconvenience. See photo of "Eggs Benedict'.

On checkout, we were told that we had not paid in advance (we thought we had but paid anyway taking them at their word) and left, vowing never to return.

A few days later, we were charged AGAIN for our stay. A double charge. That was 4th Jan. It's now the 15th Feb, 5 phone calls later and emails and they STILL haven't returned our money. Noone will call us back when we call. We feel like they have stolen our money.

Avoid this place, it's so bad for what they are charging - even if they only...

Email of complaint sent with no response from the pub.

'I am writing to you to express our disappointment when we dined with you on Wednesday night.

Firstly the rules around social distancing were conveyed to us in such a condescending and officious way it set the the tone for what was an uncomfortable meal.

It soon became clear that children are not welcome at your pub. The 'instructions' on how to 'control' my own children that are printed on the children's menu all help to make the atmosphere in the pub non existent. It may be easier to put a sign up on the website saying 'children not welcome' then i wouldn't have bothered gracing you with my families presence.

When my child was in a rush to get to the toilet one of the staff in charge looked at him like it was something unpleasant on her shoe, then gave me the same look.

In stark contrast to your establishment we visited the Guinness Arms the next day and they couldn't have been more accommodating, welcoming the children, implementing social distancing in a relaxed way and generally setting the ambiance that allows for a 'normal' dining experience in these strange times.

I wish to add that the waitresses were polite and attentive, the staff however who were in charge were rude and interfering, my 4 year old dared to put his foot on his seat and once again the same lady was so keen to point it out it was unsettling for all of our party.

Service charge was also applied without anyway of removing it, then the card machine also asks if you would like to tip!! Is the service charge something that is normally applied? When was this practice employed? Is this something that has been applied to claw back money lost on the eat out to help out scheme?

When my wife tried to pay she was asked to move away from our table having to pick everything up and shift to an area which suited the same lady in charge, social distancing then was not convenient as she was asked to sit with the other family in our party although all the way through the meal we could not mix at all.

1/5 is the review, unwelcoming and overpriced.'

Still awaiting a reply...

This has been the single most enjoyable stay I have ever had at a bed & breakfast.

The landlords and staff very clearly take pride in their business and the result is a stay, dining, or meeting experience unlike any other you're likely to find in a lifetime.

The rooms radiate quirkiness, which is not normally to my taste, but I felt immediately at home in The Bull.

Modern design elements and creature comforts clash exquisitely with the traditional English architecture of this 500+ year old farm house turned B&B.

The AA 5-Star rated pub downstairs serves various traditional and modern meal options. The multi-course breakfast included with your room is served free of charge to residents, but each meal prepared by the kitchen easily out-classes many 4 and 5 star hotels I have visited, and I struggle to think of better breakfast and lunch fare at a dedicated diner.

I have tried almost all the menu items over my week's stay, and it is hard to nail down a favorite, because it was all so good. The "Sunday Lunch" available from noon is outstanding (I chose the pork roast, but they also had chicken and beef roast available), and my favorite dessert is the Crème Brûlée with house-baked shortbread from their Sunday-only menu.

All of my meals have been hot, fresh from the kitchen, and I was treated as a proper guest in their house. The food is not cheap, here, but neither is the quality. This is a clear case of getting what you pay for.

Special thanks to Barkeep / Server / Receptionist Mason for his outstanding customer service. He takes obvious pride in his work and The Bull Inn, and it shows.

5/5 Recommended, for excellent service,...