THE Bull in Ditchling has scooped ‘Best Freehold Pub 2019’ at the annual Great British Pub Awards for the third time in four years.

The ceremony – the ‘Oscars’ of the pub industry – took place at The Royal Lancaster hotel in London where The Bull was shortlisted in a record four categories. Organised by The Morning Advertiser, The Bull also won ‘Best Garden 2019’.

The Bull, a 16th Century Coaching Inn, was bought in 2003 by owners Dominic and Vanessa Worrall. The duo have seen the pub go from strength to strength, winning local and national recognition. Alongside general manager Molly Raftery the pair have created a hugely popular and vibrant atmosphere that continues to evolve and improve year on year.

“Wow, what an amazing four years it’s been”, Molly said. “We owe this award to my incredible team and of course our customers, who support us and make The Bull the very special place it is today”.

These awards cap an amazing two years for The Bull - which underwent a £1m renovation and expansion program during 2017-18, creating new dining spaces, a state-of-the-art kitchen and further bedrooms.

The existing bar and internal spaces were also given a stunningly designed refurbishment to bring the award-winning pub into the 21st century.

Outside spaces and gardens were also lovingly landscaped with the addition of an alfresco kitchen and bar, alongside the existing kitchen garden plots where the Bull’s brigade of chefs grow their own organic fruit, vegetables and herbs.

“To have won such a prestigious award three times in four years is beyond our wildest dreams”, said owner Dominic Worrall. “We started this love affair with The Bull back in 2003 and it was always an ambition to nurture The Bull into a space that the community would begin to fall back in love with and appreciate as an asset to their village. The team and locals should feel equally proud of what they have created and achieved.”

Community is key to the team at The Bull and over their 16 years of ownership they have raised over £80,000 for good causes and numerous charities, including local schools, Amaze Sussex, Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and Albion in the Community.

The Bull is at 2 High Street, Ditchling, Hassocks BN6 8TA • 01273 843 147