The Bull in Braintree

Just back from The Bull in Braintree, and let me tell you, if you’re a York City fan looking for a friendly watering hole, this place rolls out the red (and blue) carpet for you! From the moment we walked in, Lauren welcomed us like long-lost relatives – the kind who don’t owe you money. Now, let’s talk about that Chilli Chicken Burger. Oh. My. Days. It’s like they took a chicken, sent it on an all-expenses-paid trip to Flavour Town, and then gently nestled it between two heavenly buns. Spicy, succulent, and worth every bite-induced tear of joy. If that burger was a York City striker, we’d be top of the league. And the hospitality? Top-notch. Lauren made sure we were fed, watered, and generally treated like VIPs. If York City had her running the midfield, we’d be in the Premier League by now. And the locals? Welcomed us like we were the new signing of the season. In short: Great beer, amazing food, and proper banter. The Bull’s a must-visit if you’re in Braintree, especially if you rock up in red and blue. Cheers Lauren, we’ll be back – probably still dreaming about that chilli chicken burger!

Went in The Bull with my friend for chats and having a dinner. This time I have steaks with chips, grilled tomatoes and peppercorn sauce as taste is perfick, no issue problem. The staffs is good and helpful when we need. Will come back again! 10/10

Had a great time today at the Bull, lunching with friends. Great staff, really friendly and the food was lovely, always a good place to go.

Came in for a quick bite to eat on my lunch break today and was not dissatisfied. Large menu selection it was hard to choose as they all sounded fantastic the ginger barmaid (do apologise I did not get her name) helped me refine my selection for lunch with fantastic recommendations. Swift service with a friendly atmosphere I will be attending again.

Sorry to say female staff member let this place down. As a drop in after getting married at the town hall me and the family (11 Adults and 2 Children) we wanted to have a drink and some snacks. We placed our drinks order and all was ok until we asked about food. Told by staff that it was an inconvenience as we had not booked. Agreed to provide food which was ordered. The staff member was unbelievably rude and put out when bringing the food. Definitely would not recommend this place as a drop in if you are using the town hall. Avoid there are other venues nearby that would welcome several hundred pounds of walk in business.

Came in for a quiet lunch. Cait really looked after me and made me feel very welcomed. I had the mac and cheese and it was one of the best mac and cheese’s i’ve had. I will be coming back to try more of the menu!

Prices are high. Poor snack selection

My partner and I visited whilst passing and we are so happy we did. the food was amazing, the small plates were to die for, amazing service by a ladie called Georgia extremely knowledgeable and helpful regards my allergies. I was able to adapt the menu in their tablet to let me know what was available for me to eat. Their drinks selection is huge and was reasonably priced. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend you all visit!

Went in for the football and had a great special burger - great day and great staff who made us very welcome love this pubxxxxxxxx

Booked a table for 7pm for food. Turned up at 6.50 and the barman said the kitchen is closed!!!! Avoid this place for food at all costs. Shocking!!!!!

Beautiful food and customer servies Claire is lovely 😍

Very poor. Booked a table at 7 and got there five minutes before only to be told they had shut down the kitchen. At 7pm. If looking for food avoid at all costs

Great pub with a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and a good selection of food and drinks, would definitely recommend to everyone

Food was nice, properly cooked and served hot but portions are childrens sizes. Not good value for money at all. And they tried to take my glass before I finished my drink. No happy as its not cheap in here!

Out with a mate watching the footie - lovely pub and staff were very friendly. The Bull is one I will keep coming back to. Thanks

Why have I not eaten here before..reasonable prices, the pie was bang on, Sticky toffee pudding was really good. All homemade it feels, I am stuffed. Well done chef.

Such a fun afternoon eating drinking and laughter we spent a Friday here just enjoying the food drinks and the team were great nothing was too much trouble thank you so much

Such a friendly fun team Georgia was happily pouring large rums and helping to choose the best small plates the marriage is amazing thanks for a great afternoon

As usual, great service friendly staff and not too expensive for a large glass of wine.

Great food, superb service and nice atmosphere!

I came to watch the football today, the food, the staff and the atmosphere was brilliant. Shame about the result 🙄

Alex and I took our Wedding party to The Bull for post ceremony drinks and Buffet! we spoke to Lauren some weeks before about holding our party there, she said that would be no problem at all, and it wasn't. The only thing they couldn't do for us was supply food, as we had too large a party, but we ordered in a Buffet, An area was set aside for us and which Lauren and her staff kindly decorated. We took our 66 people in for the afternoon/evening and at no point during our hours there did any of us have to wait to be served. Lauren and her team were excellent, friendly hosts as we knew they would be, having experienced their hospitality before. We are never getting Married again, but me and my new Wife will be visiting many more times. Matt and Alex

Very good atmosphere, the staff really friendly , big up Lauren and Caitlin Live music Friday night was great , thanks to Lauren for organising

Stopped by the other day for a few drinks after work, team were really friendly and the drink section was really good. I didn’t eat but the food I saw looked great. I will have to visit again some time!

This venue appeared scruffy and not very clean (thick cobwebs on the dirty windows) but going by previous positive reviews, we decided to stay. One review mentioned a "great selection of beers", but out of eight handpumps (all, strangely, labelled GK IPA) seven were not working, so No. 8 (GK IPA) was the only ale choice - and that was chilled! Surely pub management should know that real ales should never be ice cold... The food menu was basic, and that's exactly how it turned out - a cheese toasty with almost no cheese in it - so didn't tase of anything at all. The cod goujon sandwich was OK, but the miserly portion of chips @ £3.25 worked out at about £0.20/chip. Our meals came with a side salad, which was fresh but drenched in the most disgusting dressing. They replaced this, to be fair, but this sort of thing should be optional! The staff were polite, but it should have been obvious that we didn't enjoy our meal, so overall, an unpleasant and dissatisfying visit - we won't be back.

Amazing evening at the Bull. Unfortunately had to leave before the entertainment started but will definitely be back for a night out.

Came in with my mate for the 14 pound burger and pint...had the burnt ends burger and it was fantastic... so good I nearlly ordered a second one but instead ventured for a second cold beer

Great selection of Beers. Level Head was my favourite, staff where very helpful and friendly. The Chicken Caesar burger was spot on and was in a Burger and pint deal 😋

First time visit to the bull. The staff were very friendly and polite. The food was lovely and service speed was fast. Would recommend.

We came out for a couple of drinks in the evening and decided to go to The Bull. The band was brilliant and so were the staff. So happy we decided to come here and will most definitely be back for the next band night.

Pretty quiet on a Thursday night but sat out in the garden with its lovely lights. Good prices and friendly bar staff 👌

The fish and chips here is amazing. I come every Friday for it. Kayden is amazing, he looks after me and my friends. I always have an amazing time here and look forward to my end of the week treat!

Imagine a toilets that's not been flushed and you have The Bull. Outside it looks a nice pub, maybe even a quaint local to enjoy a punt outside. Step inside and it looks nice too. But within a couple of steps you'll find your feet sticking to the floor. The drinks are expensive for what is essentially a cheap Green King and the toilets are terrible. It's like someone has taken a sledgehammer to the stalls. They are either broken and locked, the panels ripped down so everyone can see you or just plain grim. It's probably a consequence of the fact it's open late on Friday and Saturday, a pit stop for drunks between Spoons and The Lounge . Either way I'd give it a miss. Some staff are friendly, others down right rude and you'll pay for the privelage.

Had a great time. Staff were great, service was excellent. Hopefully will visit again soon ish

Visited The Bull at lunchtime. The food and beer were spot on and good value for money. Fantastic, friendly service in a nice chilled bar. Also a very dog friendly pub!

Great place for food . Had the Katsu burger which was amazing. Thanks Georgia and the staff for a great meal and drinks .. oh and the football of course 😂⚽️

What a changeround in atmosphere and vibe, we came in to hear the band that were playing (A ska band called the honkus rompus!) and we had such a great night, the girls behind the bar were amazing and everyone was not only really friendly and respectful but also an absolute vibe. may have gotten a little too carried away and i felt achey the next day en route to work but well done band and thank you BULL!

Great pub . Lauran is incredible. Sexy . Sophisticated. Stunner

Staff are very friendly… drinks reasonably priced, food arrived hot fairly quickly and was good! Also very dog friendly which is an added bonus😊 Thank you Lauren and Cait

Met up with a friend for couple of beers & chat, very good service, friendly staff, few drunks outside staff had trouble with but otherwise good, nice old pub

Good selection of drinks menu looked nice but did not eat there the staff were really friendly and service excellent.

San Miguel seemed a little too gassy. It is a little expensive but is a lovely pub with friendly staff. I didn't eat any food.

Went to the Bull for a live band night and they were amazing, great beer and service and the music was great with a light up dance floor

Spent a lovely couple of hours in this traditional pub watching the rugby. Really friendly service and great locals atmosphere.

Went there for the giant Yorkshires on the special menu they did not disappoint....

Visited the Bull today for a quick drink after shopping. Our barmaid Caitlan was amazing, super quick service and incredibly friendly. Will be back again!

The Bull was great as usual. The only problem was West Ham who we support were thrashed 6 nil by Arsenal. Not the Bulls fault.

Friendly,relaxing place to eat, kayden and staff are friendly,had a good laugh with him,food is very nice, definitely recommend and will be going back,thank you

Popped in for a quick meal, lovely food as usual. Great to see Kayden behind the bar. The building is showing real signs of ware but the staff make the place good.

Amazing place in the town centre. I often come here after work with friends and is a great place to spend the evening. Staff are always so welcoming and friendly, Kayden always looks after us best. Could not recommend this place more!

Sunday afternoon drinks watching the football - good friends, good pub, good atmosphere. Staff always very accomodating

Absolutely love coming here! The staff are always so friendly, the food is absolutely amazing and it is the perfect place for me and my family to watch the football.

The drinks were good Bar service was okay The drains stank the place out

Great pint of IPA and welcoming member of staff!

Had a chicken and bacon sandwich and a pint whilst watching the football it was hot and fresh. Great staff and atmosphere

If i could put zero i would.. 10.10 on sunday night walked in. Pub manageress drinking with friends/customers waited 10 minutes for bar staff to show only for him to say sorry we stopped serving. I asked why was i not told this when i entered, they replied with it the door shouldn't be open and you shouldn't be here. Absolutely no control in this pub! I know this pub has a reputation but seriously shut doors if closed and at 10.10pm its not that late! They happy drinking with people in pub!

Nice town centre pub. Day time always promising Nice and friendly. Night time can get loud and crowded, so just join in.

Walked in. It smelt of drains.saw a group sat at one table. Walked out. Need 100 characters for my review to be posted.

Lovely local pub - nice people and decent food and drinks. They show all of the sports on big screens so perfect for all occasions

I absolutely love the service and food I ordered staff are friendly and very helpful definitely be back again

Very chilled out pub, with nice staff and very dog friendly. Had a very decent sandwich with a pint and some chips. They were also very kind to my dog. Top stuff

Very good food and service. A very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, good place to visit for affordable food

Disgusting, filthy, vile pub. If you are an innocent person that wants to get attacked for no reason, The Bull is your place to go. The bouncers just stood and watched my brother in law get innocently beaten to a pulp and taken away in the back of an ambulance and let a group of lads get away with stealing my sisters handbag. Minutes later, another innocent victim glassed in the pub garden. The bouncers still didn’t intervene, they can’t even do the job that they are paid for. The Bull needs closing down. The manager is running a shocking business, only caring about the money that is going in to her pocket. Vile.

Disgusting, filthy, vile pub. If you are an innocent person that wants to get attacked for no reason, The Bull is your place to go. The bouncers just stood and watched my brother in law get innocently beaten to a pulp and taken away in the back of an ambulance. Minutes later, someone was then innocently glassed in the pub garden. The bouncers still didn’t intervene, they can’t even do the job that they are paid for. The Bull needs closing down. The manager is running a shocking business with no cares but the money that is going in to her pocket. Vile.

Great Saturday lunch, Mac and Cheese was delicious and great value for money. Friendly staff, local to home, highly recommend

What a place!! Food unreal - best I’ve had in ages. Staff very friendly- shoutout to Lauren who’s a star! Would 100% recommend. Will be back asap!

Went in to watch the England rugby and was very pleasantly surprised, great atmosphere and decent beer - looked after well by the staff

Very friendly , welcoming pub . Lovely customer service , we get greeted with a smile and hello and our drinks are ready b4 we’ve asked , can’t recommend this pub enough. Thanks for everything

Lovely day at The Bull watching the football on the big screen. We also had some food and the were burgers are amazing. Kayden was a really big help, making sure everyone was happy and had a drink for the games. We will definitely be down next weekend!!

Called in on a very quiet Sunday evening! Needed to use the toilet & went so far up the steps before the horrific stench of urine hits you! I turned around gagging! I then asked for the disabled toilet, what a disgusting disgrace, pooh baked onto the pan & a crusty pee toilet, this had not been cleaned in weeks! There was no one in pub so god knows why it wasn’t cleaned!

I popped in here for a bite to eat at lunch, and I wasn't disappointed... The Level Head ipa was beautiful. The menu looks incredible. i had the cheese and bacon burger, and it was perfectly presented and cooked seasoned to perfection. The pub has always been lovely, since my last visit it has had a refurbishment and it looks plush. I found a cosy spot to eat and watch the world go by. All in all, another good experience would highly recommend if you're in town...

I am presently staying in the area and went into the town centre to do some shopping & decided to find somewhere pleasant to eat. I was outside The Bull pub looking at the menu. I liked what I saw and on going inside chose bbq chicken with a cheese sauce, onion rings, blistered cherry tomatoes on the vine with chips. When the dish appeared it looked very appetising and was tastefully served. I was given my cutlery + condiments required & proceeded to cut into the chicken. It was cooked beautifully. The whole dish was an absolute delight. It surpassed anything I had tasted of similar dishes. I can highly recommend this dish. If other dishes on the menu are as good, I believe I have found an absolute winner in going into The Bull at Braintree. I hope to return in the future.

So nice I here the small plates are amazing and the bogof levelhead and pins deal amazing Really great value for money and lovely bar staff

Nice and relaxing place, positive atmosphere, good food and service.

Had a great time at the bull, service was great and very professional. Got drinks quick and good price.

Haven't been in here since covid I must admit, only 3 table's taken so not busy for sure. Had selection of small plate's to share, waited at least half hour for food to arrive. One of the dishes we sent back as burnt and that...

Had a great night with shots - always a decent night in here and the people are friendly will come back for the next time when out

Only had a drink here, lovely old world charm well worth a visit if you are in the area

It's a solid 4 star kind of place, a standard town centre pub with a late licence. Not amazing, not bad, serves a purpose. The food was ok, not much beer choice though. IPA or IPA. A bit stark inside when the place is quite. Only three stars for the stinking and grim toilets, even if there is a lifesize Cheryl Cole on one of the cubicles.

Popped in for a meal before heading to first friendly football game. Lovely air conditioning, excellent service from Lauren and incredibly quick delivery of the meal that was beautifully cooked. 1 excellent flat-iron steak & wonderful fish and chips.

Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff . Love that it also has sky sports as well . Food quality best I’ve had in Braintree

Went in for a drink and a bite, great food, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Will be back.

Went in for a drink and a bite, great food, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

I attended the Bull yesterday (25th). Genuinely have seen a wonderful bit of customer service. Many congratulations to Carl the chef. So hot the pub had taken roast dinner off. One customer asked for one, Carl came down to explain to her that he would be happy to cook one for her, but it may take a little longer because he hadn’t prep for such a hot day. Customer was amazed by that.

Excellent day went to see my family and decided to go for lunch, staff were friendly and helpful, kids were welcome and could get in as need disabled access. Food was great so will definitely be going back again.

Always a delight to visit, the food is delicious and a lovely atmosphere. The staff are attentive and we visit regularly as a family. Definitely worth a visit.

Just love The Bull, always great food and atmosphere, a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat and friendly staff. Always have a great time with the family and would recommend

Gréât service, plenty to choose from on the menu. The food was good and came out quickly. We were made to feel very welcome. Would definitely go back.

Great pint, great food. Well worth a visit if your are in Braintree. Went there to watch the football and had a great atmosphere

Great night, real down to earth people, everyone welcome

We popped in for lunch but were very disappointed with the food and neither of us would go back. We were refunded the cost of the meal but would really have preferred a nice meal.

Great atmosphere and really friendly and helpful staff, highly recommend for lunch/dinner or a night out

Don’t know a lot about the area but went in to the Bull to watch the football and was surprised by the atmosphere and great experience with the staff - next time I’m in the area I will be back

Great night out with friends ! Friendly staff, good vibes, great music for fun. Definitely recommend for a good time :)

Today I went to the bull for a mother's day meal with the family. We were welcomed by both cait and Kayden who were so polite. When we walked in we could tell the music was very loud because my brother who is autistic and...

We were very pleased with our visit to the Bull. The food was very nice and good value for money. The service was excellent and atmosphere good. Our waitress Lauren was efficient, very cheerful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for her.

A great place for an early afternoon meal. Dropped in today before heading to watch my local football team. A nice roomy pub, with sport on the TV .serving great pub food & a decent pint of Ale (Greene King IPA in my case) Really enjoyed the steak & ale pie & BBQ chicken.

Visited for my mums birthdays brilliant time fantastic service! Lauren on the bar was very accommodating! Will definitely go again

Came here with a couple of friends for a catch up. Met in the middle so new to the area and the staff were attentive and friendly. The place gave you a warm welcome and the food was great! Great selection of drinks, ended up...

I had a wonderful experience with the staff who were extremely helpful, and the food from Chelsea in the kitchen was delicious. The food service was exceptional, and the drinks were expertly prepared by a lovely person with excellent customer service skills