The Bulls Head in South Derbyshire

Being avid visitors to this pub and their sister venues we were so excited to book a breakfast with Santa and on Christmas Eve made it all the more magical! We’ve come home and I’ve felt compelled (despite the day!) to write this as I’m just so bewildered by the whole ‘experience’. Our booking was at 10. We waited 20 mins to be given a tiny fruit juice (mine was only a half-filled glass). I had hoped to ask why this was but staff, albeit minimal, were raced off their feet. We were given a tiny pastry each. Our food came at 11.10 which was over an hour after sitting there! We had got our little girl a Christmas activity book but chose not to bring it as we imagined we wouldn’t have had time! That was a mistake. She was understandably bored (as were we!) and waiting for a glimpse of the man in red! No such luck! When would he be joining in the breakfast was a continuous question! Soon, we hoped! Usually the pub is excellent at catering for families. We asked for some colouring (standard, usually) but none was available. We would have thought Christmas colouring would have been nice. The music wasn’t even Christmas songs- Waterloo by ABBA was one! Our six year old was bored and hungry (as were we!) having had a glass of milk for breakfast and a small banana in a bid to save ourselves for this wonderful breakfast! The food was good when it arrived, though beans were missing and we had to ask. The unlimited tea and coffee was nowhere to be seen. We asked for one cup which appeared about 15 minutes later. No more was offered or appeared to be available. We asked for a bottle of tap water for the table. A young girl slammed it down and walked off, without glasses. We asked again for glasses the next time she walked past. There was still no sign of Santa- given that this experience was sold as with him, this was peculiar! After paying, we were asked to wait in a makeshift gazebo. A lady was pairing faces which was a nice touch. However, there was Christmas colouring (sheets of plain paper!) and connect 4 and jenga. We waited in here for over half an hour. Hot chocolate and mulled wine were offered to adults but nothing for children. We didn’t see Santa until 12.20 which was in a little grotto. The Santa was realistic and the gift was nice. However, if we wanted to just see Santa we would have booked this elsewhere. We feel that this whole experience was disappointing. We had hoped for Santa to pop around the tables and interact with the children which was in the name ‘breakfast with Santa’. This was breakfast then visit Santa- absolutely not the same. Without the risk of sounding like the grinch (!) if your staff aren’t keen on working on Christmas Eve, simply don’t offer it. It was a lot of waiting for essentially a nice breakfast and 5 minutes with Santa. Having travelled over 30 mins to get there we feel we have wasted half the day. Again, these comments would have been happily passed onto staff, if we had seen any for long enough to communicate with them. Must do better, Bull’s Head. Sorry.

We have just had our first experience at The Flower Room. Our waiter, Henry, really helped us enjoy our experience. He helped us with all of our needs and questions. He had such a great attitude and was so kind. He made our birthday visit so awesome, and we will be coming again. Thank you Henry.

The Bulls Head was beautifully decorated for Christmas in every area. The food, service and ambience were perfect as always. The chips are the best I've tasted anywhere.

Went for dinner out on a whim and can say it’s our best restaurant experiences in a while! Food was brilliant but mostly the five stars is all down to our server Henry! He deserves all the recognition, very friendly, funny and personable! 10/10

No one on arrival to greet us. Staff all disappear ed. No signage to indicate the various different sections for eating. We were in the upstairs seating area but it wasn't clear. Food good though. We enjoyed the Christmas Pizza. Thanks

Lovely food, christmas dinner pizza! Service was excellent. Pricing was good.

Always a brilliant experience the staff are always so friendly Quick service great choice of drinks and good portions on the food. We visited with our local Book Club for a Christmas lunch we had a variety from the Christmas menu. Absolutely yummy. The only downside which kind of spoilt our day was the payment option which is card payment only no cash. This has to be done by scanning the barcode on the table. A few of the group struggled with Wi-Fi so the payments took ages. We all paid and went into the bar to wait for a taxi. Our waitress came and said one of the payments hadn’t worked so she went to fetch another member of staff. He very loudly shouted ‘ and which one of you ladies is trying to get out paying then?’! Not very tactful or helpful especially as the person involved had been getting very stressed trying to make the payment. I doubt the older generation will like the payment method and not everyone has a phone to pay? This needs to be changed

Really nice place to eat, the atmosphere is beautiful, clean and presentable. Prices are a little expensive for a group of people. Otherwise, it would be our perfect go to. But as an experience or an irregular visit, it's incredible.

Had a really nice night out our server Jack was helpful and accommodating the food was amazing and served quickly will be coming back and I definitely recommend thanks Jack!

We visited on saturday 1st December we normally come a couple of times a year and meet up with family who live nearby the food is outstanding a always the place itself is gorgeous and we were looked after/served by Elliott he also happened to look after us last year he is a absoloute credit to you smile on his face,obviusly loves his job and that shows...we can't wait to visit again thank you!

Lovely place, delightful atmosphere, calm and relaxed. Great staff, and just terrific food. Fish and chips recommended. Well done everyone, thank you.

I always book the garden room because it's pretty 😍 I went last week with a couple of friends and the food choice is amazing and affordable. We were seated to our table in a timely manner. The staff were on hand to take our drinks and were ever so patient with us when we were too busy talking rather than deciding what to order. Sorry about that lol. We had a slight mix up about a drink being ordered and then being charged extra for it but it was resolved really quick. Tip: the pit burger is really nice and filling but should do with a bit more sauce in the burger to stop it being dry. But there are sauces on the table you can add yourself. The only downside is the lack of space in the bar. It would have been nice to hang out for longer after vacating the table for the next set of diners.

What a fantastic pub & restaurant. Great food and a unique decor & atmosphere.

Superb place to eat and staff amazingly attentive

Had a really pleasant evening We had not booked but sam fitted us in We were served by maisie a lively bubbly friendly person Thanks all we really enjoyed our meal and the friendly atmosphere 😀

Good food and nice atmosphere - had a wait a long time for part of the order but otherwise a good dinner with family

Love this place. Whatever room you sit in, it's great. You need to book in advance it's gets busy

Amazing experience at the Bulls Head always! The garden room is our favourite, very aesthetic with lights and decorations. Expect high quality food perfect for special celebrations. I went with my partner today for our anniversary and as a veggie I tried the open sandwich and I it wasn’t to my taste but didn’t want to complain. A special shout-out to Amy as she noticed I wasn’t eating the meal and swapped this for something i liked (the pizza which comes huge). Staff go above and beyond to ensure you have the best experience. Highly recommend. !! Plus if you go, try the homemade lemonade - amazing!

Great evening out lovely surroundings good service, good food

Had a lovely birthday meal with friends. Always a good time at the Bulls Head! Alex our server was amazing and went above and beyond to make sure myself and all friends had a good time. Thank you

Best of the Chilled Pubs chain by far. Pizzas are fantastic!

Fantastic food in a wonderful setting

Visited on a quiet November lunchtime for an impromptu birthday treat. Had previously been recommended by a friend who lives locally. Pleasant timber-clad room though music was a bit loud for lunchtime. Efficient though not particularly welcoming service. Menu is perhaps trying to cover too many bases and a bit confusing, though some choices are interesting and lean towards SE Asian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Our Thai chicken and big bowl of chicken yakisoba were both good, well spiced, generously portioned and nicely presented. Apple gyozas were a dessert choice that didn't quite hit the spot due to being over-fried and accompanied by a sickly caramel dipping sauce. Creme brulée was a better choice, simply served with a properly finished sugar crust. Prices are reasonable by gastropub standards. Overall, satisfying if you're in the area but probably not worth a detour.

Great food, good prices and excellent service from the team. 👏

Had an amazing birthday here the food and drinks were brilliant and the staff were lovely such a great day I would definitely visit again

Great service, great company. Kayleigh was a superstar made our night special. Looking forward to returning. Boom x x x

Had a lovely Birthday meal this evening, the food was really excellent, as was the service provided by Gino...who looked after us so well all evening. Gino even brought me a 'Birthday surprise ' which was a lovely touch and made my evening. Thank you for making our experience so special. Highly recommended.

Really good food at a really reasonable price. We sat in the garden room and were served by Niamh who was absolutely lovely and went above and beyond for us. Definitely would recommend eating here, we will definitely be coming back.

It makes amazing pizzas 🍕and easy to take home any leftovers they provide a box on request. Very good bar and servers. It's an attractive pub/restaurant in the lovely village of Repton. The only tricky thing is parking. The place is so popular the car park fills up early.

Ordered via the app. Drinks arrived quickly food soon after. Pizza lovely

Great food! Did feel little rushed as it got towards end of night. Goof food options and great pizza

One of the best places we've been. Excellent service, atmosphere and food. We'll definitely return.

Served by lucy excellent service and food highly recommended

Had the most amazing evening meal here to celebrate my birthday. Thank you so much for my birthday dessert 🥰

Absolutely brilliant! We drove from stoke on Trent on a Sunday night for this! Puts your orange tree and paragon pubs to shame! Impeccable service drinks and food!

Fantastic atmosphere great place. Must see in repton

Food was great and so was the beer,slightly small car park.

Came for our anniversary meal food amazing place was stunning

Good vibes and food was amazing!

Great place with friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Rich menu and delicious food

Amazing place. I've been passing by so many times, so I finally got in. Delicious food, amazing staff, and good price.

Fabulous leavers meal for work. Henry looked after us wonderfully and Jo always gives a lovely warm welcome. Food was amazing, atmosphere great.

Lovely pub with excellent food at a not bad price 😀

Great food, fantastic staff, visually pleasing venue. Always amazing

Wonderful food & service.. Our Server was knowledgeable about allergies & advised me well regarding my Coeliac dietary restrictions & their currently available, menu options. Highly recommend the Bulls Head, Repton to others. We had a wonderful meal & get together for my Step-daughters birthday 💞 Meals chosen here.. Tia Sweet Chilli Chicken Mongolian Beef Cajun Chicken Burger & a Noodle dish, I can't remember the name of 🫣

Food and cocktails were amazing! Our waitress Niamh brought out some complimentary ice cream for us because we were celebrating our anniversary. This special touch made our experience!

Absolutely fantastic place to visit

Place was buzzing....service was pleasant and prompt. Food did not disappoint

A little gem found only due to word of mouth from a shop assistant in Melbourne

The food were gorgeous. The guys that welcomed us without reservation was so helpful and kind. He sorted us a table for 4 in 15 mins. Highly recommend... Great taste pizza and fish & chips at a very affordable rate 👌!

Superb service, excellent food! My premium Fish N Chips! And Buston pizza was so good! Bull head home pizza special is a go to pizza! Harry and Henry 5star service and the gentleman (with curly hair) who arranged for us to have a table at the restaurant 7. Star for you for accommodating us despite that fact that we don't have reservation… above and beyond…

Great food, staff and ambiance.

Great food and atmosphere! We took our two young children, and the kids' menu portions were very generous. We'll definitely go again.

I’m really disappointed with the Hoi Sin Soba Noodles I ordered. First of all, there was no mention that the dish contained chili peppers or that it would be so spicy. The flavors were overwhelming—way too salty, with barely any hoisin sauce, and completely lacking the balance of sweetness that this dish should have. What’s left on my plate is what I couldn’t eat because it was simply inedible. To make it worse, no one came over to check if everything was okay or if we were enjoying our meal. My friend had the chicken version, and hers was just as bad. I had the beef, and both dishes were overloaded with raw chili peppers, making it far too spicy. The raw spring onions didn’t even touch the pan and felt out of place. I really don’t understand why there were raw bean sprouts either—they didn’t fit with the dish at all. The sesame seeds were under-toasted and raw, adding nothing to the flavor. And then there was the cold, pickled ginger just thrown in the middle of the plate without any thought or reason. Honestly, the dish had so much potential, but it felt like a chaotic mix of random ingredients that didn’t work together. It wasn’t just about the spice or the salt; it was clear the dish lacked the attention to balance and detail that you would expect from a proper Hoi Sin noodle dish

Fantastic food, amazing atmosphere was our first time coming after hearing amazing things and we weren't let down. We will definitely be returning

My family and I, which included my young niece of under 2, went to The Bulls Head after my graduation. The service we received was amazing. The food was amazing as always. When we decided on desert our waitress brought out a chocolate gelato and some writing saying Congratulations. Our waitress went above for us. So thank you to Niaeve, you were awesome 👌 👏 my family were very impressed

Been a few times to the Bulls head over the last few years but our visit last night was exceptional. Only reason for 4 stars is the parking is quite restricted, especially if you have to get a little one out of their car seat. Went along last night for a joint birthday and wedding anniversary. The restaurant is beautiful and the food is delicious! On an evening with thunderstorms the rooms are cosy, warm and inviting. The staff are what made this visit exceptional. We arrived with our infant son who was not overly happy due to teething and the storm. But the staff went above and beyond, our waitress was very friendly, helpful and made fuss of our lil one to make him smile. High chair was already situated and very clean. Children's menu although only has a handful of options is great value for money and beautifully prepared. A member of staff who must have seen that he was becoming more unhappy as the meal went on (the storm was picking up at this point), came over and gave him a rubber duck and a baloon on a string which saved the rest of evening. Would highly recommend!!

Lovely meat. Great atmosphere. Really good service too.

We love coming here for food. It's excellent in every sense. No faults whatsoever with the food and service. However, on booking my table online it stated no cash. Which immediately concerns me. And when we were greeted the host again said its card only. Which is absolutely fine as I intended to pay cash anyway. After our delicious food, drinks and impeccable service from friendly Gino. We asked for the bill and to pay we had to scan a QR code. Now this is the part I do not like. I am the kind of person that if I'm at dinner, my mobile phone stays locked and away as that is dining etiquette. For me it was a concern for the elderly. I agree with using modern technology. But to refuse legal tender? My grandma would have become very upset and confused. I would like to say, this doesn't at all affect my opinion on 'Chilled pubs collection'. But it does worry me that one day, cash will be nothing more than a Pretty piece of paper with the monarch on it. Worthless. Thanks again to Gino. Great service 👏

Fabulous menu, great variety, and from what I saw, good food.

A very beautiful place with very nice food and staff.

We turned up without booking a table on a Monday evening, we were quickly seated and made our order via the app. Dricjs arrived very quickly and so did our food. We were delighted, food was great and staff lovely.

What a cosy little new and interesting pub this was. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. They have their own pizza oven and the pizzas were amazing! The cocktails were awesome too but after drinking at least 5 I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed because they can become a bit sweet for me. Nevertheless it was an excellent experience and I won't be turning down the chance to visit again sometime hopefully soon in the future 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁😁😁

Only went for drinks, lovely inviting place very friendly Down to earth staff even if they forgot my drinks order twice! Very enjoyable few hours will be back again very soon

The food is always good and the staff are lovely.

Came to the bulls head for the first time today. The staff are very friendly and always willing to help and talk. The food is out of this world and very nicely presented. I would definitely recommend this place and I'll be coming again.

We were on holiday and we went in for food it was lovely couldn't fault the food

Great food, easy to order online, very helpful staff.

Yet another family birthday celebrated here. Food always delicious and staff friendly and attentive. Thanks to Henry for looking after us so well tonight. Lovely that those of us want a menu selection which is FAR too generous for us, but that we can take away for later. The Garden Room is beautifully decorated, and comfortable. Good drink selection. For me, you can’t beat the ‘home made’ lemonade. Highly recommend.

Food is incredible, great range of craft beer and wine and the service is brilliant.

EDIT* I've just read previous reviews and noticed the flies are an ongoing issue. I'm not usually a picky person or a complainer. However, we will not be returning after our visit today. We come to the bulls head often and even do the whole breakfast with Santa etc. It is usually a 4-5/5 *, so it is quite unfortunate that I do have to leave this review. We came in without a booking and they managed to get us in, which was great, hence the 4 star service. After ordering our food via the app, there was a good wait (which is fine) between the starters and mains coming out. While we were waiting I noticed that the pizza's being cooked were being left on the side for a good 10-20mins, because of this lots and I mean LOTS of flies were landing on the pizza's as they had just been left uncovered. The waitress came and picked a pizza up and went to serve it to a table in which I did have to ask if she was indeed serving it. I mentioned the issue with the flies, and she did scrap it but not the other one that was on the side. Fortunately, because I had said something, whoever ordered the pizza hopefully got a fresh one, but this is a clear food hygiene issue. Once our mains had come, as you can imagine we had now been put off. If a cooking area on display is like this, I can't imagine what the actual kitchen is like. There had been so many flies in the pizza oven area, we were constantly having to hit them away. The issue was the door entrance to the pizza oven area had been left open, and this is where the flies were coming from. If I'm honest, the last few times we have been to the bulls head, it seems as though it has gone downhill. £25 for a steak and an extra £3 for a sauce is a bit of a joke, it's not even fillet steak anymore either. I do feel as though everything is cooked in grease, everything is dripping with it including the chips & onion rings. I'm pretty sure the skewers are now frozen and the childrens chicken was very moist inside (verge of looking uncooked). Just to add, the pizza chef and the waitresses 1000000% noticed the flies all over the pizza's and did continue to serve them. Hopefully if anyone becomes ill after today, 8/9/24, you see this review and know why. I just wish I had taken a photo at the time

Food amazing! Love the garden room! Friendly staff!

First visit. Cant fault anything. Excellent from start to finish. Lovely food and drink. Myself and my daughters were very well looked after by Elliot. 👍

I'm celebrating my wedding anniversary. I must say I enjoyed the food and the service was warm and friendly.

Visted her with my wife for our wedding anniversary its a Lovely place to relax for food and drink with the wife we sat in the garden room, the food is fantastic with lovely flavours and well presented it's a cosy place and the table service is fantastic with polite staff to help on hand when needed 10/10 would recommend thanks 😊 😀

What an amazing venue, quite simply stunning. End of summer trip with family and grand children, a perfect event. Slight issue with one order, but no drama & resolved beautifully by our lovely server. Thanks guys 👍

Great evening with good food and cocktails

We were served be ALEX who made the whole experience really great. All the meals were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful 😋

Lovely atmosphere and great food at a very reasonable price. We had dinner on the garden room which was well decorated and a good ambience. Plenty of outdoor seating too

All style and no substance. We’re big fans of the joiners arms in Quardon, so we were hoping for the same here but we were let down. Aesthetically the pub is really nice, cosy, good overall vibe and family friendly. However sadly that’s where the positives end. Food was average at best. Cocktails looked amazing, but tasted like water. We had to return them and ask for a refund. The manager was barely interested and unapologetic. As the main pub area (not the main lit up restaurant part) is through an open door, we were inundated with flies landing on our pizza (the main restaurant is behind closing doors so doesn’t have this problem). No-one came to clear our table, even though they came to the table multiple times with drinks and deserts - we had to ask someone to clear it because of the flies. Overall we were disappointed. A nice place for a pint - cocktails and food look amazing, but taste bland. We’ll stick to joiners arms in Quardon.

A pub I won't forget. We had booked the restaurant and never been before. On arrival we were told we had been moved to the Garden Room. We were a bit worried as weather was a bit unpredictable and thought it may be outside. It was however an in door room that felt like you were outside. It was amazing. Life size blossom trees, ferns, fake grass on the floor fairy lights all around it was truly magical and so pleased we were in there. A truly special experience. The staff were extremely attentive and polite and friendly. They were very good with kids and let my son and his friend have a rubber duck to take home (they used them in fancy cocktails). The drinks list was extensive both both soft and alcoholic as well as hot drinks. The food was also very good. The pizzas were massive and everything was very well priced for the level of effort and the surroundings. Fantastic would definitely go again!! I have already recommended to lots of other people.

Nice inside, nice service, confusing menu with too many different influences, from Thailand to burgers, pizzas, Japanese.

Lovely evening. Great service and tasty food. Will definitely be back.

We ate at the Bulls Head with our two children to celebrate their recent exam results. The food was delicious and Alex made sure we had swift service and looked after us really well. It is an evening we will remember, thank you!

We waited 45 minutes before our wine was brought to the table, but there was no personality from any of the staff. Rude

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The atmosphere, service and service were all excellent. The only downside was that the car park was full so we had to park down the road. We will definitely be going again.

Always amazing food and service!

BRILLIANT! Table of three, we came based on social media feedback my son had seen, and I'm so glad we did. Niamh looked after us and was the perfect professional & very knowledgeable about the menu, but the whole team were excellent. The quality of all the dishes was top notch, but the flavour combinations were the highlight for me - everything tickles the taste buds. I can't resist a Crème Brulé, and the Bulls Head's is up there with the best. 3 diners, 3 courses, just over £100 including tip. My new favourite restaurant!

Loved the food could do with a little more lighting in the garden room. Difficult to read menu with little lighting over the table! After a bottle of wine and told we had to pay via the QRCode which took us 15 minutes and still we could not navigate our way around the app. Not happy to end the night frustrated. Eventually got staff to assist. It needs to be simpler or even revert back to pre covid payment methods!

Have eaten at this place a few years ago and from memory, enjoyed it. This time the food (pizza) was luke warm on arrival and the flies enjoyed it more than we did! Not nice. Pub, including the table we sat at, was grubby and didn't look like it'd been cleaned.

We were there to celebrate our nieces 18th.We were a big party and the staff couldn't have been more obliging and helpful giving up lls a cordoned off area to.meet and have pre meal drinks then giving us two ling tables to sit at.Despite there being a lot of us the food was brought out in good time and more or less all at the same time. Our waiter Henry was brilliant. We had a good laugh with him.

Very pleasant atmosphere. Welcoming and pleasant staff. Wide choice of dishes. Good food.

Superb meal, had the Korean yakatori stick, service was amazing and friendly

Just been to celebrate my daughters birthday, it you want great food with a slight twist and a little special then you must visit, we really enjoyed ourselves. Fantastic staff extremely friendly and helpful. Will definitely visit again.

Delicious food highly recommended Friendly Situated in beautiful village with very famous private school

Hi went to dine in last night july 27, 2024 this place always been my favourite place buy last night as excited as i am to eat and have my time with my good friend we felt we been rush to eat finally the team leader and come to ask us to leave the table because there is next one will be in our table so we rush our food rush our time wich supposedly a much awaited time with my friend. Pay our bill and go.. We loss the appetite to fishiah pur desert

An amazing experience. Had the pepperoni pizza it was amazing. Best pizza I have ever tasted. I have tasted a lot of pizza.

Absolutely fantastic ! If you haven't been...Go !

What a find this place was ! Great Pizzas, which were huge btw, cooked in a wood fired oven. Friendly service and all round great vfm

Great food, fantastic and lovely staff.❤️