Well Known Brentwood Pub Receives Prestigious Award

The licensees of an historic Grade II listed pub in Brentwood have been awarded a prestigious ‘long service’ award to mark their 20th anniversary at the helm.

The award from the pub’s owners – Star Pubs – recognises the contribution that Ed and Gemma King have made to The Bull on Brook Street and the community over two decades. 

When the Kings took over, The Bull was tired and predominantly frequented by men. Over the years the duo have invested more than £500,000 to turn The Bull into a top quality local with a reputation for great food that caters for all, helping it survive and thrive whilst other pubs have closed. 

The Bull – parts of which date back to the 1600s – now boasts a spacious bar for drinks and socialising, a separate restaurant and a stunning secluded 120-seater garden. This is kitted out with space for dining, children’s play equipment, a stage for entertainment, screens showing sports, and covers and heaters for year-round use.

One of the last remaining community-focused pubs in the area, The Bull puts on events to bring people together, such as quizzes and live music, and has two darts teams plus Sky and TNT sports so residents can gather to watch major tournaments. Its friendly atmosphere means customers feel comfortable coming on their own, and the pub is a vital social hub for senior citizens living alone. The Bull also supports many good causes in Brentwood, from donating to fundraisers to providing its car park as the starting point for the walking bus of pupils going to St Peter’s School. 

As well as being a great local, The Bull is a destination dining spot for those from further afield, offering an extensive choice of homemade pub classics and à

la carte options. Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced from nearby suppliers, like Hepburns, and there is a separate menu for children. The Bull’s sell-out Sunday roasts, fish & chips with real ale gluten-free batter prepared from scratch and steak pie – cooked to Ed’s own recipe – are customer favourites. 

Formerly in IT, Ed was brought up visiting pubs with his dad, who worked for Courage – and had wanted a pub of his own since boyhood. Keen to see more of his young family, he finally took the plunge with Gemma in 2004. Says Ed: “We looked at loads of pubs. We loved The Bull the moment we walked in, it just felt right. It’s got lots of character and charm and an old villagey feel, as everyone chats to each other. Our instincts were right; we’re still very happy here 20 years later. It’s a privilege to meet so many different people, and we get as much pleasure from seeing customers enjoy themselves as we did when we started out. Back then there were many traditional locals within a 10-minute drive of here; nearly all have now closed or changed use. The British pub is a unique institution, and the pandemic highlighted the vital role it plays in society. We’ll continue to work hard to preserve The Bull for future generations.”

Comments Steve Charlton, Star Pubs’ area manager for Brentwood: “This award is incredibly well-deserved. Ed and Gemma put their all into The Bull and have worked tirelessly to transform it into a premium local and an asset to Brentwood. Thanks to their dedication, it's a very special pub with something for everyone.”