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Monthly Newsletter...
...Eating at The Bull voucher & more |
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Dear
Let's Celebrate Summer!
Shop, eat, drink, socialise, and enjoy all that is country at The Bull's Summer Fayre on July 4th from 11am until 5pm.
Revel in the spirit of summer with cricket on the green, Morris men (at 4pm), real ale and cream teas.
Beautifully staged in the idyllic surroundings of Benenden village The Bull welcomes you to browse the uniquely gathered stalls selling a wide range of country crafts.
Visit the marquee to find some of the best local products in Kent and our stalls inside offer everything from, jewellery, art, cakes, glass works, hanging baskets, collectable, antiques, preserves and lots more... It will be your inspiration for summer living.
You can also take time out from browsing and make the most of our delicious home made Summer Fayre Menu. Enjoy our mouth-watering smoky Chicken salad with home grown salad and local produce.
There's Pimms for the ladies and real ale for the men, or if you prefer sit back and relax with a cream tea using Hinxden Dairy cream and delicious local home made jam. You can even enjoy Wimbledon live on the big screen while you relax.
Entrance is free so come along and join us in celebrating summer with a glorious day out for all the family.
Summer Fayre Exhibitors
Alfie & Daisy: 01580 720624
A fabulous collection of traditional and new toys
Beautiful gifts, books, oracle cards and personal development tools.
Antonia Coleman, Silversmith: www.antoniacoleman.co.uk
Handcrafted unique jewellery and gifts
Cindy's Antiques: 01580 240 457
Homewares and house clearance. Plus second hand furniture, bric-a-brac, linen, decorative items and country collectables.
Cream Teas
Freshly baked scones with a ramekin of fresh local jam and a dollop of Hinxden Dairy Channel Island Whipped Cream.
Eating at The Summer Fayre
Our chef has prepared a seasonal menu from locally sourced produce, tantalise your taste buds!
A fantastic collection of cushions, handbags, bunting and housewares. Many of the items are created from re-cycled vintage fabrics.
Little Orchard: 01580 241 809
Home grown, home made preserves, chutneys and jellies. A tasty seasonal accompaniment.
Local Artist - Arabella Barron: 07876 201 054
Arabella paints a mixture of large or small flower and landscape paintings. Some of her work can be viewed in The Bull. Commissions available.
Local Artist - Rosie Forster: 07542 905 122
Fabulous original water colours, hand made cards and gifts. Rosie painted The Bull on the flyers for the summer fayre.
Margaret Hind's Glassworks:
e-mail punchcroft@aol.com
Stunning handmade glass works.
Pimms & Real Ale Tent
The taste of summer in a jug, or choose from a fantastic selection of real Ales.
Phoenix Trading
Heidi Bond's beautiful greeting cards and gift wrap. Heidi can be contacted on heidisbond@hotmail.com
Sissinghurst Antique Gallery: 01580 712514
A collection of antique furniture and collectibles. Standen Books: e-mail john@standenbooksfsnet.co.uk
New and vintage books for all ages. Wealden Plants: e-mail wealdenplants@tiscali.co.uk
Fantastic selection of cottage garden plants.
Winner of South East's Young Master Chef
Zipporah Santer
Tantalising homemade cakes and cup cakes.
The Great British Pub Awards
The voting has finally closed and the selection process has been vigorous. With hundreds of pubs from the south east of England having entered there are only two finalists...
... and The Bull is honoured to be one of the two nominated as a finalist in two of the categories.
Entertainment Pub of the Year - FINALIST
Free House Pub of the Year - FINALIST
This is a great achievement and accolade within the industry and we thank all of you for your support and commitment.
We endeavour to represent all that is The Great British Pub. From a Sunday carvery, to live music or just a quick pint and a game of crib.
The Bull is a Great British Pub and we look forward to letting you know the results.
Lucy, Mark and all the staff |
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Throughout the summer we will continue our delicious mouth watering carvery, but there are some new additions to our tasty menu...
The winner of the free carvery for two has been drawn and we congratulate them and look forward to seeing them.
NEW FOR SUMMERSUNDAYS - Carvery BaguettesFor just £4.95 you can enjoy a delicious Carvery Baguette. Choose from beef, turkey, pork, or seasonal lamb cut fresh from the carvery. Ideal for a Sunday snack.
SUNDAYS - Beer & Butty
Fancy a different Sunday snack then pop in for a beer, (or small glass of wine) and a butty for only £6. Available from 4pm until 8pm.
ANY DAYS - Bring on the Pimms
Sit back and relax with a couple of friends over a jug of Pimms. Filled to the brim with Pimms, lemonade, cucumber, fresh garden mint, local strawberries, crushed ice and fizzy lemonade. One jug gives you 6 half pint glasses and it is only £12.50! A massive saving of £6.70 per jug.
Chef's Recommendations
This July Chef has recommended another delicious three course meal. Cooked to order and using local produce why not give it a try and let us know what you think.
Fresh Cornish Sardines
Grilled simply with butter, lemon and garden herbs.
Slow Roasted Belly of Pork
Served with crackling on a warm homemade bramley apple chutney.
Very Berry Meringue
An individual crispy sticky meringue topped with fresh whipped cream and local summer berries.
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Lucy's Secret Garden
 Deep in the depths of The Bull lays a secret...
A secret garden and with summer blooming you can sit and relax in the tranquil secluded garden. But, our secret garden also has a part to play providing The Dining Room with home grown salad leaves, herbs and tomatoes.
Taking responsibility for ensuring that the garden grows are three slightly smaller permanent residents of The Bull, our children. They tend to the garden and help maintain the salad and herbs.
So, next time you enjoy eating at The Bull, why not dine alfresco in the secret garden. Relax and listen to our newly added water feature whilst trying one of our summer salads. With fresh home grown ingredients, see if you can taste the difference.
Summer living at The Holt
This month I want to mention another local business The Holt Bed and Breakfast.
If you are planning an event this summer and just have not got the space to house your guests, invite them them to sample real country living at The Holt.
Set in two and a half acres of secluded woodland and gardens The Holt offers comfortable traditional accommodation. For more information see their website www.theholt.org
If you are planning an event, please remember that The Dining Room at The Bull is available to hire for private functions and we are also only a short walk away from The Holt.
To find our more about private functions please e-mail lucy@thebullatbenenden.co.uk
Honoured Finalists
After five years of successful and consistent trading it is a huge privilege to be selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award as The Great British Pub Award.
To be selected for two categories is phenomenal and we thank our staff and customers for all their support.
I hope to be choosing an outfit for the award ceremony soon.
Lucy Bligh |
The Music Club - Free Entry!
Launched in April 2008 The Music Club has grown to become a candlelit, acoustic success.
It is unusual for a pub to have a music club dedicated to local musicians performing original music. This has no doubt been testament to its increasing popularity.
Originally launched to give talented musicians a stage on which to showcase their own music The Music Club has played host to acts such as Nina Clark, Origami Dinosaur, Sarah Sheldrake, Logan Wilson and many more.
Paul Dunton and guests from The Grey Lady have resident slots as well as their regular gigs at The Stag Theatre Sevenoaks, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells and Pizza Express in Maidstone.
The format offers variety. Four acts play a forty minute set each. At the end of each set the act "Asks the Audience" to vote for their favourite interpretation of a recognisable song.
If you enjoy live original music in a music lounge setting - The Music Club is the place for you.
Relax and listen to great music and have a bite to eat from either our 'Curry Night' menu or choose from our local 'Specials Menu'. Or simply, just join friends and come for a drink.
Calling all talented musicians...
If you are a talented musician or know someone who is, why not get in touch and book your gig to play to a friendly and enthusiastic audience.
Guest Ales
This month guest Ales are:
Rother Valley Level Best - back due to popular demand
1648 Signature
Westerham Grasshopper
Why not give them a try! |
This month's main special event is The Summer Fayre and we look forward to seeing you there.
But there is more, simply scroll down to see what else we have to offer for July. .
Special Events
JUNE
Saturday 27th June. Live Music
Black Sheep...7.30pm
Formally known as Dr Sin entertaining us with an evening of classic rock!
Sunday 28th June. Quiz Night...8pm
Enjoy a real pub quiz on the last Sunday of every month. Entry costs £1 per person and includes a light buffet for each team. Categories include, music, entertainment, picture rounds and general knowledge. Each member of the winning team receives a bottle of wine, so why not pop in and test your knowledge.
JULY
Saturday 4th July...11am to 5pm
Summer Fayre - FREE ENTRY
A traditional country fayre with all sorts of goodies for you! Arts and crafts, delicious cakes, unusual plants, jewellery and lots more! Enjoy a glass of the Finest Real Ale and some delicious food all sourced from local suppliers.
Saturday 4th July Cricket...2.30pm
Benenden Cricket Club at home on the Village Green 2.30pm. Take your glass of ale round to the Green and enjoy a quintessential English afternoon.
Sunday 5th July Live Music
The Logan Wilson Band...4.30pm to 7pm
Radio 2's favourite Logan Wilson accompanied by his superb band of musicians is back at The Bull. Fresh from touring, Logan and the boys have agreed to make a 'pit stop' at The Bull and wow us with their superb play list of original songs. If you haven't seen / heard of Logan Wilson before you had better make this gig! www.myspace.com/loganwilson
Wednesday 8th July
Benenden Primary School Celebrate 400 years
Celebration Pageant on the Green. Refreshments available.
Saturday 18th July Live Music
Band of Two...7.30pm in the bar
Two very lively musicians playing jigs to get you reeling. Fantastic folky Irish Jig duo with a great sense of humour!
Thursday 16th July The Music Club...7.30pm
Live music and audience participation. Sit back listen to great music and enjoy!
Saturday 18th July Cricket...2.30pm
Benenden Cricket Team at Home on the Village Green
Saturday 25th July Cricket...2.30pm
Benenden Cricket Team at Home on the Village Green.
Sunday 26th July Live Music
Bagge & Armer...4.30pm to 7pm
Inspiring Folk Blues Duo, a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Sunday 28th June Quiz Night...8pm
Entry costs £1 per person and includes a light buffet for each team. The wining team will win a bottle of wine for each member. Great fun for a Sunday night.
September: Special Event Saturday 19th September Live Music
'Hot Club of St Leonards'
1930's & 1940's Acoustic Swing in the fashion of Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli. The original Hot Club of Paris!
Featuring ...
Adrian Underhill - Guitar
Mike Hatchard - Violin / Clarinet
Chris Hinman - Double Bass
Mark Allinson - Guitar
A fantastic opportunity to see some fantastic musicians perform some smokey hazy days of old time tunes at The Bull at Benenden, Not to be missed!
THE REGULARS
SENIOR CITIZEN MENU Tuesday - Saturday 12 to 2.15pm
A great way to enjoy some of our best loved dishes in smaller portions. Choose from our Steak and Ale Pie, Fish Pie, Vegetable Lasagne to name a few.
1 Course £5.95
2 Course £7.95
3 Course £9.95
Booking is essential: bookmytable@thebullatbenenden.co.uk
THURSDAY
CURRY NIGHT... From 7pm
£9.95 per person Booking is essential: bookmytable@thebullatbenenden.co.uk
Choose from a Poultry, Meat or Fish Curry. Add two side helpings of Vegetable Curry, Naan Bread and Fragrant Basmati Rice, a Glass of house wine (175ml), a pint of Beer or soft drink all for £9.95 - can't be bad!.
FRIDAY
FISH & CHIPS FRIDAY... From 7pm
A Delicious Fresh Fillet of Sustainable Fish dipped in Harvey's Beer Batter served with Hand Cut Morghew Park Potato Chips and served with Mushy Peas and Homemade Tartar Sauce. Served with a glass of house wine (175ml), pint of beer or soft drink. All for £9.95 - excellent value!
SUNDAY
CARVERY 12.30pm & 2.30pm £9.50 Adults £4.75 children
Choose from a mouthwatering selection of Roasted Crackling Pork, Roasted Norfolk Turkey and Roast Topside of Beef with all the trimmings you can think of! A selection of starters and delicious desserts are always available along with vegetarian and fish options.
Please see website for more details:
Watch this space as there will be lots more to come! | |
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And Finally...
The Bulletin has far exceeded our expectations and we thank you for your support.
Congratulations to those who redeemed their vouchers for Saturday Dining. We have decided to continue the vouchers for July to give the rest of you more time to book your tables.
So enjoy your month, pop in and see us and take advantage of our new and continuing offers.
Lucy and Mark
01580 240054
The Bull at Benenden encourage you to drink sensibly. |
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Joke of the Month
George Michael walks into The Bull and Mark says
"Hi Michael, why have you got chocolate smeared all around your mouth"?
"Just careless with a whisper" says Michael.
A free glass of wine is waiting for Ruth Clark for this month's joke.
Gentlemen can you do any better? The winner will receive a free pint of beer.
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Little Orchard
Home grown, hand made preserves chutneys and jellies.
There's the opportunity to buy direct from Little Orchard at the Summer Fayre on the 4th July. |
| Staff Profile
Who's this? |
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Craig Bannister
Craig joined our kitchen team 3 years ago, after a few years of 'working his way up the ladder' in other local pubs,
Craig began as an assistant to our then head chef and has brought his own flair with him.
After promotion Craig along with our other full time chef is now responsible for the running of our kitchen.
Craig has regular meetings and brain storms with Lucy to discuss the weekly menu and daily specials of locally sourced produce.
Along with his cooking skills Craig is also a very talented artist. One of his ways to 'unwind' after a busy session in the kitchen is drawing. He is a dab hand at portraits.
Another hobby Craig is passionate about is Beat Boxing. Not the physical type, but the vocal percussion!
We hope that Craig will remain at The Bull and continue his studies in professional cooking, a qualification that all our kitchen team undertake.
Craig is a great asset and a calming influence in what can be a bubbling cauldron! |
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The Holt B&B |
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Beautiful B&B set in secluded woods and gardens.
See newsletter for full list of stalls.
Bring on the Pimms!
Relax with a jug of Pimms for only £12.50
A massive saving of £6.70.
Nominated one of two finalists from hundreds of entries.
Entertainment Pub of the Year
Freehouse Pub of the Year
Voted Camra Pub of the Year 2006 & 2007 (we just missed out on 2008 by one vote!)
Dine alfresco in our secret garden. | |
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