The Bull (Islington)

I took my mum to The Bull for a Mother’s Day Sunday roast and was really looking forward to it, as we had visited a couple of years ago and enjoyed the food immensely. Unfortunately, this visit was extremely disappointing. The first meal to arrive was fish and chips, but we weren’t offered any condiments and had to leave the table to ask for them. Staff apologised and eventually brought sauces over. Two of the Sunday roasts then arrived, but I noticed the fourth meal was left sitting on the side while several members of staff walked past it without bringing it to the table. After waiting a short while, I had to leave the table to ask why it hadn’t been served. The staff member apologised, but I ended up picking up the plate myself and bringing it back to our table. When we started eating, both the food and gravy were only lukewarm. I raised this with staff who apologised and brought hot gravy to the table, which should have been the case in the first place. The portion of vegetables was also very poor, and we were given just one small roast potato cut into four pieces – more like a child’s portion than a Sunday roast. When I mentioned this, a small bowl of roast potatoes was brought out for us to share. While the staff were polite and apologetic throughout, the restaurant was not busy, which made the poor service and lack of attention even more surprising. Considering this was a Mother’s Day meal that I had been looking forward to, the experience was very disappointing and not what I expected based on previous visits. On a more positive note, the desserts were very good and they did offer us a complimentary glass of bubbly as part of the Mother’s Day celebration, which was appreciated.

Bang average sunday roast. £21 for lukewarm food. Even the gravy could'nt save it. Massive plate, small portion and a big extravagant Yorkshire pudding to try and make amends. But it was cold.. and it wasnt even busy. The staff were really nice. Wouldn't return for food.

Came on a Sunday for a roast and the quiz. Roast chicken was already finished, my friend's beef was barely warm while my fish was piping hot. When will you learn that the hot-lights on the pass don't warm past the surface? Why were there less chips than you get on that FB page that trolls Spoons? I actually even called before booking to ask what time the Roast is good for and so booked for 4.15pm. If I'd met this staff beforehand, I would have asked one of the locals instead. Does your team even know they're born? Service is non-existent. It was like being in a stranger's living room at a house party and you don't know the host. The first time I came to the bar, one even seemed shocked I was there to imbibe. If you can charge £11 for a Bloody Mary, surely you can teach your team to shake the juice carton? Can you please commend the long-haired supervisor of the evening shift because she was really carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her and the quiz experience are the only reason this isn't a complaint. Please accept all these questions as rhetorical.

Had a lovely Sunday roast at this pub. From online reviews, it was the best-looking out of all the pubs in the area. Added bonus: they were still serving it at 3pm, even though it was nearly completely empty at that time. The vegetables were tasty and the potatoes crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The meat and gravy weren't the best I've had, but they were decent enough. The Yorkshire pudding was delicious. For around £20, it was good value. The staff were lovely and were even kind enough to swap table reservations around so that we wouldn't have to rush out at the end of our meal, which was a nice touch. (I have posted this review on other platforms, too)