
Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub: Holymoorside's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the messy, wonderful world of the Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub in Holymoorside. Forget those perfectly polished reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there's a lot to love (and maybe a teensy bit to grumble about) at this self-proclaimed hidden gem.
First, the SEO stuff (ugh, gotta get it over with): Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub, Holymoorside, Pub, Restaurant, Hotel, Accommodation, Derbyshire, Peak District, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Access, Wifi, Free Wifi, Dining, Spa, Sauna, Events, Family Friendly, Non-Smoking Rooms, Car Park, Meeting Facilities.
The Arrival: A Tale of Two Halves (and a Misunderstanding About a Door)
Right, so getting there? Holymoorside itself is lovely – rolling hills, the whole shebang. Finding the Bulls Head? That's where the adventure starts. Sat nav took me on a scenic route, which, let's be honest, I wasn't entirely opposed to. The approach is charming, and the exterior gives off a "proper pub" vibe. The car park (free – score!) was a bit of a tight squeeze, but hey, character, right?
Accessibility: Now, here’s where things get interesting. Wheelchair access is, mostly present. There's a ramp, which is fantastic. Inside… well, it's a pub, so expect some uneven floors and tight corners, which can be a reality. (I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see a family with a wheelchair and they seemed to manage, though it might require a bit of manoeuvring – call ahead and check specific needs if you are concerned). There are signs indicating facilities for disabled guests but honestly, I didn't see a dedicated restroom. The elevator… well, I didn't see one. Maybe I missed it. (Definitely call ahead on this one! Don’t rely solely on this review.)
Inside the Bulls Head: A Pub, and a Hotel?
This place is a bit of a chameleon. It's definitely a pub, with the crackling fire, friendly locals (who I swear knew all the jokes), and that comforting smell of well-cooked food. However, it’s more than just a pub; it's a little hotel, too, with rooms. I walked in, and immediately encountered a slight mix-up. I’m pretty sure I walked past the staff member/porter/butler/human greeter (I never established their exact job description) as I was trying to see if the ramp was the right one. So, I wandered around. This whole experience felt like something out of a comedy sketch -- you gotta find the door you need to use!
The Room: Cozy Chaos and a Killer View (and Maybe a Missing Socket…)
My room? Okay, let's be frank – it wasn't slick. But did it have charm? Hell yes. (The lack of slickness, mind you, is part of the charm, don't expect the Ritz here, and you'll be fine.) The bed was comfy, and the blackout curtains actually worked (bliss!). The complimentary tea and coffee was a Godsend after the drive. There was a desk and a laptop workspace which I didn't use, but the free WiFi? Solid, reliable, even in the room!. I loved the carpet and the mirror and the slippers. There were also bathrobes and towels.
However, and this is where my perfectionist side (yes, I have one, shush) kicked in: the socket near the bed was… a bit of a gamble. If you're relying on charging multiple devices, pack a power strip. Also, a few extra phone charging spots would be nice near the bed.
But the view! Oh, the view. Rolling hills, a tapestry of green… absolutely stunning. The window that opens-- and trust me -- let that cold Derbyshire air in. It was worth every penny. (You’ll be breathing in the fresh, crisp air of the Peak District!
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Dinner, Drinks, and Dining: Pub Grub Done Right (Mostly)
The Bulls Head is a pub, and that means food is a serious business. The a la carte menu offered options, and there was a vegetarian restaurant and an Asian cuisine option. I went for the classic pub fare (there were various Western cuisines options), and it was… delicious. Properly cooked, hearty, no-nonsense food. The bar was well-stocked, and the staff were happy to chat. I even did a little Happy hour, and it was a good time! There's also a coffee service! During lunch, the Soup in restaurant was so wholesome. I went over to the Desserts in restaurant, and oh my goodness, the chocolate cake was a work of art!
The Spa/Relaxation Thing (or, My Attempt at Pampering)
Okay, I was really excited about this. The website hinted at a Spa, a sauna, a steamroom(!). Turns out, the spa is… small but functional. I could see that it had a Massage, a Foot bath. The Pool with view looked inviting, but it was closed for maintenance during my visit. (I'm pretty sure it was the swimming pool [outdoor]). Honestly, I wasn’t too bothered. It was nice enough, even though there wasn’t a full spa experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid Angle (No-Bull Measures)
Okay, here’s where I was genuinely impressed. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff were clearly adhering to the protocols – staff trained in safety protocol, physical distancing of at least 1 meter. They were serious about Safe dining setup. I even saw some anti-viral cleaning products being used. I was a bit worried, but the staff made it very clear that they were taking this seriously. There was a Shared stationery removed.
I did appreciate the room sanitization opt-out available, which gave me a sense of control. They used Professional-grade sanitizing services, so I felt pretty confident staying there.
Services and Conveniences (The Bits You Might Not Think About)
The Bulls Head offers a bunch of things you don't always expect from a pub. They have luggage storage, which was helpful. Cash withdrawal is available which is good. There were interesting Gift/souvenir shop items. The 24-hour front desk was a plus too.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]. I was shocked. Taxi service availability is there, though I didn't need it.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
The Bulls Head is surprisingly family/child friendly. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw families having an excellent time. There are babysitting services available. I definitely think that the Kids meal options are appropriate.
The Verdict: Is the Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub Really Unbelievable?
Look, it's not perfect. It's a pub, not a five-star hotel. The room wasn’t faultless. The spa… well, let's just say it's "rustic" and not all the things I was expecting. BUT. The Bulls Head has something special. It's got charm, character, friendly staff, good food, and a killer location. It feels genuinely welcoming, and that's the most important thing.
The "Unbelievable" Offer – Now Book and See for Yourself!
ARE YOU CRAVING A GETAWAY THAT'S REAL, NOT STUFFY? Do you want a place where you can curl up by a fire with a pint, then wake up to breathtaking views? Then the Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub in Holymoorside is calling your name!
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unmatched Pub Grub: Forget pretense! Enjoy hearty, delicious food that hits the spot, every time. From classic pub fare to vegetarian options, your taste buds will thank you.
- Cozy Rooms with a View: Wake up to panoramic views of the Peak District. Even if your room has a few quirks (hey, it adds character!), the comfort and charm are undeniable.
- Friendly Faces, and Great Atmosphere: Prepare to be charmed by the staff and the relaxed atmosphere. The Bulls Head welcomes you with open arms.
- A Touch of Relaxation: While the spa isn't a full-blown extravaganza, a steam room and sauna is enough to unwind.
Book your stay at the Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub today and: experience the magic of Holymoorside and make memories that will last a lifetime! Click here and Book Your Escape! (Include a link to their website)
Final note from me: Go in with an open mind, and you'll discover why the Bulls Head is a hidden gem. It's not a flawless experience, but it is a genuine one, and that's what
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into a weekend adventure in Bulls Head - Holymoorside Old Brampton, UK. "Adventure" might be a strong word, more like a slightly chaotic, pub-focused pilgrimage with a dash of "Oh God, did I pack enough socks?" thrown in for good measure.
Friday: Arrival & An Initial Dose of Pub-ness (with a Side of Mild Panic)
- 16:00 - Arrival at the Bulls Head: Okay, so after a train that felt suspiciously long (blame the rain, probably), we've officially arrived! And the Bulls Head…well, it's picturesque. Think exposed beams, roaring fireplace (fingers crossed it’s roaring!), and that "if walls could talk" vibe that I adore. My initial impression? Promising. Immediately I can smell the yeast or something, it is welcoming.
- 16:30 - Pub Reconnaissance (and Initial Beer): First things first: find the bar. Found it! And, blessedly, it's serving a pint of something local and delicious-sounding. I'm calling it "research." Research that will likely involve more than one pint. The pub has a good buzz, full of locals, and the atmosphere seems friendly, and the rain keeps on pouring.
- 17:00 - Room Check-in Disaster (and a Deep Breath): Right, things are already starting to unravel a bit. Packed the wrong shoes. Found the room. Realised I forgot the charger. I swear, I'm usually more organised. Also, no Wi-Fi! (cue dramatic gasp and a moment of existential dread about the state of my Instagram feed). Okay, fine. Embrace the disconnect. Focus on the beer. Take a deep breath. Try to get used to it.
- 18:00 - Bulls Head Supper & Unfiltered Opinions: Back to the pub! Time for dinner. I'm eyeing the steak and ale pie, because, let's be honest, you have to when you're in a pub. Also, I'm starving. (Spoiler alert: the pie was phenomenal. The gravy was thick, the pastry was perfectly flaky, and I may have licked the plate. Don’t judge!) The service was lovely, but the pub was packed.
- 19:00 - Pub Socializing Attempt (and Social Awkwardness): Okay, time to be social. (Deep breath). I end up striking up a conversation with a couple at the table, and we all talk about the weather and how lovely the town is. I find that I prefer the company of the pub's resident dog.
- 20:00 - More Pub, More Beer, More Chat (and a Slight Hiccup): A few more pints later, and I'm starting to feel wonderfully mellow. The rain is still hammering down, and the fire is crackling. Life is good. Then, disaster strikes. I accidentally knock over my pint of ale! So embarrassing. The locals are very kind. I order another and laugh about it.
- 21:00 - Random Musings and Early Night: The pub is starting to get busy, so it's time to get back to the room. I stumble back, and I decide to journal: "The world is full of wonders, and also, I'm tired."
Saturday: Peak District Daydream (with a Side of Mud and Misery)
- 09:00 - Wake Up, Regret Everything: Did I mention the lack of a decent alarm clock? Woke up when the birds started squawking. My head hurts. Coffee is desperately required. Also: I seem to have acquired a new sock thief. The horror!
- 10:00 - Peak District Rambling Attempt 1: Okay, plan: a scenic walk in the Peak District. Reality: the weather has decided to channel a monsoon. The roads are narrow, and it looks like a scene from a horror movie.
- 10:30 - Peak District Rambling Attempt 2 (Slightly Soaked): Determined, I throw on waterproofs, and venture out. I choose a "gentle" walk. The beauty of the landscape is undeniable, even through the downpour. But, the mud…oh, the mud. It's everywhere. And the wind. I am starting to question all my life choices. Note to self: Invest in proper walking boots.
- 12:00 - Retreat to the Pub (aka My Happy Place): Okay, I am cold, wet, and slightly morale-crushed. Time to retreat to the warmth of the Bulls Head. Ordered a hearty lunch: a ploughman’s.
- 14:00 - The Delights of a Random Corner: There's a lovely, small corner in the pub. I sink into one of those comfy, worn armchairs with a book and a pint of something. Bliss. Hours pass as I read. It turns into my quiet, little moment.
- 18:00 - Bulls Head Dinner Round Two (because, why not?): Dinner again! I'm starving, surprisingly. Sat in a different armchair this time, and the food tastes even better. The chef is a magician.
- 20:00 - Late Night Pub Shenanigans (and a Surprise): A live band starts to play! They're actually really good. I end up chatting with some friendly locals. The night ends with a singalong (my voice is terrible, but who cares?), laughter, and a general feeling of contentment.
Sunday: Departure & Lingering Regrets (and a Promise to Return)
- 09:00 - Sad Departure Preparations: Pack up the things and realize I don't want to leave. This trip was perfect in a way.
- 10:00 - Last Breakfast at the Bulls Head: Savored every bite. Goodbye Bulls Head. I am promising to come back.
- 11:00 - A Last Stroll & Some Goodbye Snaps: One last wander around checking the place. Taking photos (because the obligatory Instagram feed is a must).
- 12:00 - Leave: The train is late.
- 16:00 - Home: The train is late.
- 17:00 - Home: Ah, home. Do I regret leaving? Yes. I will come back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was messy, imperfect, and glorious. I ate too much, drank too much, and maybe got lost in the mud a few times. But it was real. It was human. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Until next time, Bulls Head! You absolute star.
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Unbelievable Bulls Head Pub: Holymoorside's Hidden Gem (Maybe?) - Let's Get Real!
Is the Bulls Head *actually* a hidden gem, or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Hidden Gem" gets thrown around so much it's lost all meaning. The Bulls Head? Depends. If you define "gem" as a cozy, slightly ramshackle pub in the middle of nowhere that serves decent beer and the kind of food your nan used to make, then YES. Absolutely. I mean, you're driving through winding country lanes, hoping you're not about to end up in a farmer's field, and then BAM! There it is. It's like stumbling onto a secret code in a bad spy movie.
But... if you're expecting a Michelin-starred experience? Honey, you've come to the wrong place. I went there once, expecting artisanal everything, fresh foams and god-knows-what. Ended up with a Sunday roast that tasted just like my Mum's (meaning good, mind you, but not *revolutionary*). My expectations were a bit... misplaced.
The 'ramshackle' vibe... is that a good thing? Or is it just... old?
Okay, so "ramshackle" is my *preferred* term. You *could* call it “rustic.” Or, and I'm being polite here, you could say it's seen better days. The Bulls Head has *character*, that's undeniable. It has wonky tables, exposed beams, and a general air of "we haven't redecorated since the late 19th century."
But I *love* that! It's a haven from the sterile, aggressively modern pubs that seem to sprout up everywhere. You know? The ones where everything's perfectly Instagrammable and the beer tastes vaguely of disappointment. The Bulls Head feels like a warm hug after a cold day. You can spill your pint there and no one will bat an eyelid. Well, maybe the landlord. But he’s a good sort.
What about the food? Is it actually "unbelievable?" (I smell a con...)
Alright, "unbelievable" is a *stretch*. Let's be real. The food is proper pub grub. Hearty. Filling. Generally, delicious. They do a cracking Sunday roast, as I mentioned. The portions are *massive*. I mean, you'll probably need a nap afterwards. I speak from experience.
I once ordered the pie. Oof. It was *huge*. Like, a small, crusty, delicious mountain. I honestly thought I'd die happy right there at the table. But the gravy... oh, the gravy was *sublime*. It coated everything in a warm, comforting embrace. Absolutely *worth* the inevitable food coma that followed. And the next day. And maybe the day after that… I’m still haunted by its deliciousness.
The beer selection... Any good? Or just the usual suspects?
Listen, I’m no beer snob. I enjoy a pint. The Bulls Head typically has a decent rotating selection of real ales. You might find your usual suspects like Doom Bar or Landlord. But they often have some local brews on tap too, which is always a plus. One time, they had this absolutely *glorious* stout. Dark, rich, almost chocolatey. I think I had about four… then a pie… then, well, you get the picture.
Do they have a crazy, experimental beer list? Nope. But they have good, solid pints. And that's what matters. If you're after something truly wild, head to a craft beer bar. But if you're wanting a good, honest pint in a friendly atmosphere, the Bulls Head is a winner. Sometimes they have guest real ales that are just *chefs kiss*, they will always have a basic lager on tap as well.
Is it dog-friendly? Because that's a dealbreaker for me.
YES! Absolutely, emphatically YES! The Bulls Head is dog-friendly. In fact, it's practically a canine convention. You'll likely find happy pups curled up under tables, noses twitching, hoping for a dropped chip. The staff seem to genuinely love dogs, which is heartwarming. I've seen entire families head there with their dogs. It’s like a furry-friendly haven. Just be prepared to maybe have to share your table with a very persistent Labrador puppy; don't be shocked if your food suddenly vanishes – I'm just saying.
Okay, so what *isn't* great about the Bulls Head?
Alright, honesty time again. The service can be a *little* slow sometimes. They're often busy, and it's not exactly a rapid-fire, chain-restaurant kind of place. Embrace the unhurried pace. You're there to relax, remember?
And parking can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on a busy weekend. There's a small car park, but it fills up fast. Be prepared for a bit of a walk.. And sometimes, if you are very unlucky, they suddenly run out of the pie! The betrayal! But I can live with that. And finally, the phone signal can be patchy (bonus, in my opinion!). So leave your phone in the car.
Is the Bulls Head worth the drive? Seriously!
Look, I'm not going to lie. It's not just around the corner. You'll need a car. And the roads are, shall we say, *characterful*.
But... is it worth it? Yes. Absolutely, *yes*. If you're looking for a proper pub experience, with good food, good beer, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly faces, then the Bulls Head is a winner. It's not perfect. It's not fancy. But it's real. And sometimes, that's all you need. Go. Eat the pie. You won't regret it. But maybe book a table first, and prepare for a food coma. *Be warned!*
I hear there's a fireplace... is it actually lit in winter?
Oh, YES! The fireplace! This is a *serious* selling point. If I could build a fireplace into my house, I would. There's something about a real fire, crackling away, the scent of burning wood...it’s pure bliss. Yes, theyAround The World Hotels


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