2. Cambridge - UK
  3. Black Bull - Balsham

Black Bull - Balsham

27 High St, Balsham, Cambridge CB21 4DJ
$25 - $50

Reservations

  Business Info

  • Address: 27 High St, Balsham, Cambridge CB21 4DJ
  • Cross Street: None
  • Cuisine: Desserts | English | Steak |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Car Park |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Cash | Apple Pay | Android Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: Corkage from £15 according to bottle
  • Phone: 01223893844
  • Features: Outdoor Seating, Private Room, Working Fireplace, Wheelchair Access, Free Wi-Fi,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Dog Friendly, Quick Bite,

  Photos

  Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Lunch Dining: Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:00  
Valid between: May 17, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2099
Evening Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 20:30  
Valid between: May 17, 2021 - April 12, 2099
Tuesday
Lunch - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:00  
Valid between: May 17, 2021 - Nov. 3, 2099
Dinner - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 20:30  
Valid between: May 17, 2021 - Sept. 29, 2099
Wednesday
Lunch - Dining - Outside - Tents 12:00 - 14:00  
Valid between: April 21, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Lunch - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:00  
Dinner - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 20:30  
Evening - Dining - Outside - Tents 18:00 - 20:30  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Thursday
Lunch - Dining Outside - Tents 12:00 - 14:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Lunch - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:00  
Evening - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 20:30  
Drinks Table 10:30 - 23:00  
Evening - Dining - Outside - Tents 18:00 - 20:30  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Friday
Lunch - Dining - Outside - Tents 12:00 - 14:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Lunch - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:30  
Evening - Click & Collect 18:00 - 21:00  
Evening - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 21:00  
Drinks Table 11:00 - 23:00  
Delivery 17:15 - 19:30  
Evening Dining: Outside - Tents 18:00 - 21:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Saturday
Lunch Dining: Outside - Tents 12:00 - 15:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Lunch Dining: Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 14:30  
Evening - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 21:00  
Evening Click & Collect 18:30 - 21:00  
Drinks Table 11:00 - 23:00  
Delivery 17:15 - 19:30  
Evening Dining: Outside - Tents 18:00 - 21:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Sunday
Lunch - Click & Collect 12:00 - 15:00  
Delivery 12:00 - 13:30  
Lunch Dining: Outside - Tents 12:00 - 15:00  
Valid between: April 12, 2021 - May 16, 2021
Lunch - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 12:00 - 15:00  
Evening - Dining - Restaurant / Bar / Outside 18:00 - 20:00  
Valid between: Aug. 15, 2021 - Aug. 15, 2021

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 15, 2020
Hazel L.

Staff member friendly, & welcoming. Food tasty. A shame the pub was so quiet, but understandable under the circumstances.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 31, 2020
Stuart W.

Fabulous food and good service

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 25, 2020
Kirsty C.

What a fabulous lunchtime venue: welcoming, warming and well-catered. In these difficult times eating out has become so much more difficult - but the staff and the atmosphere at the Black Bull make it all so easy & enjoyable. Thank you!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 01, 2020
Kevin S.

We use the sister pub at Hinxton frequently, but this was first experience of the Black bull loved it great pub looking forward to going again soon

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 04, 2020
Debbie P.

Everything was great, it was a shame that the pub was more or less empty and for the meals all the food was cooked brilliantly. I’m always happy to support this pub because it is great for value.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 26, 2020
Debbie C.

I had a very special birthday meal yesterday. Food and service were outstanding. Many thanks to all. Debbie.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 06, 2020
David B.

It was the last day before lockdown and considering this everything we wanted on the menu was available . The quality of the food was good and this was all we could expect. The service was excellent and the only criticism I could make was that the temperature of the room was a little cool. Fortunately we were sat next to a radiator so it wasn’t bad.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 05, 2021
Jennifer B.

The overall experience was excellent and the service was excellent. I look forward to eating in at the restaurant in the near future

Overall: 6/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 4/10
Ambiance: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Aug 20, 2020
Steven M.

food was good/ menu choice good. service was generally not satisfactory. Staff did not seem to have the knowledge from Table Agent - re size of booking / that it was a birthday occasion. Client had to ask for drinks.Cient had to ask for menus. Client returned menu to bar as part of making food order (no table service). Service improved once food was delivered. No advice on location of toilets or any specific Covid procedures to observe. Staff did not wear face coverings. Table was outside with no dressing whatsoever (e.g. tea lights/candle/etc) so it felt ordinary. VFM ok with Dining-out discount but without that prices would be too expensive to contemplate for a family of 5. Not greatly impressed overall.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 21, 2020
Colin E.

Great to be back... and the food was as good as ever. Thank you!

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 10, 2020
Diana W.

Food and service always great. But when outside, I do think the ambience of the car-park could be improved.....less gravel, more garden?

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 19, 2020
Trish H.

Lovely evening with family . The food was excellent. We went early as family had to drive back to London . Food was served swiftly. Service very friendly . Absolute bargain with Rishi discount . Will go again .

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 01, 2020
ROB A.

1. Ale choice was a bit limited on the day we were there, but I know it's usually OK. 2. Value was obviously increased considerably by the last day of Eat Out to Help Out, but prices looked fine even without that. 3. Back garden not all it was cracked up to be.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 18, 2020
Therese D.

Excellent Meal Lovely Environment Fantastic staff - nothing too much trouble for them

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2020
Leena K.

Lovely evening. Helpful staff.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 25, 2020
Nigel and Jane D.

It was all good, sat outside on the 50% Government Scheme. Wife disabled was ramp so ok not sure if designated disabled parking space at front though we parked ok. Need to offer something to keep customers coming in September, chatted about this with staff.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2020
Sue T.

Wonderful to be able to clebrate a birthday with a mixed group of 6 in this heated outdoor space. Food was excellent. Service when it arrived was excellent but out in the marquee I think we were forgotten at times. It was a very very cold day and very cold in the marquee. Heaters were new in the marquee so hopefully it will get warmer and as people use it the service will be more attentive. The insulated floor is a very good idea and kept us in touch with our toes!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 15, 2020
Simon d.

Great food just for the price the probs aren't quite big enough

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 24, 2020
William N.

Nice place with the food being excellent as usual. Let down by the time waiting to be served.

Overall: 6/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 27, 2020
Joan M.

In my recent experience of dining out there weren’t so many obvious safety measures - eg staff wearing visors, menus were not obviously cleaned or/single use. However my main issue was the vegetable tagine was just carrot with a little onion and chick peas - really disappointing, no couscous and what felt like microwaved rice. Nothing like any tagine I have ever tasted . My husband on the other hand had steak pie and it was delicious. Service was very good.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 20, 2020
Gemma M.

No signage to indicate hand gel use, saw it on the table out front but that was only pot. None on tables or in toilets. No one way system, could easily have in front door and out side door. Being greeted at front porch area would be better and covid precautions explained then maybe people more mindful of what steps you have implemented. Makes you feel more secure then. Don’t get me wrong the pub is very clean it was just not as covid aware looking as other places we have been lately.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 13, 2020
Noreen I.

Very good meal served quickly and efficiently.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 10, 2020
Charlie M.

Great service, and delicious food. It's such a nice pub and plenty of space for social distancing.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 16, 2021
Stuart W.

Delivery on time, food hot and quality exceptional

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 13, 2020
Phil T.

Great dining experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 11, 2020
Alicia G.

Great service, good food

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 10, 2020
Jerry H.

An excellent pub. Good food, good service, friendly staff (nothing too much trouble). We will be back! Jerry and Alison Hayes

Overall: 5/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 4/10
Ambiance: 1/10
Value: 3/10
Apr 17, 2021
Vicki B.

Disappointed to find the menu hadn't changed and was very limited in terms of choice. Clearly not a family friendly pub as no effort in catering for children except offering smaller portions from the main menu, which really isn't adequate. Offering a 7 year old child a huge bugger with just fewer chips than what would be served to an adult, impossible to take a bit from for a child. It appeared very little had been done to prepare for reopening following lockdown, not only had the menu not been changed (except for adding 'spring') they hadn't been cleaned either, several of our menus had what could only be described as food deposits on. The waiter was very friendly and helpful when we were able to gain his attention. We had to ask several times for additional drinks and empty glasses remained uncleared cluttering an already full table. The tent which housed our and half a dozen or so other tables could've benefited from being cleaned prior to reopening as was very grubby. The fairy lights were a nice addition but a sound system of some kind would've created a bit more of an atmosphere. The food was of good quality, albeit a bit over priced, we had several starters which were interesting but nothing to get excited about. We were able to have a good evening only because we decided to overlook the negatives and agreed we would not be returning, having accepted this pub is not for us.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 09, 2020
Kerry H.

Lovely meal with lovely, helpful and friendly staff. Will definitely be back!!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Aug 07, 2020
Angela S.

We were made very welcome and the food and service were excellent - thank you

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 26, 2020
Antony D.

Good all round.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 02, 2020
Jacob R.

Really nice little country pub with excellent food and very attentive service. Highly recommend a visit

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 02, 2020
Rachel C.

Lovely food and a good price because of eat out to help out scheme.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 08, 2021
Martin B.

This was a takeaway during lockdown, so scores for e.g. ambience are related to suitability for the occasion. Excellent service, great food, very much appreciated

Overall: 6/10
Food: 4/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Aug 17, 2020
Eleanor S.

Lovely service. Food was ok but the fish was a bit greasy. No obvious Covid measures in place either.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 12, 2020
Mellissa K.

Couldn’t fault a thing. Was such a lovely meal, fantastic service. Very friendly.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 01, 2020
Alice W.

Beautiful pub, low ceilings that look the part, but are somewhat impractical for the taller folk such as my family and I. Also we felt this made the room slightly too dark. The service was amazing, and the two young lads looking after us made us feel so welcome. 2 out of 3 main course dishes were delicious (The burger and the pie) The vegetable tagine however was just carrots and raisins with boiled rice. Dessert surely made up for the lacking third main, with one of the best sticky toffee puddings I ever had! The dishes are quite pricey, and relatively small portions. However as I ate on a "eat out to help out" night, 50% was knocked off our bill, making it exceptional value for money.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 20, 2020
Graeme M.

We absolutely loved our Sunday lunch. Clean plates from us and 2 children. And amazing puddings too. Delicious! We shall be returning!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2020
Rebecca W.

Always liked the food here.. and new chef doesn’t disappoint! Really delicious.

Overall: 6/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 2/10
Ambiance: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 07, 2020
Lucy G.

Delicious food and really lovely people running the pub. However unfortunately the service was terrible - we were a table of 8 right by the bar but had to ask for them to take our order after waiting a while, asked for extra drinks and those extra drinks got left on the bar side for 10 minutes so we got them ourselves! Just as we were about to pay, the guy took our bill away, said it was wrong, and wrote a 10% tip on top!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 26, 2020
Andrew H.

Great food, Covid safe, warm and welcoming staff

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 01, 2020
Lucy S.

A great new chef is at The Bull. We had a lovely family meal. Good mixed menu. Looking forward to see what else he can bring to the restaurant.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 02, 2020
Susan C.

Great to enjoy great food and evening at the Bull again. Everything felt very safe. Thanks to the whole team.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 06, 2020
Lauraine P.

All great just a bit quieter than usual but only due to the current crisis. Great evening though

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 18, 2020
David S.

Good food, friendly service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 15, 2021
Debbie K.

Excellent click & collect service. Delicious Sunday roast, the beef was melt in the mouth!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 03, 2020
Helen P.

We love the Black Bull, but whilst the food was good, all of it was slightly overcooked, so on the tough side.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 16, 2020
Jennie T.

The ice machine was not working and neither was the till. The food was good although my husband thought his main course looked smaller than mine. Given the space available we thought that the tables used for dining on the night of our visit were closer than necessary to each other.

Overall: 1/10
Food: 0/10
Service: 0/10
Ambiance: 0/10
Value: 5/10
Jul 05, 2020
Sue L.

Really dissapointed in cleanliness don’t feel nothing been cleaned since lockdown , smelled of dogs and allowing dogs on the settees felt dirty

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 25, 2020
Oliver G.

Very friendly and great service. Amazing location and amazing place