The Trafford & Hulme Camra Winter Pub of the Season is the Bull’s Head in Sale.
Situated in a prominent position in the centre of Sale on the main A56 trunk road between Altrincham and Manchester, this Grade 2 listed building was built in 1879. It replaced an earlier pub on the same site, photos of which are displayed in the current building. Over the years the Bull’s Head has gradually deteriorated both inside and outside and eventually it closed early in 2008. However earlier this year this Enterprise owned Public House along with new tenants Christine and James Hartley have totally transformed this establishment having spent a considerable amount of time and money making the Bull’s Head what it is today. The outside has been cleaned up proudly advertising its original owners – Hardy’s Ales, Crown Brewery, Hulme. Inside it is spotlessly clean with new carpets and furniture, but leaving many of its original fittings including the skylight which is illuminated in the evening and a wonderful working clock behind the bar. Christine and James have been in the pub business for over 25 years but this is the first pub that they have managed themselves and are thus very enthusiastic about the building and everything that goes into it. The most important thing is making it a pub for the whole community. Customers during the day include shoppers and office workers whilst most evenings it is occupied by locals. Food and drink are two of the items which make a pub, all food is fresh, traditional and home-made, and is available everyday except Monday. Sunday carvery are extremely popular especially for families. Also look out for the “Beef Cobbler!” New lines have been installed to disperse all the beers. Cask Ale returns after absence of several years with two real ales on at all times and are selling well. Regular beers have come from Black Sheep and Copper Dragon but several others have been seen and tried and all are kept in excellent condition. The regulars in the pub advise which beers they would like to see and Christine and James try their best to oblige. Downstairs is a recently refurbished function room which is proving popular with various parties as well as live music is held every Friday and Saturday evening. All in all, it is good to see a pub such as the Bull’s Head being successful especially in these times of recession. This is all down to Christine and James as well as help from regulars who frequent the Pub and are delighted to see it doing so well. It is the reason that Trafford & Hulme Camra has nominated the Bull’s Head as their Pub of the Season with the presentation being held on Thursday 14th January 2010. Getting there is no problem with bus services 16, 18, 18A, 19, 41, and 263 passing the front door, and only five minutes walk from Sale Metrolink Station.