The Bull Inn Pub

Reading, Stanford Dingley
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50 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2025

Nicholas

Overall enjoyable stay. Staff friendly and supportive.
Parking easy.
Room overall comfortable - radiator and heater helped warm the room. Shower needs removal of mould and descaling of shower head.
Preordering breakfast worked fine and the omelette was very enjoyable.
Dinner was good. Sharing starter good as was the beef stew and Bull burger. Crumble nice.
Enjoyable drinks in the bar.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Stuart

Great rooms nice pub too.

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2025

Tim

Breakfast was not free as advertised.
Everything else was good

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2025

Claire

Lovely comfortable bed, excellent breakfast, friendly staff

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2025

Bart

Rooms were comfortable and clean

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Miron

Very friendly staff.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2025

Murat

Some good some bad!

It’s not modern and it’s not pristine but clean enough. One of us found bed comfy other didn’t. Room too light in the morning blackout blind would be good. Walls far too thin can hear everything in next room. Didn’t dare put on tv so as not to disturb other guests. Pub noise started early and woke us. Room temp was good for us but fan provided if needed. Pillows nice. Parking plentiful. Breakfast was nice and staff v friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Jun 2025

Krzysztof

One day i will come back

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2025

jason

Nice food curry great

Business

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Christopher

A lovely old pub building with comfortable rooms and good pub food. The satnav failed to find it at the first attempt but that isn't the pub's fault.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2024

Roger

Unique rooms with rustic style. Fridge in room. Comfortable beds and superb breakfast. Dinner was also very good. Nice bathroom with shower.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2024

Matthew

I would stay again, but just a couple suggestions.

The owner was very welcoming, as were the team working when we arrived. Unfortunately, the window ledge in the pub was pretty dirty, which was off-putting for a place serving food. Once in the room it was clean, but a few things were missing that would have made the stay better: Shower curtain or glass divide to keep the shower from getting the bathroom wet, a light above the mirror in the bathroom, and finally - it was unseasonably cold this June, but it would have been nice if there was some heat in the room or a way to control it. It is good value for the price, and would stay again, but just a few Alex Polizzi improvements would make it so much better.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2024

Daniel

Comfy

Comfy rooms, nice pub and village

Business

2/10

Poor

23 Jan 2024

Verified traveler

Loud music, cold and cobwebs

I checked in on a Monday and the pub was full of people and the lights off when it says the pub is usually closed. I went to the room which was okay, I heard them turn the heating off so had an electric heater luckily but wasn’t the best. Seemed to be an event on and music was playing very loud until 12:30pm so not much sleep

Business

8/10

Excellent

14 Oct 2023

Typical rural pub and restaurant and quite nice. Disappointed to discover they dont do breakfast so we only used the accommodation. Room is modern and provided the necessary things, though cleanliness was below average, large cobwebs above the bed and high level dust was scattered about when the heating eventually came on. Room was cold to begin with. Bed was comfortable though could feel the lump in the middle of joining 2 beds together. It was nice though, not likely to return.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

11 Sep 2023

Andrew

Lovely, but it's a shame the service let it down

Lovely room, lovely pub, food good, however service is the slowest I've ever experienced. I sat down for dinner at 6.15pm and gave up waiting for someone to ask what I wanted for desert at 8.45pm. When you are a solo traveller it's a drag to sit there on your own for so long looking like a lemon. I left cash on the table and went to bed.
The only other gripe I would have is that breakfast starts at 9.30am.
That all said I'm sure the service was a one off, I'd stay there again and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Business

2/10

Poor

09 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

hotel closed in february. should not be on expedia

hotel closed in february should not have been on expedia - panic to find further accommodation for my elderly father and family. New owners not due to open until September were unaware you had this hotel on your system. Absolute mayhem as my father and family were attending my daughters wedding and had nowhere locally to stay. Where is the apology from Expedia - I will never use this system again - be warned the place you book may not exist anymore and like us will cost you dearly to rectify.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2017

sara

Lovely stay and good food for evening meal, shame breakfast was not available

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Oct 2017

Brenda

Great Location

The room was very clean and everything was OK except that the wall street are very thin and we could hear people either side of us talking and snoring kept my husband awake the 2 nights we were there. Great location and friendly staff.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2017

Mick

A lovely location,just the job for a nice relaxing break,lovely food and bar snacks,friendly staff and locals,really enjoyed it

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2017

Mark

spacious and comfortable but no Wifi

The room was spacious and comfortable, however the WIFI was non existence and there the reception did not open in the morning to serve breakfast or check out

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2017

tracy

Nice little place !!!!

Staff were fabulous friendly and pleasant couldn't ask for better hosts nothing was too much trouble ...would not hesitate to stay here again ..rooms are not massive but more than adequate for a few nights stay ..breakfast was ordered the night before and served at our requested time and tasted delicious ...all in all could not fault this place ...and to top it off when we first arrived was sat outside chatting to few of the locals .. and it was none other than pippa Middleton and her hubby and parents . Who by the way were very pleasant and happy to chit chat to us . Location of this hotel is nice too nice country area and can get about to other places thanks to the hosts for making us so welcome x

Family

6/10

Pleasant

07 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Visiting the wolves

I was staying overnight to make sure I got to the wolf sanctuary on time in the morning for a day of photgrahing these amazing creatures. I thought the price should have included the tepid breakfast which had obviuosly been cooked ahead of time. Bacon still had the rind on which was irritating for me as I was out of practice and didn't realise and had to remove it from my mouth - embarassing!
Bed squeeked and made cracking noises all night which was annoying and kept waking me up. walls are extremley thin and you could hear the conversation next door. Room was way to hot for me. Remote control didn't work very well and I had to turn over using the buttons on the side. Bathroom needed some TLC with paint peeling off the wall after an obvious water leak. shower needed repairing as sharp plastic along the bottom - gave it a miss. All in all I wouldn't rebook but its not the worst I have stayed in.

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

A pleasant room, but I need to point out that the shower needs changing. It was pretty much a trickle coming out of the shower head and there was no shower curtain/shield so the bathroom floor got very wet.

8/10

Excellent

30 Nov 2016

Kevin

Lovely Country Pub

Bed Room and food in the pub was very good, poor wifi in room but good in pub phone signal none

8/10

Excellent

30 Nov 2016

Caroline

Warm and comfortable with good food

Friendly staff. Lovely old country village pub. Nice room with good shower but paper thin walls! Food was delicious. No one around to check me out and get a receipt.

4/10

Poor

18 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

Lovely area - just a shame about the experience

These rooms need a lot of tlc. The shower had not been cleaned properly, the shower did not work properly and cut in and out. I had to ask for another large towel and milk when we got there.
The breakfasts are over priced at £12 for a full English and £5.00 for two fried eggs on one bit of toast. When we tried to book out at 8.15 on Sunday morning no body except the cleaner who did not speak English was available. So sorry not a very good experience!

Partner

2/10

Poor

02 Jun 2016

Emma

Ant infested and filthy

The dirtiest room we've ever had to stay in! Only booked because we couldn't find anywhere else which had availability at short notice. Ants in the bathroom. Filthy, worn carpet. Very uncomfortable beds. Food was overpriced and poor quality. Nothing to recommend other than being set in a lovely village.

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2016

neil

Bull

Lovely place and room. The only thing was when I walked into the pub the whole place went silent and everyone stared at me, which was weird. I guess it's a local pub for local people.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2016

Alison

Lovely country inn in a beautiful location

I stay here on a regular basis and the staff are always warm and welcoming, the food excellent and the rooms bright, cheerful and comfortable!

2/10

Poor

27 Jan 2016

Matthew

Could have been wonderful.

On arrival, was issued my key - only to find my room had not been cleaned (this was 8pm). Returned to bar - was offered a drink whilst they cleaned in the room in the promise of 20mins. However, the beer was off. 45mins later get the key thrust at me in the bar with no words from the staff. Wake up at 7am to discover no hot water - and no sign of anyone at the bar. Had to leave cold at 7:45. A lovely pub, lovely setting. Disaster of a visit.

4/10

Poor

23 Nov 2015

David

Never again.

The toilet was not fixed properly the shower room floor did not open or close properly due to dragging on the floor, plumbing very noisy from our room and others.
Felt that breakfast was expensive for my wife as did inform when booked she is a coeliac but no bread until we purchased our own.
Did mention the toilet problems but nothing was fixed.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2015

Daniel

Very lovely friendly couple. Food brilliant. Great pub. Great stay altogether. Will stay again if I will work in the area.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2015

Verified traveler

They were really welcoming and helpful, we were going to a wedding nearby and they were very accommodating in helping us before the wedding.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Sep 2015

Laura

Lovely pub

The pub is lovely. Great food and service. Staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome.

The rooms are a bit random but it does the job. There were 5 spiders in the bathroom and reportable heater was extremely dusty.

I would recommend staying here just for the pub itself. Lovely setting and great place.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2015

Ann

Absolutely fantastic break !

Our two night break was a real treat. Great welcome with a very friendly atmosphere amongst the locals, very clean, spacious room. Breakfast was second to none. We didn't eat for the rest of the day!! We will definitely be returning again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2015

kenneth

excellent food and stunning location

Stayed for one night. Beautiful location. Food at The Bull is excellent. Room hadn't been cleaned properly but that didn't ruin our stay.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2015

Carole

Friendly, helpful and full of character

Arrived late in need of food but we had not pre-booked a table. They were very helpful and made sure we were fed but it was after 9:30pm before we ate. The wine list was great and good value.
The room was a good size with a bunk bed as well as the double and was nice warm. The bathroom had a bath with a shower over. Breakfast did not start until 8am and we needed to leave before that so I cannot comment on breakfast.

Partner

4/10

Poor

12 Apr 2015

Beebop

Good for a Drink bad for a Sleep\n

Pub had a nice oldy worldy feel. Food ok.
Rooms were shabby, Terrible drain Gurgling in the night, Minimal effort on the interior of the rooms and very basic. You will either scald or freeze in the shower and it could have done with a good clean. Shame the rooms back onto the garden bar - pretty noisy in the summer months I would think.
Good internet though.

8/10

Excellent

03 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

The shower wasn't working. Otherwise it is a pleasing room. The food is good and the staff very obliging.

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2015

Glen

Good for 1 night stay

Good service, staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. The walls were a bit thin and I could hear the person next door quite clearly but not a huge problem. Room was basic but clean with bottled water, tea and coffee on hand. The main negative point for me personally is the narrow and winding roads leading to and from the inn, this added quite a bit to my journey time into the office, which is the only reason I marked down the neighbourhood, although it's in a lovely village, just a bit remote for my commuting.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

zero wifi, zero phone signal, overall ok

this hotel is fine if you are happy with no contact with the outside world, it is literally in the middle of nowhere with no mobile phone coverage, NONE, and the rooms also have no working wifi, I needed both of these for work. However, if you require neither this place is pretty good to be fair

6/10

Pleasant

27 Oct 2014

Alison

Nice stay in a quiet country village

I stayed here for 1 night for business. I was quite happy with the room which was big, clean and welcoming.
Comfy bed, quiet room - though it appears as though the walls are thin as I heard someone next door very clearly when they entered their room, but they appeared to go straight to bed as I didn't hear any more from them.
The windows look straight out onto the pub garden so you need to be careful that the curtains are completely closed when getting dressed!
Staff were friendly and welcoming.

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2014

Julie bee

Lovely stay

Had a one night stay here early October. Beautiful, room was lovely and clean and would definitely stay again if I was in the area.

8/10

Excellent

02 Sep 2014

Verified traveler

Enjoyed our stay. Friendly, efficient staff. Had our evening meal in the restaurant. Food was excellent and good value. Room was comfortable however the bathroom had not been cleaned thoroughly, previous occupants toiletries in shower.

4/10

Poor

25 Aug 2014

Verified traveler

Lacking in most areas

Basic room, room had not been hoovered, sweets on floor, large cobwebs in bathroom obviously been there for some time, water sill in kettle with a large amount of loose lime scale in the bottom. Cleaned out before use. Fridge in room had mould all inside of it you would not want to have used it. Shower kept going hot and cold it also had all black coming from the seam along the bottom. Full breakfast is fried breakfast with tea or coffee no cereals no juices. Evening meals I felt were overpriced for a pub meal. Had to order breakfast night before with required time yet still had to wait 20 mins to get breakfast. Beware the cockerel 5.30am unless you need an early call.

8/10

Excellent

27 Jun 2014

Lulu

Traditional country inn with amazing food

Loved every minute ... The inn has a contemporary flavour with old fashioned hospitality extending from the initial welcome throughout the stay. The accommodation is comfortable although a little dated and spotlessly clean. The highlight is the dinner. I ate Belly of Pork which was succulent and beautifully presented. The mix of people from local farmers to visitors passing through and school teachers from the nearby college make for interesting chit-chat.

4/10

Poor

12 May 2014

Dont think I will stay again ?

Ok, nice pub with rooms to block at the back. Friendly service in the pub. But, for the cost, I think its poor value. The allocated room had no hot water & someone had previously left a deposit in the toilet & forgot to flush ! The adjacent rooms were noisy till late & the pub is located a long way from communication routes. Overall ...not great !

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2014

Hungry

Great pub with rooms

I always enjoy staying at the Bull. The location is fabulous and the beer and food are both great. The rooms are simple and practical, my only problem was with the shower which was below par.
In all other respects the bull is a great place to stay.

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jan 2014

shadders

bit out the way

The hotel is down some single track lanes away from everything the bed was a bit bumpy and the shower was not much use the room was clean but the tv was that small you needed glasses to watch it