The Black Bull Inn, Moffat

The Black Bull Inn, Moffat reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. E

   Elaine

   Edinburgh1 review

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very friendly and efficient staff. Dogs made very welcome
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Dumfries and Galloway2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on May 17, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Booked for a party of 6 at 19:00, having seen good reviews and wanting something special for one of our party. Arrived 5min early and told our table wasn't ready, then left for 30min before being seated. Once seated, we waited for 20min for our order to be taken before thinking table service may not be available so tried to order at the bar - told "we'll come to you". Another 10min later our order was taken, then being brought to the table around 45min later. For my own, the food was genuinely some of the worst I've been served in any pub, wetherspoons would have been a better choice. My scotch egg starter came with a free sticker in the coating, and the egg had a grey ring with chalky yolk, the white rubbery. My £20 fish and chips was served with a sauce ramekin of bouncy, rock-hard peas, tartare sauce with a skin on top and water around the sides, chips that half were undercooked. The fish itself was small given the description and price, overcooked and dense batter. We politely spoke to the staff and explained our complaints, who were very understanding and spoke with the owner. I have no complaints whatsoever about the politeness and friendliness of the staff. Obviously the whole meal was very disappointing, which was communicated clearly. We had a scotch egg starter and a round of drinks knocked off the bill, which frankly I felt was insulting. I went back to the bar and asked if there was anything else they could do, we were offered a free round a drinks, which none of us felt was appropriate. Two of our party work in the hospitality industry, and were shocked at how little effort was made by the owners to rectify the situation. The only part of our bill that was worth paying for was the drinks. Everywhere has bad days, staff illnesses and the like - we can all understand such things, but this is not that (though these were excuses that were given). This is staff doing their best with management who clearly do not care.
   

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3. A

   Ann

   Dumfries and Galloway1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   There was nothing that could have been improved. Everything was excellent. This was our first visit but it will be the first of many. Staff very well trained and unobtrusive. Well Done to everyone.
   

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4. P

   Pauline

   Vancouver30 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were seated early and able to sit outside which great. Love that this place is dog friendly too and have dog menu. Food portions and quality very good. Highly recommend coming here.
   

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5. K

   Karen

   Dumfries and Galloway1 review

   4.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was lovely they were very busy and I think that affected the service as seem to wait a long time for the order to be taken and plates to be given so we could get the Carvery. This is our second visit and would go again and recomend.
   

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6. J

   Julia

   Dumfries and Galloway1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We opted for the carvery and everything was just perfect. Plenty of turkey and beef, a Yorkshire pudding and wide choice of vegetables. Service was good, staff friendly. Wish we lived closer, we would eat at the Black Bull regularly.
   

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7. R

   Ross

   London1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Booked our table via the link on the website easy to use and great communication throughout. Very fast friendly welcome on arrival and seated straight away. We went for a few drinks and the carvery. Three meats were beef gammon and turkey you were also given a giant Yorkshire pudding and stuffing ball.Then help yourself to all the trimmings. Would recommend booking as very busy but well worth it
   

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8. J

   Josh

   London1 review

   1.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   We were left disappointed. The restaurant area is not huge and the carvery sits at the side of it. If you are at table next to it (and there are not many tables in the restaurant) then the queue will be constantly next to your table. The carvery is very expensive - perhaps unless you are a child. My child received a children's carvery and I was somewhat surprised to receive almost exactly the same amount of meat. It was a child's portion rather than an adult's portion. Although you were encouraged to eat freely from the vegetables on display - it's quite clear they are trying to limit quite severely the portions of meat to save money. Which leaves a bit of a sour taste. The meat was OK - nothing particularly special and far from the best quality. The veg was quite poorly cooked - soggy sprouts and cabbage and potatoes a little raw in the middle. The signage outside said it was the best carvery in the area. I felt a little sorry for the people of Moffat that that was the case. My overall impression was that the business was less interested in providing a really great dining experience than making as much money as possible by cutting corners and hoping its customers did not realise. It was a shame because it could have been very good and we wanted to have a special family meal. The staff were fine but not particularly attentive which is consistent with its stack em high mentality.
   

   The Black Bull Inn, MoffatResponded on May 2, 2025

   Firstly, why complain about the size of an establishment which is almost 500 years old? Table spacing and covers meet health, safety and licensing requirements! We operate carvery on Sundays. |The unit has to be positioned for ease of purpose. If you were near the carvery and this was a problem why didn't you ask to be moved? We would have done our best to accommodate. Carvery is not expensive. It is under £20! If you go to a neighbouring establishment you'll play that for a plate of roast dinner. We gave your child plenty of meat? You can load your plate freely, three thick slices of meat, lots of veg, that's a positive!! Your are very negative! Why not simply bring issues to us so we can correct any mistakes. You didn't offer us a chance and took the keyboard route. Cowardly!
   

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9. F

   Faron

   Edinburgh1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great staff, perfect service, perfect food, amazing atmosphere. Keep up the great work!
   

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10. L

    Lucy

    London4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Very nice meal good veggie choice and excellent service
    

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