Quick info
About Black Bull
Black Bull sits at 21 Main St in Maybole, combining a pub and hotel under one roof. The kitchen sends out Steak and Sausage Pie with Chips alongside a Croquette starter, with Chocolate Fudge Cake to finish. A step-free entrance means the bar is accessible to visitors with mobility needs, and dogs are welcome alongside regular pub dogs. A pool table sits on site for those who want a game with their drink. Smoking is permitted inside, a detail worth knowing for anyone sensitive to it before settling in for the evening. Reservations are recommended, particularly given the combined pull of the bar and the rooms upstairs. Between the pub trade and overnight stays, Black Bull covers both a night out and a place to sleep it off on the same stretch of Main St.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree of charge street parking
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Good for kidsGood for kids
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Menu & Prices
3 dishes- Steak and Sausage Pie with Chips
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Croquette
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention dog friendly pub, cigarette smoke smell, steak pie and homemade chips.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention dog friendly pub, cigarette smoke smell, steak pie and homemade chips.
Customer Review Summary
At the Black Bull the Steak and Sausage Pie with Chips draws the strongest praise, with one diner calling it "to die for," and close behind, another reports the best steak they've ever had alongside a chicken curry also singled out for its quality. Several also mention the beer, with one describing "excellent" choice on tap, and many highlight a welcoming feel from staff and locals, including a party accommodated with a gluten and dairy free meal without fuss. The pub's dog friendliness comes up repeatedly, with visiting dogs said to get on well with the pub's own. Against this, a recurring complaint surfaces about stale cigarette smoke, with one reviewer describing "death by passive smoking" and another saying the bar area "hasn't been cleaned... to an acceptable standard" and reporting rude treatment over paying by card. A separate reviewer recounts being turned away for a birthday booking because the kitchen stove wasn't put on. Most others, though, describe dogs happily mingling together over a pint.
Customer Review Summary
At the Black Bull the Steak and Sausage Pie with Chips draws the strongest praise, with one diner calling it "to die for," and close behind, another reports the best steak they've ever had alongside a chicken curry also singled out for its quality. Several also mention the beer, with one describing "excellent" choice on tap, and many highlight a welcoming feel from staff and locals, including a party accommodated with a gluten and dairy free meal without fuss. The pub's dog friendliness comes up repeatedly, with visiting dogs said to get on well with the pub's own. Against this, a recurring complaint surfaces about stale cigarette smoke, with one reviewer describing "death by passive smoking" and another saying the bar area "hasn't been cleaned... to an acceptable standard" and reporting rude treatment over paying by card. A separate reviewer recounts being turned away for a birthday booking because the kitchen stove wasn't put on. Most others, though, describe dogs happily mingling together over a pint.
Featured reviews
- dennis norkett
“After reading some of the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say, the staff and the locals were all so nice. We've come up from London for a road trip, and the guys there were so welcoming, we sat and chatted with a few drinks. Great spot”
- Kieran Snowball
“Stinks!! Reaks of cigarettes and piss. Peering over the bar shows that it clearly hasn't been cleaned in a very long time or not to an acceptable standard. And the customer service! bloody hell! Was swore at and stereotyped just because I wasn't paying cash. I do not recommend this establishment if you can call it one.”
- Luscious Pleasure
“We stopped here for a drink whilst on a camping trip I'm Scotland and found it to be great, the beer was excellent and there was plenty of choice if something else is your tipple. We were made to feel welcome and so was our dog. We had a game of pool and I would happily of spent a few hours there.”
- Dylan brown
“Stopped in on Saturday night to try the food and we were blown away by the quality, I can safely say it was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life the mrs got the chicken curry and was blown away also, the homemade chips were delicious as …”
- Dennis Smalley
“A quaint little pub on sleepy Main St Straiton, surrounded by Roses round the door Cottages but not much else. If you want peace and quiet Straiton is the place for you The pub serves excellent food. Steak pie is to die for and the ladies serving are so friendly Definitely worth a try.🤗”
Highlights
- Has great beer selection
- Popular for good for solo dining
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Dogs allowed
- Serves dine-in
- Good for kids
Show more amenities
- Serves alcohol
- Casual
- Serves beer
- Serves food
- Serves spirits
- Has table service
- Popular for· 1
- Good for solo dining
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Offerings· 1
- Serves wine
- Highlights· 1
- Has great beer selection
- Atmosphere· 1
- Cosy
Location
Bars near Black Bull
- The Maybole Arms4.51426 mi away£10–20
dog-friendly with treats, steak pie, real ale
- Hollybush Inn4.57756.4 mi away£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
huge portions, countryside views, dog friendly
- The Coylton Arms4.53759.2 mi away£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
generous portion sizes, allergy accommodations, slow bill/dessert service
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black BullReservations · Good for kids | 4.329 | — | — | dog friendly pub, cigarette smoke smell, steak pie |
| The Maybole Arms | 4.5142 | 6 mi away | £10–20 | dog-friendly with treats, steak pie, real ale |
| Hollybush InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5775 | 6.4 mi away | £20–30 | huge portions, countryside views, dog friendly |
| The Coylton ArmsReservations · Good for kids | 4.5375 | 9.2 mi away | £20–30 | generous portion sizes, allergy accommodations, slow bill/dessert service |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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