03/11/2026
IT’S NOVEMBER…
Which means it’s time to drop a gear at The Black Bull Inn, Moffat.
With the eleventh month upon us, bringing cold weather, roaring fires and wintry vibes, we are looking forward to a change of pace.
After another great season, we’re taking our foot off the gas, operating weekends only, opening Fridays for lunch and closing Sundays after carvery service.
Despite ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry, against all odds we’ve had a good year. Careful budgeting, strategic planning and a willingness to adapt has kept us viable in 2026 and the bean counters are happy!
With slightly lower footfall being a challenge , we offset that by concentrating service into shorter, trading periods, cutting hours means cutting costs and this approach has been good for us.
While we have had some moments -as we all do in this business - feedback has been great and repeat customer levels are at an all time high which is an accolade in itself.
Eight years ago when I acquired the old inn - then a seven-day pub with rooms, where food was served past 9pm, doors closed late - before opening at 7am - it’s unrecognisable from that almost loss making business with terribly managed rotas and out of control costs.
Today’s BB is a thriving hotel with supporting restaurant and bar. Careful planning, ongoing investment and anticipating challenges ahead of being affected by them - rather than taking a reactionary approach keep us winning against all odds.
Now as we enter another winter, we are well insulated, finances managed, winter plans in place - and - most importantly - salaries protected for another winter close.
But we still have four weeks left and the season will come to its official end on Sunday 29th November when we bow out with a Christmas Carvery.
Once our final diners depart, we will hold our annual end-of-season ‘Young Team Awards’ to recognise the achievements of our young stars and the handing out of some coveted cash prizes!
And our adult team don’t miss out.
This winter they’ll enjoy an all expenses holiday abroad as a thank you for all they do to keep The Black Bull thriving - because while good planning can insulate and protect a business, the people behind it make it successful…
Without them there is no business at all.
So we now we have four weekends left before we close the doors and take some time to recharge.
If you want to join us here are our opening times for November.
Fridays
12.30-8.30pm
Food
12.30-3pm/5-7pm
Saturdays
12-8.45/9pm
Food 12-3pm/5-7.15pm
Sundays
1-6pm
Food 1-5pm
Operating hours will be changed if circumstances dictate.
We have..
Music every Saturday 2.30-5pm
Dog friendly tables
Vegans/vegetarians catered
GF customers welcome
Cask ales
Extensive w**e list
Eight premium draught beers
Hotel rooms from £85
01683 221150
www.theblackbullmoffat.co.uk
See you all soon..❤️
