The Wrose Bull, Shipley

What do you do when a popular local pub needs an update without alienating your regulars when you re-open?

The Wrose Bull in Shipley is a good case in point. The pub, part of the Sizzling group chain has recently re-opened after a refit. The layout is the same but with new furniture and carpets giving the place a more modern contemporary feel. Whoever chose the modern colours of greys, blues and purples seem to be on the right track.

The place had the feel of a local pub and even on an early Monday night was busy.

Much of the food is served on sizzling skillets which at least means your food is served hot! The menu is extensive with lots of special deals on certain days, such as two meals for £8.50 available all day Monday to Friday. Steak Wednesday with 8oz Sirloin Steak £7.99 after 5pm. If you are aged over 60 then the Golden Years menu has 2 courses for £4.79 from 12-5pm Monday to Friday.

Food orders are taken at the bar. The service depending on who served you went from being very direct to a more welcoming response.

The food however was tasty, hot and wholesome. The Tennessee an 8oz Sirloin steak topped with bacon, bourbon glaze and melted cheddar was as to be expected sizzling and hot.

My partner decided upon the 8oz Sirloin steak that was cooked to her preference and was hotter than a ticket to see Ed Sheeran in Leeds this summer, though she thought that the steak itself was a little too dry. Presentation they say is everything and it was pleasing to see the dish nicely presented.

The new Chocolate Orange Sundae priced at £4.19 came with vanilla ice cream with brownie pieces, fluffy cream, orange curd and a Cadbury flake, along with a wafer. If it sounds sickly, it wasn't but it was one to savour slowly.

My partner's Chocolate Orange and Panetone Bread and Butter Pudding served with custard and vanilla ice cream was probably something you would never get in Italy but in Yorkshire it tasted sublime.

You might begin to see the theme here, orange seems to be the order of the day as far as the desserts on the spring menu go.

Depending on where you sit in The Wrose Bull the atmosphere can be a bit hit and miss, some areas even after the refit are better than others. I wouldn't recommend sitting by the door to the kitchen - unless you want in and outs like a Hokey Cokey dance.

Apparently they have started doing breakfasts too from 10am to 12 noon.

The Wrose Bull, Wrose Road, Shipley BD18 1JF
www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk