The Bull & Mouth opened in 1797, the name being a corruption of "Boulogne Mouth" and was commonly used to commemorate the capture of Boulogne by the British fleet in the 16th century. When the Bull and Mouth was built we were once again fighting the French, and many pubs received patriotic names.
The original pub was not on the current site, but was at the entrance to the dreadful "Shambles" a series of slaughterhouses just off the Wicker. Sanitation was non existent in this area, and a trip to the General Cemetery will reveal how many children died of disease. Many families lost 6 or 7 offsprings before their 5th birthday.
The present building was a Gilmour development of 1927. It was later taken over by Tetley, and has more recently taken on the guise of a back to basics ale house, going by the name of Tap & Spile. It has bare floor boards and offers a selection of beers. Food is available in a smoke free room.