The Bell, Wadhurst

Sympathetically renovated a few years back, belying the photos on this site,this sixteenth century former coaching inn is in the centre of an attractive Wealden village.The bar takes up the main,original part of the pub-sanded beams,impressive fireplace,ancestral portraits. To the right, and unexplored lie a snug,further dining room and function room. I'd known about this pub for a while, but was slightly apprehensive about visiting due to the self consciously wacky vibe given off by the website.However, we found on our visit on a sunny February Saturday afternoon,a fairly relaxed yet upmarket atmosphere,with drinkers and diners equally welcome.As befits a pub in a prosperous area of the southeast,the Bell is perhaps largely food-led,but offers a reasonable beer choice:the required Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, and a couple from the Long Man Brewery ,one of which, Wild Man,was a delicious English IPA.Additionally Lagers and other keg beers were available. We sat outback in the garden, catching some rays; as we left, we noticed a good congregation outside on the benches and tables facing the village square.Dogs were welcome, and fussed, and our muddy boots not too out of place.

Official site of The Bell - www.thebellinticehurst.com

Official site of The Bell - www.thebellinticehurst.com