The Bell, Hampton

Attractive imposing facade, with timbered upper storeys. The present Bell was built in 1892 to replace the former 16th century in which was destroyed by fire. The sign shows someone ringing a bell on the jetty to the river, there is a ferry at this point today. My understanding however is that the pub name originates from "Bell Hill", the old name for the sloping area of land forming the river bank opposite. While the location is pleasant the pub interior is a little tired, and not to my taste with red walls and furniture. There is little point however in detailing this as a sign inside advises that the pub is under new ownership and is to be imminently refurbished. In what style it didn't say. The open layout has two areas either side of the front entrance, narrowing to the central bar and with a conservatory type space to the rear. The first floor Thames Bar is available for hire. Four pumps, 2x Pride, Badger Best with Doom Bar "coming soon" Hopefully the refurb will breathe life into the pub, provided it doesn't go too far down the gastro/restaurant route.