The Bell, Reigate

This pleasant pub in the heart of Reigate was destined to be my first new pub visited after the initial UK Covid lockdown ended, but upon arrival, I discovered that they hadn't yet reopened, due to the extremely narrow interior, which made social distancing an impossibility. Returning three years later, everything is now thankfully back to normal, and we were able to enjoy a drink without any such restrictions. The pub is so narrow, that it brings to mind a shop converted micropub, although this place has obviously been a pub for some time and comfortably predates the micropub concept. Inside, you'll find a simple bare boarded room with fancy wallpaper, low wood panelling and the servery along the left-hand wall. The bar has quite a nice wood panelled counter with curved ends, blackboard covered gantry and a traditional bar back with pub mirror centrepiece. Seating includes smart button backed banquettes and regular chairs, all confined to the perimeter. We visited on a warm day and sat out in the well appointed patio garden which has a mix of wooden benches and fixed, upholstered seats, many under large umbrellas. There is a balcony overlooking the garden, which appears to be out of bounds but has apparently hosted live music in the past, with bands playing to the garden below. I was a bit surprised to find no less than six cask ales on the bar, with options comprising Titsey Gresham Hopper, By The Horns Blue Bird, Taylors Landlord, St Austell Tribute, Surrey Hills Collusion and Morland Old Speckled Hen. I took a pint of the Gresham Hopper, which was in decent nick and served by a comically miserable barman, who did at least manage to bid us a cheery farewell as we left. This place probably has the widest ale range in all of Reigate and tends to make the Good Beer Guide as a result, and I quite liked the cosy confines and smart beer garden. The surly service wouldn't necessarily put me off a return visit and whilst I'm not convinced it's Reigate's finest, it should definitely be included on any crawl around town. Date of visit - 3rd September 2023

Shut on my Monday lunchtime visit, so may need to be careful of the opening hours

Official site of The Bell - thebellreigate.co.uk