The Bell, Marlborough

An upmarket gastro-ey place owned by the Ramsbury estate, decorated in neutral shades and about as unthreatening as you could imagine. Former multi-room pub that at least retains the essence of having discrete drinking areas. There’s a small garden to rear side with just one bench. Tap for Ramsbury brewery and four pumps with three ales on, 2x Ramsbury (Gold – NBSS 4) and Bitter (3.5) plus a guest I forgot to note. It’s nice enough and the beer quality makes it worth doing but it’s a bit too staid to really rise to the standing it should achieve.

Official site of the Bell - www.thebellramsbury.com

Heavily gastrified former village local. With half-closed eyes you can just about see a 300 year old building itching to get out. The multi-room layout hasn't been badly altered and surely one day the awful stripped pine, bare boards and pastel coloured walls will revert to a more welcoming and traditional style. A big chunk of it is made over to expensive dining (don't even think about wanting a sandwich) though there is a corner with Sky TV so some concession at least to the lager and footy brigade without which, I feel, they'd have any custom at all on a wet winter Wednesday. Very local Ramsbury bitter in poor shape on our visit. It should be of exhibition quality in its home town. There are better choices around here.

Official site of the Bell - www.thebellramsbury.com