The Bell, Frome

Official site of The Bell - www.thebell-standerwick.co.uk

Official site of The Bell - www.thebell-standerwick.co.uk

A good-sized Victorian roadside inn with ample parking, the pub currently owned by Hall and Woodhouse. It was originally called Live and Let Live. The garden is tidy, well kept and inviting. There is a large L-shaped bar formed by knocking through former bar areas, while the back of the building has been extended and is used as a restaurant. All the beers are, predictably, Badger, the two ales on draft are Tanglefoot and First Call, both in good condition. The food menu is basic and is reasonable value for money in some respects, but it’s a far cry from gourmet standard – at its worst, fish finger sandwiches are offered to children. The locals were mainly family groups, though there were one or two solitary drinkers and a few people taking pit stop. The décor and furniture are a bit dated, but that only serves to make it feel more homely. The jukebox was making some pleasant noises, the WiFi worked and the staff were very welcoming. It’s a good place to stop for a quick, unsophisticated lunch and a round or two.