The Bell, Aylesbury

A prominent and attractive stone built pub situated on a large corner plot on the main road through this pleasant village, it sits in good sized grounds with both a garden at the front and a patio to one side. Although clearly an old building that has had some refurbishment, this has been done sympathetically and manages to maintain a good mix of traditional and contemporary styles, something that is unfortunately all too rare. Internally it’s something of a TARDIS with numerous rooms stretching off in all directions. The first room on the right is a delightfully elegant snug with light wood panelling on the walls, a flagstone floor and a small brick fireplace with copper chimney hood. Some carved wooden benches with purple cushions provided the seating, whilst an enclosed cupboard in the corner housed a collection of silverware and other artefacts. The only downside was the cheap modern light fitting which looked completely out of place. Opposite this across the corridor was an equally elegant wood panelled dining room this time with a wood strip floor and a velvet curtain dividing it in to two halves. A wooden fireplace was at one end with a framed mirror on the wall above and an old clock on the mantelpiece. It seemed more reminiscent of an old hotel drawing room than your average pub, with once again only the modern ceiling lights spoiling the effect. It opened out considerably at the rear, and this was a little more contemporary in style although still managed to retain a certain amount of charm with chunky wooden beams on the ceiling and a flagstone floor. An unusual vaulted brick tunnel led to the kitchens. Beers on tap were Doom Bar, London Pride and Adnams Ghost Ship, whilst ciders were a slightly disappointing Cornish Orchards Gold and Mortimer’s Orchard English Berry. All in all, whilst it might not quite have the cosy old charm of some pubs, I thought it was very pleasant and well worth stopping by.

Official site of the Bell - www.thebellastonclinton.co.uk