The Bell Inn, Southam

Facebook page of The Bell Inn - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Bell Inn - www.facebook.com

Ladbroke is a linear village on what was once the main route between Coventry and the south coast, and gave its name to the eponymous bookies. The pub, which once would have catered to travellers and the staff of the Big House hangs on, now very much in the gastro mould. It's a double-fronted affair, and the two front rooms remain pleasantly pubby, with all the beams and fires present and correct, though they couldn't resist the pukey pastel paint job. The fancy restaurant then extends to the rear, and serves little I would want to eat. The upside was a pristine pint of Chuchend Goat's Milk, just as well as the alternative was Bombardier. Call in if you are passing, but avoid peak meal times if you want to avoid Coventry's Audi owning classes.

Official site of The Bell Inn - www.thebellinnladbroke.co.uk

Official site of The Bell Inn - www.thebellinnladbroke.co.uk

A flying visit - gastro pub with a very full car park on a Sunday Lunchtime, which must be testament to the food quality. Beer choice was Ringwood Bitter and a Marstons EPA... Not enough to tempt me away from a pint of Lemonade sampled in the tidy beer garden. £2.50.