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Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 15th June 2025) with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Bell Inn, Banbury
Banbury
OX16 4QJ
Pub Type
Punch TavernsReviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Strongers . left this review about Bell Inn
The Bell Inn is essentially a thin L-shaped pub with a carpeted seating area by the entrance where studded metal topped tables sit adjacent to an exposed brick fireplace. The serving counter runs mid-way along the front wall where it faces a couple of high tables and more high and standard seating is found in the left where a pool table and two dartboards also reside. Regular live music is advertised, it must be a bit of a squeeze in here when there’s something on so thankfully during my recent midweek afternoon visit there was just some background music playing. Available from the bar, and friendly barman, were Carling and Neck Oil alongside a premium keg selection. There are also three hand pumps, but only one was in operation drawing a very nice Bath Ales Gem. This is a decent pub for a quiet pint, it's just a shame that the cask offering is so limited.
On 16th June 2025
- rating: 6
[User has posted 6133 recommendations about 6099 pubs]
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Bell Inn
Alehouse-style pub in Grimsbury, just a short walk from the station in the opposite direction to the town centre. Traditional furniture and decoration in the various small seating areas around the bar, with a pizza-based food offering at certain times. The 'Craft & Cask' slogan on the refurbished exterior and interior sales material is an extravagant claim, but my Wye Valley Butty Bach (£4.20) from one of the three handpumps was in great shape. Bath Ales' Gem and a draught cider were available from the other two, along with a standard keg offering.
On 29th September 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8733 recommendations about 8733 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Mild Drinker left this review about Bell Inn
Friendly service, only one hand pump on offer which was Doom Bar. I had a Guinness which was fine. A lot of regulars here. I think it's a decent little pub, and the food smelt nice not that I tried any!
On 27th April 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 108 recommendations about 108 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Bell Inn
The only historic pub remaining on the 'wrong' side of the station (Grimsbury, with two new-builds further out). Apparently the back buildings of the pub became an early car repair garage, so the pub has been refurbished with an automotive theme, i.e. some oil adverts and a set of Haines manuals, but all a bit soulless and tacky. That apart, it is a fairly conventional locals' pub, with pool and darts. On handpump were Doom Bar, Harvest Pale and a Stan's cider.
On 27th August 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3680 recommendations about 3615 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Thuck Phat left this review about Bell Inn
Just outside the town centre, this is a friendly and welcoming pub in the traditional style.
These assets only make it worth a visit if you're happy with standard pubco fare as far as the beer is concerned.
Two ales were on when we visited, Adnams Southwold and Thwaites Spring Sprung. The latter was no more than ok and didn't warrant a second.
With decent beer I'd happily drop in for an extended visit but as it stands a return is unlikely.
On 14th April 2015
- rating: 5
[User has posted 686 recommendations about 685 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about Bell Inn
A traditional local boozer which has retained two very seperate rooms as Quinno described below,an L shaped public bar with a pool table and a carpeted lounge both served by a small central bar.Both rooms have BT Sport screens,and the lounge also has some tables set for dining from a pub grub menu that has very cheap pricing.It feels like a community pub and has an occasional quiz,the lounge was a comfortable place to drink and had a real fireplace.
The pub is owned by a Punch and the exterior is looking a bit shabby.Sadly the real ale choice of Adnams Southwold Bitter and Black Sheep Brewery Golden Sheep (tired and flat) was predictably dull from a pubco owned premises,while a third pump was unclipped.Stangely you have to obtain a key from the bar if you wish to use cubicle in the gents.
It has been featured in past GBG's,but I can see why it hasn't made the cut recently.It's a decent enough interior ,shame about the beer.
On 3rd April 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2971 recommendations about 2971 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Bell Inn
Near the rail station, this is a traditional two room boozer with lounge and public bars, most of the interior is stuck in the 1970’s but in a good, cared-for way. The lounge has a classic retro chic, oranges and browns along with a selection of daily papers. The public bar is a more Spartan grey/green/blue affair, housing a dart board, pool table, cribbage and many trophies won by the pub. Pub is dog-friendly. Three ales available on my visit, Doom Bar, St Austell Trelawney and Adnams Bitter. All three ales were in good shape and served in jugs as well. There was an all-round friendly atmosphere, with jovial punters in both bars. This is a proper pub and it’s an essential stop if in Banbury. It was my favourite of a long day's crawling.
On 31st December 2011
- rating: 9
[User has posted 5589 recommendations about 5570 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Michael Boyes left this review about The Bell Inn
Excellent local pub near the railway station. Two large rooms with the bar in the middle, the lounge and the snug (games roon). Up to four real ales served mostly from local micros and food is available mainly at lunch times. A very friendly local and a good mix of people.
On 13th September 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 55 recommendations about 55 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
I L left this review about The Bell Inn
Very pleasant pub just East of Banbury station, this pub has a very friendly landlord. This pub has two main drinking areas served by a small, bar in each plus a pool table. Three ales were on from a variety of small brewers with the Beartown Bear Ass on at the time of our visit and superbly well kept. Opens at 12.30 on a Saturday but well worth a visit.
On 22nd January 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 287 recommendations about 284 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
michael furn left this review about The Bell Inn
The pub owned by Punch taverns, is close to Railway Station open evenings, Lunchtimes closed Monday and Tuesday and open on thursdays thru to Sundays at lunchtime.
Recommend Sunday Lunches, also serves meals in later part of week at Lunchtime and early evenings.
Meals good value for less than £6
On 26th February 2009
- rating: 10
[User has posted 38 recommendations about 37 pubs]