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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Graham Mason
Submitted on Wednesday, 31st October 2012
With picture contributions to 11805 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (6 more images)
Detail Pages
Bell Inn, Braintree
Great Bardfield
Postal town: Braintree
CM7 4SA
Served areas
Reviews of Bell Inn (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about Bell Inn
One of two remaining pubs in the village of Great Bardfield, this seemed quite a strange place. I was the only customer on my early Thursday evening visit. Although, they only open at 5:30. So, this didn't seem too unusual. Entrance is by way of a side door, as apparently all of the heat from the central real fire disappears if they allow the front door to open. So, the front door is only in use during warmer months.
The pub appears in the Good Beer Guide, despite only selling a single varying real ale. For my visit, this was Ridley's Rite.
One large table near the side door had a half completed jigsaw puzzle on it. The main room continues down a couple of steps where 2 more tables had a chess board and a backgammon board. Not wishing to complete a jigsaw puzzle or play myself at various board games, I selected one of the few remaining tables without any embellishments.
This is certainly a cosy kind of place, with plenty to admire around the rooms including several pictures from local artists. I didn't venture into the bar itself to the rear, but that too looked cosy, from what I could see.
The pub serves food and hosts a number of events. It has a fairly upmarket feel, as I guess that the denizens of this village don't seem like typical Essex types. It was really difficult to judge the place though, with it being so quiet and I was really intrigued to find out what happens to the board games and jigsaw puzzles when people want to eat and/or the pub gets busy.
On 24th March 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3040 recommendations about 3038 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Richard Cleverley left this review about Bell Inn
The Bell is a thriving village local. A true free house, with 2-3 well-kept beers on (usually from micro breweries). There are two rooms, a public bar with a few seats and large TV screen used when major football matches are on. The contrasting main room, extending now towards the rear of the pub, is set out with tables and chairs for diners. Food is tasty and reasonable value around £9-12 for main courses, and is served well into the evening. There is a large open fireplace that adds character. A few years ago the Bell was closed for some time so its resurgence is all the more welcome.
On 10th November 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3 recommendations about 3 pubs]
No known official website for this pub.
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Bell Inn - whatpub.com
Stansted Airport, 10.49 miles, 3 hr 22 min walk (show)
Braintree Freeport, 10.53 miles, 3 hr 23 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Car Park : No last updated 24 March 2023 by Blue Scrumpy
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 10 November 2010 by hondo .
- Live TV Sports : Yes last updated 10 November 2010 by hondo .
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 10 November 2010 by hondo .
- Real Cider : No last updated 24 March 2023 by Blue Scrumpy
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