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Picture of The Old Bell
Image posted by john mcgraw
Submitted on Thursday, 2nd February 2017
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The Old Bell, Harpenden

Pub added by Bucking Fastard
177 Luton Road
Harpenden
AL5 3BN
Phone: 01582712484
Correct details

Pub Type

Chef & Brewer (Spirit Pubs)

Served areas

Reviews of The Old Bell (Average Rating: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Bucking Fastard left this review about The Old Bell

ORIGINAL REVIEW December 2010
Chef and Brewer chain pub with a standard menu of Brakes Brothers finest.The pub itself is divided in two with the bar directly infront of the front door.To the left is a large dining area with a door to the side patio.The decor and furniture is all very corporate but has been upgraded recently.To the right is a rustic style lounge with another section with a real fire and this is where you would feel more comfortable if you just wanted to drink.Two handpumps with,on my visit, London Pride and Adnams Spiced Winter Beer which was acceptable but not memorable.
The barstaff were friendly enough but the pub is unable to escape from the chain identity,so the overall experience is somewhat less than authentic.

UPDATE
Another refurb has taken the interior a bit more upmarket and there is little Chef & Brewer branding to be seen.There are now three handpumps working with,on my trip,Doom Bar,London Pride and TT Golden Best which was murky and in poor nick.I went in for lunch and was presented with a pie with very little filling and solid mash potato,reheated food service rubbish.I wont be hurrying back.

On 18th September 2014 - rating: 4
[User has posted 2709 recommendations about 2709 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Phantom Pigeon left this review about The Old Bell

Well it's a Chef and Brewer, so yes, it is more of a restaurant than a pub. Only problem is, it's not very good at being either. The current rating is 5/10. How on earth it is so high, I don't know.
On our visit, there was a lack of staff, atmosphere, comfort or warmth. We waited for about 40 minutes for our food, which, by it's temperature, had been sitting on a shelf for about ten of them.
As to the beer, I had a pint of Adnams Broadside. Now, I am a fan of Adnams beers, but if this had been my first, I would never have another one.
A pub to return to? NO.

On 29th June 2011 - rating: 1
[User has posted 96 recommendations about 88 pubs]

External web links for The Old Bell

No known official website for this pub.

Pub location see interactive map of local area
Map location corrected by hondo .
Harpenden, 1.25 miles, 24 min walk (show)
Luton Airport Parkway, 4.36 miles, 1 hr 24 min walk (show)
Luton, 5.1 miles, 1 hr 38 min walk (show)
Latest updates View all updates for The Old Bell, Harpenden
4th Feb 2017, 16:41
Picture submitted by john mcgraw approved
 
4th Feb 2017, 16:41
Picture submitted by john mcgraw approved

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.

  • CAMRA Discount : Yes - 10% - last updated 30 July 2016 by ROB Camra
  • Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Dave McNally
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