The Bell, Hampton

I don't think that this pub has changed much since previous reviewers' visits. It has a totally modernised interior with nothing original remaining, which is a great shame bearing in mind the impressive exterior boasting balconies, some brewer's decoration Tudor below the eaves, as well as some attractive brickwork. Just about all of the seating at the front with river views seems to be reserved for diners; elsewhere there are some bucket armchars combined with copper-topped tables, and at the back a conservatory extension has pine furnishings. There's a garden at the back but I didn't explore it. There's no decor really worth mentioning. It's all a bit characterless, corporate and functional, saved a bit by the river views if you happen to get a table at the front. The ceiling's painted black, and there's a fireplace with a modern surround, but unfortunately not alight on a cold February day. However, on the plus side they did have three ales on - Doom Bar (clipped on two pumps); Fuller's Old Winter Ale, and Reunion Opening Gambit. A couple of handpumps were unclipped. I didn't note the prices, but a half of Opening Gambit and a coffee was £5.05. This seems a tad expensive, but there again I've got no idea of the going rate for coffee. They do a weekday lunchtime menu of course, with main meals £11.95 upwards - the hake and chips is £12.95. not cheap of course, but I guess you pay a premium for a river view. My Opening Gambit was in good shape, but I don't think I would go out of my way to visit here again.

Dropped in here on Saturday evening for the first time in years. Others have well described the bland, modern style of the interior. Amongst the various offerings the bar sports one bank of six ale pumps, rather pointlessly doubled up with Tribute and Doombar, which appear to be regulars, and a third changing guest which was Ascot Penguin Porter at the time. Service was friendly and efficient, and my porter was okay but served a tad too cold. The middle area and large bar were well populated mainly with drinkers, the front area was set for formal dining, and the rear area set for less formal dining (knives and forks in pots in the middle of the tables). There seemed to be a good mix of clientele and a warm buzz to the place, and I thought the fact that the formal dining area was largely unoccupied whilst all tables in the informal area were either occupied or reserved reflected the way this remains at heart a comfortable pub. It is not really to my style, but it felt like a decent place to come for a drink and/or a meal, and I’d happily drop in again. I didn’t get to see the menu, but noted that they have steak nights from 6-10 every Monday, and a comedy night on the first Wednesday of the month.

Fairly-imposing Victorian exterior belies the modernised interior of this not-quite-gastro pub. Large bar with lots of stainless steel fonts retains a slight pub atmosphere, but otherwise clearly laid out for eating. Ales on at time of visit were Doombar, Tribute and TEA, which in fairness were in good condition. It does though host occasional quizzes and comedy nights. Courtyard drinking area at rear.