Bell Inn, Thetford

Official site of Bell Inn - www.oldenglishinns.co.uk

Official site of Bell Inn - www.oldenglishinns.co.uk

This 15th Century coaching inn has now expanded a bit with a few modern additions but the core still retains plenty of its old character even though it is a rather dull place for anything more than a quick pint. The bar consists of a single room bar that is semi divided by a brick fireplace. Plenty of old beams (note the old calling bells) and pillars remind you of the buildings age but somehow the place just doesn't conspire to feel particularly interesting in a way that such an old building should. The décor and furnishings are a bit depressing and despite a few old East Anglia maps and military bits and pieces (Thetford doubled up for Walmington on Sea in Dad's Army and the cast were based here during filming) there is nothing that really catches the eye. Being Green King country, this is naturally an IPA / Abbot stronghold however the Abbott was off on my trip and the IPA just about drinkable. Not much in the way of atmosphere – a sedate and civilised hotel bar feel with virtually inaudible music. The most interesting feature (as any Thetford guide will tell you) is the outside corner post with its numerous iron nails banged into the wood, a legacy of this being where the public proclamations were posted in the days before Teletext and Sky News. By the look of the overhang, there have been a few scrapes with the local Lorries over the years as well. The pub also claims to be of the UK's most haunted sites so keep an eye on your glass. Overall, a bit disappointing given the alluring nature of the building from the street.