The Bell, Bicester

This no frills boozer at the edge of Bicester's pedestrianized area was the last to open yesterday. However, despite arriving shortly after its 4pm opening, somebody else had managed to beat me in. I was welcomed by a barking dog. But then so were everybody else. A few people were arriving with instruments. Whilst they didn't appear to be part of a band, the pub clearly has a focus on live music. There are 2 large rooms, which are basically furnished and are around a large central bar. TVs were on, as staff and customers eagerly awaited news of the latest Coronavirus restrictions. Bombardier & Landlord were the only real ales which was very disappointing considering this place was the only pub in Bicester making it to the 2020 Good Beer Guide.

A former Hobgoblin and you can tell. Internally it’s two long narrow rooms in a rectangle round an island bar. The left side had pool and pinball. The right side is the ‘rock’ part of the pub - flagstone floor, undressed rough stone, dark and a general dingy music vibe including the jukebox. Decent rear garden. Friendly locals in situ. Live music advertised. Three pumps with three ales on; Wye Valley HPA (warm and sweetcorn tasting), Hobgoblin and Box Steam Sandcaskale (fine), both served in a Guinness glass. It was worth looking in but I expected more on the beer quality and attention front given it’s GBG listed. 6.5

The Bell is the only pub in Bicester listed in the 2017 Good Beer Guide. Inside it appears to be old with a low beamed ceiling, wooden floors and flagstones around the bar. on the right is an area with a Pool and Pinball Table while the left side is the main bar area with a mix of tables benches and stools. There is a stage at the end of this side as it's a music venue on Friday and Saturday nights. A poster advertising the "Shot Of The Week" seemed an odd thing to see in a GBG listed pub. Their was a heavy Rock soundtrack playing in the background. The place was virtually empty on my Thursday afternoon visit. There are only three hand pumps which as this was once a Hobgoblin included that, Wye Valley Butty Bach and XT 6. I went for the XT 6 (£3.90) which is their Red Ale and was in good nick but expensive. I really didn't think their was anything special about this place and wouldn't return.

After a period as the Hobgoblin, this place has presumably reverted to what was its original name. Attractive stone façade, and retaining a twin-bar layout inside. Some rustic wooden furniture in the notional 'lounge' side, and just a pool table and no proper seating on the other. Limited decor throughout. Just one of the two handpumps was working when I visited, offering an OK pint of Broadside (£3.25).