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Disappointment of the week with Mobyduck
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Detail Pages
Bell Inn, Braintree
Great Bardfield
Postal town: Braintree
CM7 4SA
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 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 2452 recommendations about 2451 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]