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The Bell, Hampton

8 Thames Street
Hampton
TW12 2EA
Phone: 02089419799

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Pub Type

Punch Taverns

Reviews (Current Rating Average: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Rex Rattus left this review about The Bell

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.

On 23rd February 2018 - rating: 5
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Old Blue left this review about The Bell

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.

On 29th January 2012 - rating: 6
[User has posted 271 recommendations about 270 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Graham Coombs left this review about The Bell

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.

On 3rd May 2011 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3322 recommendations about 3259 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Roger Button left this review about The Bell

I called at the Bell shortly after it reopened following a major refurbishment last year. I can’t speak for its previous state but it is now very much a modern style gastro pub aimed at the casual diner rather than the drinking collective.

The gabled and galleried exterior is quite enticing but doesn’t really prepare you for the modernized but quite spacious interior. There are several discernible sections with wooden railing divides, splashes of grey painwork and all the usual sofa and tub chair seating that now typifies such makeovers. To the rear is a large conservatory extension that in turn leads to a patio area and car park. There is little in the way of décor or features that are of any notable interest, mainly a couple of the original fireplaces and a few modern arty farty pictures, mainly of bells.

The 6 hand pumps offered 3 ales - Doom Bar, Tribute and Adnams Explorer the last of which as off. Lagers and draught beers were from the top end range (Lefef, Starproman, Becks etx. The Tribute I had was very good quality wise and seemed quite reasonably priced considering the area and the type of pub that it is.

It was pretty quiet on my early evening midweek visit but overall the pub is OK for what it is although it is more of a place to take the partners for a civilized bite to eat rather than a night out for a few beers with the chaps.

On 21st January 2011 - rating: 6
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Malden man left this review about The Bell

Attractive imposing facade, with timbered upper storeys. The present Bell was built in 1892 to replace the former 16th century in which was destroyed by fire. The sign shows someone ringing a bell on the jetty to the river, there is a ferry at this point today. My understanding however is that the pub name originates from "Bell Hill", the old name for the sloping area of land forming the river bank opposite.
While the location is pleasant the pub interior is a little tired, and not to my taste with red walls and furniture. There is little point however in detailing this as a sign inside advises that the pub is under new ownership and is to be imminently refurbished. In what style it didn't say.
The open layout has two areas either side of the front entrance, narrowing to the central bar and with a conservatory type space to the rear.
The first floor Thames Bar is available for hire. Four pumps, 2x Pride, Badger Best with Doom Bar "coming soon"
Hopefully the refurb will breathe life into the pub, provided it doesn't go too far down the gastro/restaurant route.

On 7th March 2010 - rating: 5
[User has posted 1707 recommendations about 1681 pubs]