Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Real Ale Ray
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Old Bell, Henley Town, Henley-On-Thames
Henley-On-Thames
RG9 2BG
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Old Bell
Sad reversal of 2016 review. As warned of in entry below, another old pub that has been tarted up, killing any surviving atmosphere. The splendid timber ceiling beams have been painted grey along with everything else, while the once-cosy back room now houses a pool table and darts, with an irrelevant-looking bar effort in a back cupboard. Admittedly the courtyard has been tidied up a bit and partly covered. Just Brakspear's Gravity on pump, and rather cold and flavourless at that.
On 10th December 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Old Bell
The final destruction has occurred here and it now an utterly ruined small two-room pub which is whitewashed and grey, harshly lit, smelt of damp with Limp Bizkit blasting out. Only one other customer on Sunday afternoon and it was easy to see why. Two unlabelled pumps though on enquiry one was dispensing a substandard Brakspear Bitter. Utterly depressing place that surely only survives because Brakspear won’t sell it on to somebody willing to make a decent fist of it. What an utter dump.
August 2009
A Brakspear pub, selling Brakspear Bitter only. The pub interior probably should be a lovely old timber affair but it's all been painted white and looks a bit odd - especially the soulless front bar. Things get a little better and more atmospheric the further back you go. Not really a recommendation though...I guess its incarnation as a tapas bar probably helped wreck the place as pub? Rated 5
On 29th October 2017
- rating: 2
[User has posted 5089 recommendations about 5072 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Old Bell
Rebuilding its character as a locals' pub after being messed about with a few years ago and so far avoiding the gastro or tourist approach, probably due to its diminutive size, but despite being one of several 'oldest' buildings in the town. There is a small bar area to the front and a couple of rooms with appropriately mismatched furniture behind. A small outdoor area has been created in the yard. Best described as a pleasant place to escape to. Does not open weekday lunchtimes.
On 22nd May 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Peter Rydings left this review about The Old Bell
Felt sorry for this little pub if it was in another town would do a lot better but with all the other pubs having large beer gardens its bound to struggle the beer was fine but this day and age most of us like to sit out in the sun
On 28th June 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 948 recommendations about 917 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Old Bell
Small pub with several distinct areas with very low beams in places. Brakspears Bitter and Downpour were on offer. I tried both the Downpour and the Bitter, both were in good shape. You need an umbrella to go to the gents when it's raining but once you get there the ceiling is interesting but the fake advert for a blow up portable loo is quite amusing
On 7th July 2007
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]