Well worth a stop at the old coaching inn…
By Alex Riley
With barely a right angle visible in its 400 year old timber-framed façade, The Bell is one of the best known pubs in the area, just across the way from the bells of St Mary’s Church.
At the time of writing we are all taking full advantage of our new found ability to meet outdoors not merely to go for a walk, but finally to be able to end up with a (pre-booked) sit down in a pub garden and a welcome bite and a jar.
The Bell possesses a good size garden and it is difficult to tell whether any particular changes have had to be made to accommodate social distancing – the tables are comfortably spaced whilst still being able to offer the capacity to sit upwards of 150 drinkers and diners.
Lucky to have a beautiful sunny April day, we enjoyed Sunday lunch here. Plates of roast beef and roast chicken were generously loaded and tasty, the Yorkshire puddings were a highlight. Combining a roast main with a pudding offered great value for money, with both courses coming in at around £12.
The rest of menu is extensive with all of the usual pub favourites, offering good value for money; The Bell is now part of the Greene King chain, and booking and ordering can all be done via the app developed out of necessity for the current situation. The team taking care of the customers during our visit were extremely friendly, helpful and attentive, and patient with those of us who may find new apps a bit of a challenge to negotiate!
If you are after good honest fare at reasonable prices in a family friendly environment, The Bell is well worth a stop.
The Bell 4 Bell Road, East Molesey KT8 0SS
020 8941 0400 | Instagram @bell_eastmolesey
Three cheers for the British beer garden and the great outdoors! As lockdown gently eases, we’re bringing you the best places to eat al fresco, as well as lovely local wines from the vineyards on our Surrey Hills doorstep to toast the taste of freedom…
Suppable Summer Wines from the Surrey Hills…
Rosé
Rose Hill is a full flavoured still rosé full of summer fruits from Denbies Wine Estate, just outside Dorking, one of the best known vineyards in the Surrey Hills.
Organic
For a fine white fizz try the Albury Estate Classic Cuvee Brut. The method is champagne but the result is distinctly and refreshingly English.
Sparkling
If it’s pink fizz you are after then well worth a try is the 2015 Sparkling Rosé Reserve from Greyfriars Vineyard at the Hoggs Back in Puttenham. Strawberries, raspberries and floral notes.
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