Pub of the Week: The Bell, Smarden

The Bell is a traditional country pub in the village of Smarden, dating from the 1500s. This historic pub is full of characterful period features, from the Kentish peg tiled roof, to beautiful oak beams and flagstone floors.

Inside, there are three separate bars, each with an open fire for chilly days. Outside there is a large garden with views across the surrounding countryside, equipped with an outside bar, perfect for summer.

On the bar you’ll find a choice of well-kept cask ales, lager and cider, a good choice of wines from around the world, plus all your usual favourites, tea and coffee.

The menu offers an excellent choice of quality pub food, freshly prepared from seasonal ingredients.  Choose from a selection of warm filled ciabatta, or for something more substantial choose from pub classics such as ham and eggs or fish and chips, or treat yourself to one of the pub's special homemade pies, freshly cooked to order.

On the specials board you’ll find tempting starters such as Soft Shell Crab with garlic and caper butter, and hearty main dishes like their ‘Blade and Bubble’ – a slowly braised blade of beef with bubble and squeak, roast root vegetables and horseradish red wine sauce. There are tempting desserts, too, if you have room.

As a pub at the heart of its community, there are regular events including charity fundraising, and a car and bike rally on the 1^st Sunday of the month.

For more information, visit the pub’s website, find them on Facebook, or call the team on 01233 770 283.