Pub of the Week: The Bell, Ingatestone

A friendly welcome is guaranteed at The Bell, an historic pub in the quaint village of Ingatestone, Essex.

Dating back more than 500 years, the timber-framed pub was originally a coaching inn, and still retains period features including oak-beamed walls and ceilings and an inglenook fireplace.

It is now a traditional community pub, which has been run for the past decade by husband and wife team Steve and Linda Brace, with help from their daughter Lucy.

The pub is perfect for families, boasting a large garden with a children’s play area, and a car park which can accommodate around 30 vehicles. Dogs are also welcome.

If you’re looking for entertainment, the Bell Inn is a popular live music venue, with performances most Saturday evenings. It also screens Sky Sports, and has a pool table. 

Food is served from 12 noon to 3pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday. Choose from a range of delicious pub classics including the popular Bell Burger and Spitfire Ale Sausages and Mash. It also offers a great selection of sandwiches and lighter bites, along with a Children’s Menu. Booking is advised for the popular Bell Roast Dinner, served every Sunday. 

In addition to its extensive food menu, the pub offers a wide selection of ales and lagers. Kentish beers currently available on draught include Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, Spitfire Gold and seasonal ale Late Red. The pub also offers Greene King IPA, along with international lagers Fosters, San Miguel, Kronenbourg and Carlsberg, ciders Thatchers Gold and Strongbow, and Guinness. 

Customers can also choose from a carefully selected wine list and modern and traditional spirits.

For more information phone 01277 353314 or visit the pub's website.