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Ratings and reviews

Travellers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
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meals, features, about
Reviews (287)
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286 results
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248
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LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
248
22
5
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5
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All reviews chocolate tart venison cheeseboard burger fish and chips sea bass sunday roast cakes seasonal menu fine wine relaxed atmosphere food was amazing lovely meal christmas day lovely service front of house portion sizes
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Reviewed 3 days ago

What a lovely surprise! After reading the online reviews we thought we’d give The Bell Inn a go. We were greeted by the friendly restaurant manager who gave us a table in one of two ‘rooms’ of the restaurant. Our room was decorated delicately with...simple Christmas decorations whilst the room next door (only separated by wooden beams) was a Christmas explosion! Baubles, Christmas tree, lights, crackers! A real festive feel. We think this area was decked out for a few Christmas parties which were taking place during our dinner. The restaurant had a real buzz and Christmas music was played quietly in the background during our meal. Our meal was delicious! We enjoyed venison, steak and desserts - all flavourful and served beautifully. Staff were friendly and attentive. We were also surprised by a live singer! Genuinely a wonderful unexpected festive evening that left smiles on our faces. When in the area again, The Bell Inn will be on our list, especially if it is December 🎅 Merry ChristmasMore

Date of visit: December 2023
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Had my dad’s wake here, the service and the food were amazing. Friendly and helpful staff. Would definitely recommend.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Both my boyfriend and I easily had one of the best meals here tonight. For a small, cozy and warm pub, we were expecting decent food but both of starter and main were so much better than expected. We were greeted by a lovely waiter...whose name we didn’t get but his service was amazing. We sat in the bar area with a big fire- so cozy and welcoming- for our dinner as the bistro was getting some maintenance done. We started with Korean Style Chicken Wings which came out within good time and the portion was very well sized for £8.95- definitely get your moneys worth. Absolutely delicious and can’t fault it! Again, the waiter saw as soon as we finished our food and took it away. Granted, the bistro was quiet but this is no excuse for how great his service was. We then both had Pan Roast Venison Loin- £24.95 and Parmesan and Truffle Fries- £4.95 (which we didn’t need because the portion was plenty!) I can’t express how perfectly cooked the venison was- photo attached. The most tender piece of meat either of us have had, with no chewy or gristly parts at all. The chef was impeccable too- food better here than a lot of other restaurants that you pay a fortune for. The waiter also took his time to speak to us and have a laugh before we left. We are both upset we aren’t local because this bistro is one we wished we could regularly go to. Cant at all fault this meal one but. Absolutely perfect- thank you so much. If you’re in the area or at the Life House Spa and want to get out of the hotel for a meal this is definitely the one to go to!More

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

Lovely lunch with friends. Service was excellent, food was amazing as always. Thoroughly recommend the Pork Bon Bon and Lemon and Harissa Chicken 😋

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 1 November 2023

Absolutely blew us away with the food and service. Couldn’t fault it. Top class food, incredible menu! Thank you so much for accommodating us. And the dog. We had scallops and cod loin. I’m going to have to try to make puttanesca at home. Didn’t...even think I liked black olives and capers. How wrong I was. Staff were so friendly, chef is clearly a genius.More

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 1 November 2023

Received a two night break voucher for Christmas last year and thankfully we chose this fantastic venue to stay at. From the moment we walked in we were made to feel welcome, offered advice on the local area and things to do and see. The...room had everything we needed, was clean and comfortable. We ate in the restaurant one of the nights and the food was excellent, drink prices are very reasonable and overall we had a fantastic time. Would highly recommend and hope to return in the future.More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 28 October 2023

Stayed 2 nights at the Bell Inn, had breakfast & dinner twice during our stay. Food was top notch and the room although small had everything we needed. We were above the kitchen so the room was a bit warm 😂. Would recommend staying here..... all the front of house team were very helpful and polite. Would go back again.More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 17 October 2023 via mobile

Looked up reviews for The Bell Inn and all were good so went along hoping for a nice meal. I was warned on the phone that their restaurant was closed for an event but I could eat in the bar. As soon as I walked...in the bar there was a smell and the pub seemed tired and old fashioned. My husband and I both ordered fish and chips as you can't usually go wrong with that. The fish was in cheap batter and a really pale colour. The chips were really big and there were so many it put me off straight away. The mushy peas we couldn't eat as there was a strange tang to them. The only good thing was that the man serving the meals was very friendly. I won't be going there again.More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 16 September 2023 via mobile

Came here for a bite to eat before heading to Lifehouse. We were greeted by a lovely man and served lunch by Emily who was a joy! Very friendly and chatty. Food was very tasty! The wings were delicious!!! We sat outside - lovely place.

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 6 September 2023

The Bell Inn is a wonderful place to stay and a wonderful place to eat. Our rooms were first class, the staff led by Courtney, were very polite and helpful and friendly and the food was delicious. Highly recommended.

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 5 September 2023

Food was lovely staff very friendly,polite & helpful - one of our party was coeliac & the food on the menu was near enough all ok for her to eat, which is a rareity. One of the staff even gave her a complimentary bottle of...the ketchup as i was gluten free - we thoroughly enjoyed our meal here!More

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 28 August 2023

Excellent staff and beautiful place to stay.The room was spotless .The food was superb. Well done Excellent chef. Coming back to stay again

Date of visit: August 2023
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Reviewed 20 August 2023 via mobile

Stayed here on a stop over on our way to Norfolk. Chose this place due to the good reviews on trip advisor. It didn’t disappoint. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Room was clean, comfortable and well equipped. The bar was a tad pricey but...them again most places are now. We ate in the restaurant in the night of our stay and the food was delicious. Good menu with plenty of choice. They were happy for us to pick and mix between the bar and restaurant menu. Both our starters and main were extremely nice. The next morning we stayed for the breakfast which was included in the stay. Again a good menu to choose from and all freshly cooked. The full English was again delicious and of a size that we both struggled to finish it. Both my wife and I have said we will definitely be returning on our next stop over.More

Date of visit: August 2023
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Reviewed 17 August 2023

My partner and I came here for Sunday Lunch, very impressed with the service, and the meal was excellent. Liked it so much will be returning next week. Many thanks

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 8 August 2023 via mobile

We visited here when we were away in our camper van for an anniversary lunch the food was delicious we shared some small plates and a bottle of rose, we had a fish platter Japanese squid manchego croquettes and a gem salad with blue cheese...dressing plus a delicious chocolate brownie with ice cream to finish. We were served by Emily who was really friendly.More

Date of visit: August 2023
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THE BELL INN BISTRO, Thorpe le Soken - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Bell Inn Bistro

Yes, The Bell Inn Bistro is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

The Bell Inn Bistro is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 5