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The Bell
Review
About
The Bell is managed by a village local, Rachael Martin, known to most as Raqi. The Bell was taken over and bought by villagers Carol and Andy Dennis and they recruited Rachael to come in and manage the business. The mantra of The Bell is providing a friendly atmosphere whilst serving home cooked food at affordable prices. We serve a range of lagers, ales, wines, ciders, spirits and soft drink drinks. Our new menu (launched May 2021) is being provided by our chef,Sarah Claxton. We host all different events from weddings, birthdays, christenings and wakes.
Features
CUISINES
British, Pub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Television
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 - 22:30
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
18:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 14:3018:00 - 23:00
Thursday
12:00 - 14:3018:00 - 23:00
Friday
12:00 - 0:00
Saturday
12:00 - 0:00
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4.8
240 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
25
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Christopher
Cambridgeshire30 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Amazing steak night too good to miss. The steak night which Rachael runs at The Bell are amazing.
The steak was really well presented and cooked to our preference - Medium Rare, it came with chips and a lovely accompaniment of fresh veg - see image
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mica
10 contributions
May 2024 • friends
Thank you Rachel and team for taking care of our wedding celebrations. The Bell offered a perfect space to hold a relaxed wedding reception with a great space for some sunset wedding photos. Rachel checked in with us several times to confirm plans in the run up to the day and was so tolerant of me going back and forth with messages to ask questions or tweak plans. On the day everything ran perfectly and we felt really well looked after with Rachel even making up a plate of food and bringing it over to me to make sure I ate (thank you!). We opted for bbq food and it was perfectly simple and delicious. At the end of the night we were able to head straight off with no stress as Rachel took care of everything and had all our stuff packed up together ready for us to collect the next day which was a huge help. Overall, Rachel and the team were all so welcoming and friendly and made it possible for us to enjoy the evening in the way we hoped to
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karen r
Hertford13 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
This is a gem of a place. Great service, friendly and the roast is superb. The roast pork in particular was absolutely delicious 😋.
The portions are very big, tasty and very good quality and value for money.
The puds were fab too.
All in all, a great lunch in a lovely little venue. Thank you.
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynnpatricia
Bishops Stortford207 contributions
Dec 2022 • friends
This pub was chosen purely on location and, more importantly, on T/A reviews as we are a group of friends meeting up from opposite directions.
What a disappointment!
The room was cold. I had to brush debris from my seat. The server had on a bleach stained (guessing) sweat shirt although she was very obliging.
My ‘cheese and tomato toastie’ turned out to be a greasy, sticky ciabatta roll with half melted cheese and uncooked tomatoes. Not at all appetising and definitely not a ‘toastie’ in the expected sense of the word.
Loud music was playing throughout.
If it hadn’t been for the reunion of friends I would definitely have complained. However, I felt that the atmosphere would have been ruined.
I simply cannot understand the 5* reviews?????
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
400raquel
Hi, I am very sorry you feel this way. Firstly I apologise as manager your experience was not what you expected but as you can see from
Previous reviews we are very good.
I agree the pub can feel cold, I am doing my best to
Improve this but in these Baltic conditions it’s very hard with the age of the building and the windows. We are getting another new stove put in and we hope this will
Improve it, but as you can imagine wait times are a while!
As well as managing the pub I’m also the cleaner and I am sorry that there was some missed debris, I will
Ensure all seats etc are debris free from now on (never a complaint that I have had before)
Saddened to hear how you felt about the food, however the menu states ciabatta and that was what it was served in, melted cheddar does come
Across as greasy at times especially when we are as generous with the amount of cheese we put in. I’m unsure about the tomatoes.
With regards the music you could have asked me to turn it down, I am
Able to do that. I don’t like silence as it makes it feel a bad atmosphere but I’m always happy to
Adjust the volume.
I do wish that this had been brought up when I had checked in with you and also when you came to payment as I would have adjusted your bill or offered my apologies at the time.
I’m very happy for constructive criticism and also
Aware we can’t get everything right every time.
I’m saddened that you submitted this review as I take a lot of pride in The Bell. I would like to
Offer you the opportunity should
You visit again to have 10% discount off your next meal or alternatively I can send you a gift voucher.
Please contact me direct on 07701038433 if you wish to proceed with this.
Rachael
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sallyjane
24 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We found this by accident because first choice was fully booked but this comes into the serendipity genre - loved it. The food was beautifully cooked, just what you would want for a Sunday roast. The veges were obviously freshly cooked just right and gluten free options were available. The service was very friendly and we will definitely go back next opportunity.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raqi The Bell Martin
That’s a cracking review x
Written 27 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian C
Rayleigh5 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Came across this pub quite by chance on a midweek break when we wanted to stop somewhere for Lunch. We got a very friendly welcome and the landlady made some recommendations from the menu. Her top recommendation was their home made pies, which my wife selected, and she was not disappointed. I had a ploughman’s which was equally as good.
Very much worth a visit if you’re in the area
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raqi The Bell Martin
That’s brilliant! Thank you 💚
Written 24 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beerhunter11
Chesterfield81 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
Travelled here with our dog to meet our son and his three small daughters
Welcome was great and quickly shown to a table.
The girls loved their large fish fingers, especially when they were personally consulted about peas or beans and offered tomato sauce. Chocolate ice cream was a finishing touch
Adult meals were very nice.
Service was first class.
We will be back
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
400raquel
It was lovely meeting you all. The children and dog were exceptionally well behaved. Have a lovely Xmas x
Written 14 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher
Cambridgeshire30 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
We visited The Bell, Great Paxton as a group of friends for Sunday lunch. We were welcomed by Rachael who is amazing, always friendly and pleasant.
We had pre-ordered in the run up to Christmas knowing things get busy and this would help. Everyone’s food arrived beautifully presented, hot and tasted really great !!
Highly recommended
Written 1 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael Martin
That’s amazing! Thank uou
Written 3 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris B
St. Neots48 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
We had a lockdown takeaway from the Bell and were amazed firstly by the portion sizes and then by the quality of the food. We had three courses (a Camembert to start and a lovely syrup sponge with custard for pudding), all of which were still piping hot after a 10min drive home, having been collected bang on time. Our mains were burger with sweet potato fries and pie and chips, both were huge and delicious. Couldn’t fault any aspect of the meal, also thought it was good value for money, would highly recommend for anyone wanting a nice classic English pub meal
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael M
Brilliant. Thank you much
Written 31 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine P
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
My brother in law's wake was organised at the The Bell on Friday 22nd July 2022.
The service of food and drink was exceptional. Rachael the landlady, made us all feel so welcome on what was a very sad day. Rachael and her amazing team just couldn't do enough for us.
Some of the close family stayed on into the evening and ordered main meals from the extensive menu.
Sarah the chef stayed on to sort the meals for us, she did a brilliant job and the food was great.
Rachael just did not stop, she was so helpful and kind to us all.
Would highly recommend The Bell to anyone looking for a nice meal or just a drink.
Huge thank you to Rachael and her amazing team!!!
Thank you
Gig
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liane M
Great Paxton4 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
We held our daughters christening celebration at The Bell abs what a fantastic afternoon it was. Rachael and her team provided an amazing buffet for our guests and although we had some with allergies this was no bother to them. They went out of their way to completely separate the allergy free food from the rest to ensure no contamination or confusion. This was the first family get together since before lockdown started and what an amazing place to be to celebrate it. I will definitely be using The Bell for future events and would recommend to anyone!!
Thanks Rachael and The Bell for making our little girls special day even more amazing!
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael M
We really enjoyed having you all here and look forward to many more celebrations with your family!
Written 23 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorraine C
London22 contributions
May 2024 • family
Friendly welcome and great food! Here’s our reviews: Our party (of 5 plus dog) ordered fish n chips, scampi n chips and pie of the day. All meals were very hot, fresh and delicious. The pastry of the pie was lovely - crisp yet melting. The mash was good and even the broccoli (not my favourite veg) was nice. The fish was perfect - meaty and with great crispy batter. The chips were rather over-salted, but otherwise excellent. There was a huge amount of scampi! The last of us ordered ploughman’s with ham. The rolls were warm and delicious and there was plenty of cheese, salad and coleslaw. We all enjoyed our food and would definitely recommend The Bell.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise L
Papworth Everard39 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Wow what a great place. As soon as you walk through the door you feel welcome.
Friendly staff and a big choice of drinks ☺️
Our friends had come to visit and they chose The Bell, for Sunday lunch, great choice and definitely will return.
Food was great. The starter could almost be a main course, (I had potato skins with BBQ sauce, delicious).
I followed that with roast beef with all the trimmings. Again good portion size and food again so well cooked and presented.
My pudding was the strawberry cheesecake cake and that was amazing.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael M
Wow that’s a great review. Thank you
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debbie h
Cambridge2 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
Popped in for a Sunday roast
Absolutely fantastic
Everything was cooked to perfection
Local produce - taste the difference
Large portions and good price
Friendly, cozy, relaxed atmosphere
Staff and landlady super welcoming and very chatty
100% this is our new go to pub for food and relaxing
They have loads of fun events coming up Gin fest, beer fest, music - can’t wait
Thank you so much
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael Martin
What a wonderful review. Thank you so much x
Written 10 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nicki_t_1987
St. Neots331 contributions
May 2021 • family
I had seen The Bell advertising a new menu so we decided to have lunch there today and give it a try. With 4 adults we were able to try four different main courses, all of which were delicious and beautifully presented. I very much enjoyed the wild mushroom linguine, my husband said his steak was perfectly cooked, and I heard only good things about the vegetarian curry and pie that my parents had too. We also took our young son along and he had a very nice tomato pasta dish from the children's menu, which had several tasty sounding homemade options to choose from. The service was very friendly and even our dog was welcomed in the bar area. They also have a lovely garden with children's play area should anyone be reading who has not visited before. I would highly recommend and we'll definitely be back soon.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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