Bell, Bierton

Changed hands in April 2012. The beer - normally London Pride and HSB - is as well-kept and served as you will find anywhere. Picking up local trade again after a bit of a dip, it has a friendly and inviting vibe, both from its denizens and the barstaff, who are normally the landlady and landlord, if he's not chained to the kitchen. The menu is at the top end of proper pub food. The steak and ale pie in particular is outstanding. The rest of the menu is equally good,depending on what the landlord/cook is making, normally about five choices, plus a soss menu. Often busy between 5 and 7 when local tradespeople finish work, then picking up again for evening food and evening drinkers. Network sporting events can attract a large and good-naturedly rowdy collection of locals. No Sky sports. Hooray! Runs a quiz on Wednesdays, sparsely attended by a few die-hards, apparently waiting for the next revival, or not having noticed their general demise. Often has extremely weird rounds.

1 Jul 2012 12:34