Address: High Road . Horndon-On-The-Hill . Essex SS17 8LD (View map)
Website: http://www.bell-inn.co.uk/about-us/
Phone: 01375 642463
The Bell Inn at Horndon on the Hill, Essex, had something of a chequered early history. In 1553, the ground to the rear of the Inn bore witness to the burning at the stake of a local landowner, Thomas Higbed, for heresy! The building’s impressive architecture includes the courtyard (awash in summer with magnificent flowers), balcony and archway entrance. The longevity of the building has clearly had an impact on the proprietors – as the Inn has been in the same family for almost seventy years. John and Christine Vereker are second generation inn-keepers, having taken over from Christine’s parents in 1970.
Accommodation has been restored, not only in the Bell, but also in two converted Georgian buildings next door but one to the Pub. One of these was once owned by Philip Vincent, famous inventor and founder of the legendary Vincent motorcycles. John has a motor racing history having once been British go-karting champion, but these days a more sedate pace prevails in these lovely old buildings with lovely views over the courtyard and gardens from the relaxed hotel restaurant.
Renowned as a ‘real social centre of village life’, the Bell has a wonderfully welcoming feeling where old and new faces happily sit enjoying the wide selection of well kept real ales and fantastic wines. In the two bars downstairs, one panelled in oak wood with an open fire and the other set on an original flagstone floor, you will note a healthy bias toward several local breweries, and over twenty wines available by the glass that compliment a broad, high quality wine list offering exceptional value. Booking is essential in the excellent a la carte restaurant where the bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere usually spills over into the bar area.
Our cooking is based on simple ideas where big and bold flavours are king. The menu changes daily and we have always tried to use fresh, local produce where possible. Not just since it became the fashion, but from way back when Christine’s mum ran the kitchen during the Second World War and would use meat from animals kept in what is now the car park. That tradition continues as Stuart Fay, our head chef, and his team regularly raid Christine’s garden for herbs and vegetables.
We are constantly trying to progress and improve our food but we are also wary of confusing fads and pretentious ideas with ‘progress’. Like anyone in this industry who cares what they are doing, we are always affected by our reviews and critiques – usually along the simple lines of being delighted and ecstatic when someone says something nice about us and angry and hurt when it goes the other way! Despite this our principal barometer for if we are getting things right or not, is how full the reservation book is. Happily this continues to suggest that many of you agree with and support what we are trying to do.
Still, a Michelin star wouldn’t go amiss if any inspectors are reading…
Come and join us for an enjoyable Sunday Lunch or Roast Dinner
Please note, information here is correct at time of publishing, Roast Winner can not be held responsible for incorrect pricing or information if changed by resturant or owner.
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Address: Stanford-le-Hope, Thurrock SS17 8LD, UK
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