The Bell

Now, it should be known right from the off that the Surrey Pub Guy'd is hugely biased when it comes to The Bell in Outwood, but why should that stop us from posting a wildly flattering blogpost?  Family members have been eating and drinking at this pub for over 25 years, making it one close to the Pub Guy'd's heart.

Set in what is genuinely one of the most beautiful villages in Surrey, Outwood, the pub is truly a hub for the community. Imagine Boston's 'Cheers', take it and make it typically quaint, cosy and comfortably British, and you've got The Bell. The pub where everybody knows your name. Genuinely. The Pub Guy'd is in fact Facebook friends with some of the staff. They not only remember who you are, but ask how things are going, what is going on at work and you don't even need to give your drinks order, it's already sorted (and the wine comes with ice! They openly embrace our lower class wine drinking standards!). Basically, the staff make this place what it is. You walk in and you feel at home. This is a pub we happily drop into for a quick drink, sometimes just to see the staff and have a catch up with how they're doing, we love them as much as they (apparently?) love us.

The Bell's staff work hard to pull in the new punters; given that Outwood, although mind-blowingly beautiful, is set somewhat 'down the beaten track' (i.e. you need inside knowledge - like that of the Pub Guy'd to know it's there) but The Bell has this covered, they hold a bi-weekly 'Pub Quiz'nights, regular BBQ's in the summer and have recently ticked all the boxes with the Pub Guy'd by holding a South African National Heritage Day Braai. It is not a well known fact (yet) but the Pub Guy'd is in fact a proud South African who has not only embraced life in England, but has come to truly love everything that Surrey has to offer - the gorgeous countryside, the quaint little villages and most of all, the bountiful Old English pubs on offer here!

The food at The Bell is more pub than gastropub, but that really is in the best sense of the word 'pub'. The portion sizes would challenge even a rugby player, but the quality and variety of food on offer here are really is something else. Every Sunday there is the ever popular roast; the pub offering a variation on the classic favourites of beef, lamb, turkey and chicken. The menu is extensive, with a whopper of a burger and an absolutely scrumptious pork loin (seriously melt in the mouth scrumptious, I may be salivating at the thought as I type...), if you're hungry for some wholesome, home cooked, and truly British food, this is the place for you.

         

The setting is nothing to be sniffed at; the pub which has functioned in said capacity for over 400 years, proudly displays the village bell, after which it is named in the bar area. But the real Surrey beauty is to be found outside. This pub garden can rival most, set amongst the stunning Surrey farmland it is a sun trap you will never want to leave. A glass of wine, pint of ale or even pitcher of Pimms (given some rare summer sun!) in this beautiful garden will relax and take you to a place of calm relaxation only achieved after an hour of Yoga (and who has time for that when there's pubs to explore?!). Seriously, if the sun is out, get to The Bell. You'll thank me for this I promise.

So, despite being biased, the Pub Guy'd must vote (you'd be disappointed if I didn't!), but I can't say a bad word about this place I'm afraid... it just can't be done. So here it is, the final verdict: