FOOD&DRINK

“We’d have blokes in tweed smoking pipes all day if it was still legal!” says the Bell’s GM Chris Gillam of his destination pub’s debonair demographic.

Several convertible Audis in the sizable car park suggest the county set are in on the night of Venue’s research but, thankfully, city slickers are just as welcome here. Indeed, two visiting London types wished they had something similar back home.

Rabbit pie, a specials board regular, evinces the food’s locally sourced credentials. Venue’s mum, enjoying an early Mothering Sunday meal savours a hearty chicken and ham variety packed with hefty, succulent chunks topped with ‘just right’ pastry.

Lounge chain lovers will recognise furniture, photos and frilly lampshades found at Deco, Tinto, Velo et al. Wilfully quirky fish wallpaper and eye-catching taxidermy enhance a light-hearted mood across fox room (visit to see why), bar and snug; even the village cat strolling around the patio is, apparently, called Dave.  

Come leaving time, Rode’s campanologists’ joyous pealing drifts across on the mild evening air, a ringing endorsement for the most appealing Bell. (Words Simon Fry; pics Mark Simmons)

The information

Lager Stella 4, Estrella Dam From £3.40.

Beer Flatcapper plus tow-four guests. From £3.

Cider Stowford Press (plus bottles plus real cider in summer). £3.20.

Wine Four red, four white by glass plus higher-end bottles. From £3.65 gls/£13.95 btl.

Food Served Tue-Thur 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-3pm. Homecooked pub food. Beef burger £8.50, pork chop £9.95, sausages & mash £8.95, fish & chips £10.95, Portobello mushroom & chestnut pie £8.95.

Offers Tue: three grazing dishes & glass of house wine £9.50.

BELL INN 13 FROME RD, RODE, SOMERSET, BA11 6PW, WEB: WWW.FLATCAPPERS.CO.UK OPEN TUE-THUR 12NOON-3PM & 5PM-CLOSE, FRI-SAT 11AM-11PM, SUN 11AM-3PM.
 

Copyright Simon Fry 2011; pics copyright Mark Simmons Photography

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