You Said....
Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2008
 We used to go to the Bell regularly before the current owner took over.  His disdain for the locals and overpriced food and beer obviously appeal to the wealthy villagers living behind their electronic gates, but it is no place for a friendly early evening drink and a chat, the bar staff make it plain you are disturbing their conversation with each other and the owner sets the tone with his bored hostile reception  Never again, we go to the Bluebell in Henley, miles better in every respect.
Disappointed Tanworth Resident.

Posted Monday, October 15, 2007
Put this place back on broad st an give us our pub back ! Any one looking for a fantastic COUNTRY pub there are many in this area the royal oak the bulls head the blue bell the winged spur to name a few unfortunately the bell is no longer one of them it would be much more at home some where tasteless like dickens heath not what out village needs ! 
Angry local


One of the leading brands in online retail, Play.com regularly have some of the best deals on TV’s, PC’s,  Camcorders & Cameras...not to mention CD & DVD bargains!  All with Free Delivery. Highly Recommended

Posted Friday, April 14, 2006
I visited The Bell at Tanworth about three years ago with a friend while on a trip to the village to see Nick Drake's grave and the house where he grew up. Sadly the pub was something of a disappointment as it didn't seem to have the charm and historical character that I had hoped for. Yes, the food was great and the decor very Ikea. However, in my opinion the revamped and modernised premises sat somewhat uneasily within the village as a whole. I got the feeling that proper local villagers would only be welcome if they had suitable cool and trendy clothes on that would blend in with the modern surroundings. It is interesting to wonder (had he lived) what Nick Drake would have made of his new look local. Whatever that may be I suppose that we have to accept that things change and that the latest version of The Bell at Tanworth is just a temporary phase in the old buildings ongoing evolution. So here's to The Bell! Long may it thrive in all its various passing trends and fashions. 
David J Rudram

Posted Wednesday, January 11, 2006
We had our second delicious meal on Saturday night, well served, cosy surroundings and it was lovely to drive away from from the city centre into the countryside. The staff are friendly and they have a small private function room which would be great for a dinner party.
Debra

Posted Monday, November 21, 2005
I had a great meal at the bell lovely location great food!
Sue b

Posted Thursday, October 13, 2005
Had an excellent meal at lunchtime in mid September...relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.  The food was very good and several cuts above usual pub fare.  Being from California specifically visiting the Nick Drake sites, we came from Birmingham and were pleasantly surprised to find such a quiet and peaceful haven. The Bell reflects this mood nicely, or at least it did for our lunch!
Jojo

Posted Saturday, October 8, 2005
I think it is very good. Never any hassle over bookings, cooking professionally good, and wines and beers very well chosen.
Dr B S  Benedikz

Posted Saturday, October 1, 2005
I was at the Bell for the first time since 1980 last summer.  Coming in through the back door I didn't recognize the place at all until I looked at the front door. That is all that's left from the nice village local I remember. The local farmers now go to the Oaks.
Ron Lix

Posted Monday, August 22, 2005
Great atmosphere worked their for 9months,Justin Mark and Jean had fantastic experiences/// real family bar/restaurant... exceptional people//beautifully set and surroundings
Justin/Jean

Posted Monday, February 7, 2005
Cannot be faulted food fantastic service outstanding and surroundings a pleasure to be in
Karen Mann

Posted Monday, December 20, 2004
The best food and atmosphere for miles around. Friendly welcoming staff.  Worth the trip for the food alone.  The hotel rooms outstanding and so very stylish.  If you haven't yet visited The Bell in Tanworth in Arden go now. You will not regret it.
Phil  Hobbis

Posted Monday, September 20, 2004
We managed to find the Bell, despite all attempts by our O/S map to direct us to the Royal Oak. On a busy Sunday lunchtime we were given a table, good friendly service and a great Sunday lunch.
Geraint Roberts

Posted Monday, September 20, 2004
Visited The Bell for the first time last night and really was amazed. An absolute find in a beautiful village. Well worth a visit for all foodies.
Andi

Posted Monday, September 6, 2004
My wife and I visit The Bell now and again and are so pleased to see the dramatic improvements made over the last few years. It has style and atmosphere with very good food. The non smoking policy is a real bonus when dining. Well done.
Paul and Jane

Posted Monday, August 23, 2004
Nice pub by the green ideal on sunny day. Chairs, tables outside, 8 out of 10
The Ranger

Posted Thursday, July 15, 2004
We visited the Bell inn recently and had a fabulous time. The food was gorgeous and we thought it very good value for money for the high standard of food being served to us. An excellent menu and our food was cooked to perfection at reasonable prices. The Village in which it is set is really beautiful. We will definitely come here again. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Thanks for a lovely time!!
Mr & Mrs O'Verall

Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004
The bell is a pleasant, glamorous pub! the food is great and the service is brilliant!
Anon

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003
As a twenty something fertile young man I enjoy being able to visit my new local bar come bistro with the array of beautiful young ladies that work and drink there. However I would recommend that maybe the new landlord could provide some occasional entertainment for persons of a similar age group to myself.
Rob Evans

Posted Friday, May 23, 2003
I think the food is great but the bar staff don't know what there doing.
p.s to Robert Poole you wouldn't know good food if hit you in the face.
Iain TR Koch jr

Posted Tuesday, March 4, 2003
Set in beautiful surroundings, the food is delicious and the staff are very friendly.
I give the bell 10 out of 10.
Reg Bleakman

Posted Thursday, February 27, 2003
This is not a pub any more. It is basically a restaurant. No real locals drink here anymore - only those commuters who have moved to the village or surrounding parts. The beer is very expensive - as you would expect in a restaurant. Mid week and before 9 p.m. the pub appears to be deserted.
Jon

Posted Friday, February 21, 2003
When the Bell first re-opened as a quasi gastro pub, it made a refreshing change from the ubiquitous, brewery-owned establishment serving scampi and chicken nuggets and a plethora of sickly, brought-in deserts. Unfortunately, the rather limited menu was changed relatively infrequently and often, there was too much similarity between the 'different' main courses. In summary, not a bad place offering competitively priced food, but the hiring of a chef with a little more innovation would not go amiss.
Neville Mundy

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Great food (sausage & mash is wonderful), charming host and elegant surroundings. I remember the Bell from years ago (1970s) when it reeked of cigarettes, beer and vomit and had brown walls and snarling publicans. It is a great improvement!
Susan

Posted Saturday, October 19, 2002
Any village worth its reputation has a great village pub. Tanworth lost its pub to an eaterie a year ago. It might have half-way decent food but it lacks character and sits uneasily in its surroundings. It has lost its personality and charm. Nothing is forever. It will be nice when we get our local back!
Robert Poole

Posted 14 October 2002
Polly Williams is a legend, she used to own the bell we love her!!!!
Jo Cowlan and Michelle Underwood

Lovely location. Good food. Agree comments re villagers!
Ernest Hensel

I Went there recently and the food was great. They are making a real effort in the kitchen and it shows. Shame this ethic hasn't been passed onto the bar staff who are aloof and biased towards villager's.
Mark Johnson

This page is part of the Solihull Online Pub Guide and is not connected with any of the pubs and bars listed.