please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We heard that the management had changed and made another visit. Good play equippement for the kids. The food was reasonably priced and portions good. Well worth a visit especially if you have kids.
http://friendly2families.blogspot.com/2008/09/testing-testing.html
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The Pub has been under new Management now for 6 - 8 weeks, and if you were unfortunate enough to have visited the Pub before the new couple arrived, I strongly suggest you give it another try.
The food menu is very good value (especially Monday to Friday when you can get two meals for 8£ on selected dishes). They sell a good selection of Lagers and real ales (Pride, Courage Best and Directors as standard with a Guest ale on rotation (at the moment it's Sunchaser, last week it was wych wood). The beer beer garden is totally enclosed and has climbing frames and a slides to keep the kids occupied.
The Pub is also dog friendly, with a common by the River Mole, to wear your dog out within 5 minutes walk of the Pub.
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After the new manager's posted below, I went to have another look at the "lovely pub" and saw no improvement whatsoever. Surly barmaid, who even after I smiled at her, gave me a dirty look and ignored me completely. The pub is dark and smells bad, the only improvement is the garden. Still not good enough I'm afraid. I left without even buying a drink.
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its always going to be arguably the best pub in molesey if the brewery stop changing the landlords every 10 minutes well done to sean and bessie i hope they do well.
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As the new joint manager of this pub from 24 june 2008 firstly I would like you all to revisit our lovely pub and see how much has changed over the last month since myself (sean) and my partner (bessie) have made a real effort to make this pub a great place to visit again hope to see you all soon
sean and bessie
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The owners should take their cue from the Poyntz and the Prince of Wales and refurbish this place, both have done a great job. Wouldn't be suprised if the Bell customers look elsewhere as the Bell is a horrible pub in comparison.
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Having found this pub in the summer of 2007 we happened to go down on Fathers day for lunch....and what a complete disapointing change!! Yes its been repainted outside but the garden was one giant ash try/rubbish dump. Empty glasses, litter everywhere, bins overflowing, fag butts all over the place due to lack of ash trays etc!!
The meal was`nt much to shout about, the garden in a sorry state, no soap in the gents, glum bar staff....need I go on. What a great shame that such a charachteristic old pub should be allowed to get in this state. I complained to the parent company and hope something is done quick!! It needs a LANDLORD who CARES!! Be a long time before we would go back .
To sum up, lunchtime on fathers day and there were a mximum of ten people there !! Should have been heaving!
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I used to work at this pub.
I must say during the time i worked there i did watch it go down hill, the harshness of some comments, not so agreeable, but still. After Barry left, John the deputy manager was left with a great deal of work to do. Barry was a good manager himself, but the treatment he got whilst with the company was horrendous.
John got stuck in and asked the customers what they wanted, they wanted entertainment in the pub, and then the area manager said that the pub should hold weekly events (i.e. quiz nights). I began to see a change in the pub, and it was getting busier and busier.
Unfortunately, just when John was beginning to make the pub something, he had to leave. Since that point, it has made a drastic U-turn. There is no one, however to blame for this, except for the company. The holding manager was placed into a difficult position and did what he could.
Now, the pub is in the hands of new managers, Sean and Bess i think their names are, and to be honest, i think they are going to make something of the place. And i hope they do. I used to drink in there, and i go else where now, and i hope to go back in the future.
Instead of placing you comments on here, go to the new managers, and tell them what you want, it isnt their pub, its the locals pub and it should be how the locals want it.
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I can't believe all the bad comments that have been made about this pub. Maybe only working there for a few weeks on relief didn't give myself enough time to see the bad (if there were any) of the pub. The locals were fantastic, always had a good laugh with them and I can assure you that when I was there the service was always with a smile, and very friendly. It's had a refurb recently? I may have to pop down sometime soon and say hello to the faces. John is the manager? What happened to Barry?
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Sounds like they are setting ever lower standards and still failing to achieve them ! We won't bother visiting again. My last posting for this pub.
Biker - 30 Jun 2008 08:56 |
biker,like you i know this pub from old,but was in again lunchtime(29/06/08)i dont think i will go back again,i answered mr piano earlier this morning about books and covers and enough said,but lunchtime today was a complete shambles,ale tasted like out of date vinegar ,and the service (well)?.i have told mrsman at bar,i will not be going back,so herself and mum and dad will have to go to the oak in the future or a divorce will be on the cards.i dont mean so negative,i will try and look at the bright side,but i just cant see any at the moment,this used to be a great pub but now i just think they should just be left alone and get on with it,so sad to see a good pub go down the pan,i blame the spirit group as much as anyone else.sorry but only 2 out of 10
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dear pianistwithapint as stated on the 8th of june,i had the misfortune to go into the bell,(the in laws wanted to go there,i fancied the oak,but there you go)the ale as previously stated was nothing to shout about,the service slow to medium,now go back a few years when mick was running the show,and what a different pub,good ale good service and very good conversation,certainly no need for karaoke,so the book wasnt judged by its cover,by the way i see from one of your previous 3 comments that you enjoy courage best,enough said.no rating left
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pianistwithpint, what are you talking about ? Please say what you mean and mean what you say. If you disagree with man_at_the_bar, say why. Personally, I agree with him / her totally. No rating left, not been in for a while.
Biker - 25 Jun 2008 09:13 |
Don't judge a book by it's cover. Enough said.
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hugo77,you must be barking mad,karaoke,in a pub like the bell,good god man,have you no sense,as for boycoting the pub,it is probally people like you who have ruined it,along with the spirit group,right i have now calmed down,was in at lunchtime today (08/06/08)and found the bell a shadow of its former self,ale nothing special,service even worse,bfing back mick.
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went in on Saturday 24/05/08 thought the place lacked charisma and is purely relying on the age and history of the building.Great Garden though
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i think the bell is a brilliant pub and has done really well since john has taken over not saying that the other manager werent good. also all the staff our very friendly and help each other out!! i have had always had good service in there also love the karaoke night are amazing.
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Posted by Hugo77
"The introduction of Karaoke and the weekly pub quiz is just what the pub needed"
Is someone having a laugh ? As ex locals, it had some class when Mick and Caroline were in the driving seat.
Who on earth has come up with Karaoke in this low ceilinged, wood beamed, 14th century Surrey gem of a pub ? On another point, how can the Surveyor possibly be mentioned in any context on this pub's web page ? Don't be surprised if the Manager takes a dim view of that either ! Perhaps a vote on who should be banned first is appropriate !
(I need to go and stand in a dark corner and chew a couple of my bike tyres for a day or two ! )
Yours, a most niggled old biker - will visit asap.
Biker - 11 May 2008 11:11 |
Ropey and Vaguley threatening??? dont make me laugh. are you some kind of wet pants? there was a plumbing problem which has now been fixed, and wasnt even broken for long. the staff are extremly friendly. I used to work there about 10 years ago now,and it still remains my local and very close to my heart. I have known several managers over the years and and i got to say John is up there with the best of them. even though he's a Man Utd fan. He's a cracking chap and i would probably boycot the pub if he were to leave. There is a petition going around to keep him there. The introduction of Karaoke and the weekly pub quiz is just what the pub needed, and has brought more punters back to the pub. I am proud to call the bell my local. there is corolation between the bell and the surveyor, that remark is just laughable. the cliental are vastly more upmarket than that hole called the survoyer. anyway long live the bell and john in charge of it.
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Ropey. Vaguely threatening. And a half the floor of the gents was underwater the other Friday night. At least I hope it was water...
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I used to like the occasional night in the Bell. Normally a good atmosphere, decent beer etc
But I went in there recently and it has gone RIGHT DOWN THE PAN. I'm not a snob-but it now feels like you've gone into The Surveyor. Very very unfriendly barstaff. In fact-one bloke made snide remarks to one of my pals. One of the girls looked as hard as nails...
Nope, I won't be spending my hard earned in there again. I'll go to the Poyntz or somewhere at Hampton Court instead.
Nowt wrong with a jukebox either-but when suddenly some disturbingly heavy metal comes on with OAPs trying to enjoy a quiet drink on a weeknight, i find it a bit OTT. Still a great looking place, so i'll enjoy the outside as ever when i drive past. But that'll be enough for me and a few of my pals. Shame really
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Doesn't seem that strange, but I guess it is open for opinion.
It does look nice, it’s all been repainted on the out side and it looks really different, nice to see they have finally done something about it.
What’s the manager’s name, I think its John, surely he wouldn’t do that, it’s probably the company. Only met John briefly when I came in last week, he was really quite welcoming. Good lad.
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I am a good bar gal, they just have a perculiar way of doing things. Right now Im getting ready to go to work, Working in a pub in minehead. they do it properlly, what a shame u all did'nt see the real me. Oh yeah and the bell have'nt paid me still so what can I say me. nice looking pub tho
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I take it your that girl Vicky or something along those lines, the one who got sacked because you were no good.
I came in a couple of times before, and the pub was a bit run down, I went in on the Friday night for a couple of pints, and ended up staying the whole evening having a right laugh, looks like it has finally turned its self around what with the karaoke and the darts...I have never seen bar staff work so hard, even before, when the pub wasn’t at its best, the staff were always pleasant and worked hard to make you happy. So I doubt highly "somersetgal" that you were left to serve up to ten people on your own....
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Hi. well nice pub. and i understand things get a little clicky.... but christ thats rediculous. i was working there I would be serving 10 odd people while the two girls 'lovely girls all the same' we're hovering around the glass washer. and they sacked ME?
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Pingu89.....That's fair enough, see you in the future. My apologies to other users for us two(Pingu89.....and Biker) hogging this pub site recently, promise not to comment further until The Bell is fully up and running again.
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Do you mean how the building looks like its slotted in with each other, the original cottage, the bar, then the extended part? Almost looks like three different buildings from the back?
If it is the bits of wood that were attached on the back then they have been re done..it looks really different now, it gleams from the back. i agree the back was the let down but it is being worked on now by the builders. The doors, or abandond garden sheds have been replaced and the walls and wood is all re painted.
The whole pub is protected and not only that but the pub is owned by a bigger company so they control what goes on becuase of a "theme" that runs through the pub...keeping it looking old and traditional so it wont ever look like a weatherspoons but it is looking smarter.
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Pingu89.....The additions (tacked on) to the building at the back look more like bits of abandoned garden shed. Are you suggesting these are protected ? If so, they don't do much for such a magnificent building.
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Biker- What do you mean by 'tacked on'..
But yes i know what you mean, the outside has just been very recently painted, working their way around, yes it is slow, but its a working progress, these things are, so give it about a month and see where it is then.
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Pingu89.....does your reply to EDickster below imply that the view of the pub from the back garden will remain the same ? Are you suggesting the 'tacked-on' bits of building are 'protected' ? 5/10 so far as I vaguely suspect a tiny pinch of bovine excrement ! If I'm shown to be wrong, I'll ask the site administrators to remove my review,
Biker - 27 Feb 2008 06:26 |
ElDickster - The pub is under a refirb at the moment, hence the builders and the scaffolding outside the pub...they are however very restricted on what they can do to the pub as it is classed as a historic building so therefore it is protected.
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Hey, i start work in the bell. east molesey tonight and from what i sore of it wednesday night, it has a splendid atmosphere. those who say it needs to be changed to make way for children are seriously forgetting the idea of the British pub...
Its not a playground for children its a social centre for the more relaxed adult. during the day the pub is okay for children and the Garden is also good enough for the kids to dash around. But a majority of people seem to think all pubs should be like out of town wetherspoons 'kids theme parks'.
When I go to the pub I like to see, good ale on the taps and good old folk who you can have a good natter with. What I don't want to see is children running around, at 9 o'clock at night disturbing people who are trying to relax after a hard days work. sad to see people trying to change what the British pub was born to be. I can't wait to start working tonight. Thanks Barry.
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Forget my previous comment. I'm not sure the 'refurbishment' is actually happening. At least it doesn't seem to involve any actual work. Just a big sign outside. It's just getting rougher and raggedier inside.
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This has been and always will be a great pub.
In the summer there is nothing better than sitting in the vast beer garden with a cool drink.
A succession of bad managers has driven the reputation of this pub down, but it is starting to return.
Good food, open fires and a nice cosy atmosphere.
The only critisism I would make is that it would be nice to see Barry the manager around now and again, and the place certainly goes downhill when John (the bar supervisor or something I think) is off. Why do they always run out of bitters when he isn't there?
Apart from that, superb!
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How disappointing that such a famous historic pub can have been allowed to go downhill so much.
It seems to be constantly changing managers & staff.
Food is mediocre & service usually slow.
On the bright side there is some nice real ale on tap.
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Refurbished eh...well lets look on the bright side, a garden with grass, less tables and more space for children, a view of the back of the building that doesn't look like something the Taliban have had a go at, staff accommodation that's habitable without interference to a rumoured haunting and an ambiance that's representative of this pub and its unique history. Am I being a little over ambitious with these thoughts where big Pub-Co's are concerned ?
Biker - 14 Nov 2007 09:45 |
Drove past today and it looks like it's finally being refurbished! Hooray!
Looks like it may be closed for the duration, but not sure.
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Although I rarely visit this pub in the winter months, this year I have a couple of times already and now wonder why I haven't more often. It's in walking distance of my home and a great place to have a quiet comfortable drink. The food is nice but possibly a little over priced for pub food and the telly and games machines are tucked away separately so if you do want peace and quiet you won't be disturbed. It's always been a summer pub to me where families are welcome in the decent sized garden with great children's play area.
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Bring back Mick, at least the staff knew which way was up !
anonymous - 28 Jun 2007 07:53 |
keeps being taken over by different people wish they would just refurbish it and sort out the hours should
close at 12 despite the neighbours and it is not a
noisy pub hope the new governor stays longer and makes a go of it sparking wine very overpriced
love it but gone up about nine pounds over the past
6 months. staff need to be more friendly
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I agree that this place has a quirky appeal. People who work in Marketing might call it "olde-worlde", I prefer "traditional".
Sometimes pubs like these can have a tired, scruffy, even shabby look. The Bell isn't quite at this stage but it's one of those places that when you visit in the evening after a busy afternoon service, it has a grubby feel that, while OK for a drink, would put you off eating there. It most certainly doesn't want to be transformed into a trendy gastro pub, but a bit of money and TLC could turn it into a charming old boozer.
All in all, not bad, and not far away from being very good.
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Seems to be a regular place for locals including families. I agree with possibly widening the beer range - I'm sure people would go for it. My only problem was finding my way back out again - the pub is a bit of a labyrinth.
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For East Molesey, the Bell is probably the best pub.
The food isn't great, but the atmosphere is good and the staff are nice eneough.
HOWEVER, it would be good to see a few more real ales/ciders on the taps. I noticed at Christmas they had a cocktail menu - I dont think any of the regulars are into cocktails!
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My local pub and its getting much better got a bit grubby last year.Food still insnt as good as it used to be but its a friendly place to be.
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Having read the reviews, I was keen to visit recently after not having been back to Molesey for 15 years. I wasn't disappointed, the place had a quirky charm, and still had the friendly locals supping their beer with the dog sat by their side.
Rose tinted memories, I know, but still well worth a visit. The sloping walls are a sight to see....
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It would be one of the finest pubs in Surrey if the back of the building was attended to ! It lets the whole place down and looks more like a disused, vandalised and abandoned industrial premises.
Biker - 20 Jan 2007 07:28 |
For the first time for a good few years The Bell is very much on the up.
Improvements all round but in particular in the overall atmosphere of the place. It's actually a pleasant place to drink again after its recent decline - a fact not missed locally given the number of couples and groups starting to drink in there again.
Full marks to the temporary landlady Cat and her staff for both cleaning & brightening up the place and for the much better service.
Lets now hope the owners don't spoil it again by another inappropriate permanent appointment.
Still loads of work to do on the overall state of the place but hopefully some investment in a establishment that is inextricably linked with Molesey history will soon be made.
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Got to agree with the two anonymouses. This pub has gone down hill fast over the last year or so. It badly needs a lick of paint outside, maybe even a few repairs wouldn't go amiss. The garden is just awful. If the tables don't collapse under you, the flies will get you instead. Maybe cutting the grass (what's left of it) once a year would help.
To cap it all, we went on on Saturday night and three out of the four beers they had were off. So that's a pint of Courage Best then.
Oh yeah, and the bar staff are rubbish too. This place really needs a kick up the bottom.
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This pub is awful. Rude staff, horrible interior and the back garden is pitiful.
It's a real shame as the location is lovely and the pub has great potential. Obviously the owner doesn't really care.
anonymous - 11 Sep 2006 17:11 |
Posted by anonymous 17 July
"Probably the best pub in East Molesey"
I will agree with you if they have repaired and painted the back of the pub - looking at it from the garden. At one time it resembled an abandoned bomb-site that the Taliban had used as a training area!
Why publish anonymously ?, as an ex local I recall with amusement some wonderful debates in the corner by the garden door - the locals here are robust, pleasently cranky but are definitely not wilting violets! On a different level, it may be equalled by the Poyntz.
Biker - 18 Jul 2006 11:19 |
Probably the best pub in East Molesey...will be even better when the smoking ban comes into force! Beers usually in tip-top condition and with a good choice of draught ales. Staff turnover means they need educating from time to time about what a full pint is, but this is a minor grumble. A good range of wines as well when you don't fancy a pint. Never tried the food on the basis that it doesn't look that good. If it was the place would be over run with customers and it's a squeeze to get in here anyway sometimes. Do yourself a favour and pay it a visit.
anonymous - 17 Jul 2006 17:30 |
normaly i go in to a pub and have a good time if it is to be had or not, but not here, i'm a smoker, and i almost choked to death! thick smoke, grubby place, donno about the rest o ya, but i find it a bit suspect when i'm trying to enjoy a drink with friends when there are cracks in the celing, the barstaff although friendly and polite, are shouting at eachother and there friends, if anyone who works there reads this please hear my words! it's called the hospitality trade for a reason!
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Under new management, unfortunatly no longer has Old Peculiar as standard but as an occasional guest amongst the usual Courage brews. The current policy seems to hsve 2 guest beers at a time so its not all bad!
Not a pub for going in alone unless you like your own company
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The bell inn. Fantastic atmosphere. Very old worldly with original wooden beams and artifacts from its coach in days. Food is good and service is friendly. Definately the origianal pub of Molesey!
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Scruffy pub but with good beer and nice meals. No smoking area is a bit small and smoke wafts into it from other tables.
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First class but gets seriously busy in summer and bank holidays.
Biker - 19 Sep 2005 14:47 |
Reading the previous comments about this pub being dark - I would agree, it is quite dark. However I can't see why that is a problem? Are you drinking are reading a book?.
This is still the best pub in Molesey. Cosy, beer is good, staff are friendly, big beer garden. Food is ok. Busy with families at the weekend lunchtimes and a easy-going place for a decent pint in the evenings.
anonymous - 15 Sep 2005 14:18 |
Too dark...too pricey.Big garden which on hot week days is full of "busy" mums and their buggies....the kids will be playing with the fag buts!Full old farts pretending to be upper class.
anonymous - 19 May 2005 17:02 |
Very dark and dreary. Friendly barstaff though. Huge pub garden, but covered in cigarette buts. Felt extremely oppressive, very smokey, and a bit of a let down after reading the previous critiques.
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if you are new to molesey try here first its a lovely old pub and you will see the nicer side of molesey a little expensive for me but nice to pop in now and then!
gary - 26 Aug 2004 22:40 |
Went back the Bell recently. They have a new set of climbing frames for the children - excellent idea. The food is still well priced and pretty good fair. Beer is well kept and reasonably priced considering the location.
A good place to sit in the enormous beer garden and let the kids play while you soak up the sun and a few beers with friends.
anonymous - 24 Aug 2004 17:33 |
A truely splendid inn, with one exception. Would those who are stupid, idle or plain f***ing stupid stop parking on the pavement. Good Lord! There is a free car park at the end of the road. Besides, it's illegal you morons!
PS No one calls The Bell, "The Crooked House". It's often refered to as "The Pub" though.
James - 22 Jun 2004 12:19 |
One of the best pubs in the area. Good beer, good food and the beer garden is great in summer (esp for kids. There is a bouncy castle et al).
Gets busy at weekends.
Tricky parking but nearby Molesey car park isn't more than 5 minutes walk.
anonymous - 5 Jan 2004 17:19 |
All in all a fine pub. Good beer, good staff and decent punters. Well what more do you want?
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Had a really great night. The staff (both guys and girls) were very friendly and efficient. My wife and I enjoyed a lovely meal in a realy good pub. I disagree with dave the aussie girls I met were lovely.
Mark - 10 Sep 2003 12:07 |
The builing which is now The Bell was originally the Molesey Post Office. The building is also known as 'The Crooked House' as there isn't a flat wall or straight window in the place. Inside, you'll find a wide range of food, some of which is home made. A good selection of beers to be had as well. In the winter, a real log fire will be crackling away, although this can sometimes lead to a very smoky pub. As already stated, there's a huge beer garden, but I prefer the child-free tables at the front of the pub for summer drinks. A juke box and fruit machines are also installed, along with a dartboard and (if it is still there) a bar billiards table. Highly recommended.
James - 18 Aug 2003 10:24 |
Went back last night - didn't realise there was such large beer garden until I read Darren's review. Big Plus though - Old Peculiar On Tap!!!
Mike - 10 Jul 2003 15:23 |
It's a lovely pub, and gets nicer with every god damn Aussie bird who stops working there. Although it will make it harder for my friends to get laid of an evening. Never mind. Plus they have the largest collection of real salt shakers of any pub in Molesey- now that's what I call drinkin'...
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If someone were to compile a photo-essay entitled "Now Thats What I Call A Beer Garden!", this pub would get a chapter of its own. If essays have chapters, that is.
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Top cosy traditional pub. Off the beaten track, but well worth a visit.
Mike - 25 Mar 2003 12:04 |
Classy, ancient pub off the High Street. Big garden, dark and cosy inside. Friendly enough place - easily the best in Molesey.
ElDickster - 5 Mar 2003 11:37 |
