Bell, Alresfordback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A more up market pub that reflects the general affluence of most of the shops in Alresford. Nevertheless, I had a decent pint in a convivial atmosphere.
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I called in to this pub for lunch.
Ther are a range of real ales served, mainly from local breweries, which is a good sign.
The fixed price menu gave plenty of choice, at two courses for �10.
The old sign for the"Market Inn" is still prominent on the front, why?
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Friendly service and well kept Ales When I visited. but nothing special but didn't eat so can't comment on that,
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Bring back corky (raises glass!)
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Compared with the other pubs in the village this comes out quite well. Beer is generally well kept but the service has that annoying veneer of aloofness which verges on rudeness - if you don't want to serve people don't run/work in a pub. Snotty bar staff aside the food is not bad, just don't expect a warm welcome.
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Reasonable pint of Otter Bitter among three ales available. The courtyard area is quite pleasant and secluded, some of the garden furniture is old and needs some attention. Food prices are too high, �6 for a sandwich, no chance.
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Nice to find Angus Whiteheads 'Heart of Hampshire' real cider here.
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Something of a surprise - ostensibly a somewhat dated hotel bar which I really had little hope of yielding anything too pleasant, but my luck with pubs struck again as not only was it rather less tatty than predicted, it was cosy, clean and friendly. The ale selection was also curiously broad, and I really hope those who patronise this regularly make the most of this provision.
I was with my drinking brother CJG of course, who recounts his version of the experience below. Sadly I can't recall which beer was in need of a change either. But I'm confident it was attended to promptly and properly by the barmaid, whose appearance was almost as arresting as her accent - not sure of origin. I like to think it was Basque; then again I like to think about Basques on a regular basis....
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Supremely comfortable and welcoming market inn of the sort once found in all small market towns but now, alas, sadly disappearing. My drinking companion and I only had time for a quick early morning drink, but the Upham Ale was on fine form, perfectly kept. The attentive barmaid was quick to change another beer - I can't remember which - when another customer noted it wasn't perfect. It's exactly the sort of pub you can wile away the morning (and afternoon) locked either in conversation with the locals or sitting by oneself with a good book. If the clientele are rather older than I, so what. New Alresford during the day is necessarily dominated by the silver army - and long may they drink at the Bell when everyone else is at work.
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