BITE user comments - ConfirmedSmoker
Comments by ConfirmedSmoker
I had a meal in here yesterday. The food was 10/10 - home cooked and wonderful. In case you're wondering by the way I'm not the landlord. My previous comments should confirm this for anyone who is interested.
I believe that Stuart is a Michelin trained chef and his cuisine is absolutely wonderful. I have never given 10/10 before - I'm a great believer in allowing for higher standards but have to say that I could not fault it - nor could a friend (ex Royal Naval trained chef) who bought Stuart a drink and told him how great his food was which is really saying something.
The food is reasonably priced, of great quality and is clearly prepared by someone who not only knows what he's doing but has a passion for food.
Graeme
5 Jul 2012 16:47
Delighted to sat that it's reverted to it's traditional name of 'The Bell' (which we locals have always called it anyway!) It really could do with some money spent on the exterior decor in the garden but aside from that it remains a pleasant enough place to have an afternoon drink
3 Jun 2012 12:10
A recent change of landlord prompted me to go and have a look at this place again. The chap (Len) is a jovial Scouser with a great sense of humour. He's clearly already invested quite a lot in the place and it's undergone a complete renovation (there's still some snagging to do by the look of it!). Personally I'm not absolutely certain about some of the changes - for example the dark oak beams have been painted in a cream colour which for me anyway rather ruins it's character but this is only a personal thing of course.
It's clean, bright and it's clear that Len knows his trade. Still early days but I'll upgrade my rating to 8. I understand that the kitchen has been ripped out and is shortly to be refitted so as to enable food to be served which will be good.
3 Jun 2012 12:06
Went into this place for a meal with my good lady wife yesterday. The food was superb, well priced and very well presented. The menu was on a par with what I'd expect with a reasonably priced restaurant and I will have no hesitation in going back again (indeed I intend doing so tomorrow). A nice selection of wines and my wife's Barcardi and coke was beautifully presented with ice, lemon and a straw without my having to ask. Well done all round!
9/10 - refuse to give 10 since there's always room for improvement in any establishment but no disrespect is meant by this!
Graeme (otherwise known as 'confirmed smoker'!!)
29 Mar 2012 19:54
Well I still use the place - the gents is better than it used to be and I just love reminding Mark (the Aussie assistant manager) as to who currently holds the Ashes!!!!
A nice place to go and have an afternoon drink in - 8/10
29 Mar 2012 19:47
Still not clean - although it's cleaned out of customers, me included!
29 Mar 2012 19:44
Yes this place does have it's faults - the gents' loo is not 100% but is better than it was. The prices of real ale and wine are however very competitive if one wants a proper pub as opposed to a 'ding-ding chicken' operation such as Yates or Weatherspoons.
Having said all of this - Amie is a lovely lady (how I wish I'd met her years ago!!) and the locals are equally very friendly. Equally they show rugger rather than soccer!
I give this place 8/10 - the gents could do with a bit of a clean Amie but aside from that I'm more than happy!
15 Mar 2011 20:11
Sadly my initial hopes didn't come up trumps - although I'm assured things will change it's not as clean as it should be and I intend using the Bell (Hobgoblin as non-locals call it) as my local from now on. I still have found memories of the place and will certainly go back once it's been cleaned up etc.
6/10 in the hope that the next time I go in I can add to this
15 Mar 2011 20:03
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The Hobgoblin, Bicester
Now know (again!) at The Bell - Amie is a lovely lady and her staff are great. Price of my tipple is a bit hefty but for those who enjoy real ales and rock music this is ths place to go!
8 May 2013 22:12