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Bell Inn, Wylye

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user reviews of the Bell Inn, Wylye

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

A nice country pub which was second on our list of rural Wiltshire pubs. This one caught me by surprise. It was much better than I had expected. There was a mixture of local drinkers and people there for their Sunday roasts. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic, Plain Ales Innocence & Titanic Plum Porter. The two Lilley's ciders were Mango & Rhubarb.
blue_scrumpy - 2 Feb 2018 21:14
Agreeing with fostersfan.
Who or what is Briz branch?
What research exactly, and to what level, would trainman usually undertake before visiting a pub?
What Hidden beers were unavailable? Were there any Unhidden beers available?
Glad to note that trainman found welcome and sustenance at Hindon's Lamb. That is, at least, good news.
Us trainies gotta stick together!

trainfan - 30 Nov 2015 18:32
Not enough information from trainman.
fostersfan - 30 Nov 2015 18:03
As previously called 10.50 departure, arrival from another platform. Unattended bags, so time for a quick beer. Trains brewery, All Stations calling time.
cavalieri - 7 Mar 2014 21:36
I really think some of the railery against Trainman has overshot the platform.
Letting off steam is one thing but some of the departures seem to have arrived early.
A busy platform certainlybut not a terminal.
cavalieri - 8 Aug 2013 19:58
we have just come back from a super lunch at the bell.the food was very good hot plates with hot food.the staff were very helpful, and could not do enough for us. a party of ten, and we all enjoyed it.we will be back.from guildford
jellie - 5 May 2013 18:49
Beautiful 15c pub in a picturesque village in the lovely Wylye valley.
The pub has an atmospheric interior and seating in the garden (poor) and front (good for watching the village go by).
Is a owned by a pubco, not tied to a brewery, so good choice of beers. The food is pub grub - sandwiches, toasties and baked pots - so nothing special at not special prices.
Unfortunately it does not have a dedicated landlord; just a string of temporary managers - please someone take on this lovely pub - it could be made something really special.
davystokes - 19 Mar 2012 18:46
More information from Trainman!
I have met trainman on several occasions and all I can say is that he is a first rate fellow. When trainman talks we would do well to heed.
He is a beacon of hope in our troubled times, a torch of freedom, indeed, a candle of truth, a beam of inspiration and a furnace of enlightenment.
I think I speak for us all.
cavalieri - 2 Feb 2012 16:51
A lovely atmospheric pub with covered beer garden - tho' this is quite small so might easily fill up with smokers. I got there mid afternoon, so it was quiet - only 1 other punter. Interesting beer selection, but I was gasping so had a pleasant pint of cider.
Food menu looked reasonable but can't comment on quality. Staff seemed perfectly pleasant. Finally, open all day, which is a big plus for country pubs. So well worth a visit.
(As regards Trainman, I'd say he'd be within his rights to be a bit upset with the lack of notification re the cancelled booking, but it does seem harsh to suggest the staff weren't being honest - I know I've incorrectly written down the odd telephone number.)
MrBlue - 25 Aug 2011 16:41
Stopped here for lunch with our 14 month old boy on the way back to London, we always try for a country pub rather than roadside "food". Was a beautiful day so we sat outside, I think the new owners had been there for about 2 days so it was a bit chaotic to say the least! That said I had a decent pint of Otter & a nice fresh sandwich. This place has alot of potential & I will re-visit soon to check out progress. Good luck.
BOBSTERTHELOBSTER - 27 Apr 2011 11:38
A Hidden Brewery gem, where the fresh air, food, location and beer are exceptional. Regulars include the muddy boots brigade - and the muddy paws!
Accommodation is good with a friendly service; very clean with a breakfast that sets one up for the day. Well recommended. 8/10

(One has to wonder what planet trainman lives on)
sussexfox - 9 Mar 2010 15:25
beerlager is quite simply lying.

We were the only customers just before noon, and remained perfectly polite through the whole saga. I think right-minded users of this site can form their own opinion of who is telling the truth here.

Thank you to the trustworthy member who alerted me to this libellous comment.
trainman - 8 Mar 2010 13:13
We (locals) were there when 'trainman' arrived at the end of December. His tale is somewhat embelished! Rudeness did not help his (or his dogs') case.

Back to the pub; its a fine place. Good hospitality, beer and food. The Hidden beers are magic - and the pub is currently gearing up for another busy spring/summer.
beerlager - 8 Mar 2010 11:40
Too much information - from trainman. The room became unavailable on his (and his dogs) arrival!

No surprise there then....
reltoncrestam - 30 Dec 2009 11:09
Booked in to meet family (Briz branch) for lunch Monday, then stay overnight with dogs. Arrived early & went in to ask where we could give dogs a spin before lunch, explaining we were staying the night. Young barman says �Aaah, got some bad news for you, problem with the plumbing, haven�t got a room for you�. They ummed & aahed about the failure to notify us of this by phone (no number/wrong number bullshit) but, since we�d driven from London specifically to sample this pub, and were meeting another party there, this was a worthless defence. The chef came out, in filthy whites, to suggest an alternative couple of pubs nearby (&, to be fair, suggested the absent �owners� would pick up the room tab), but I was not prepared to rearrange a family meet at an unknown (unresearched) venue. I ordered a pint (of Pint) while I went to get the dogs and a pub guide from the car. I returned to find the pumpclip reversed, leaving just Bays Dumpling available from 6/7 handpumps. That�s right � not a single Hidden beer available in a pub owned by Hidden Brewery; pathetic!! The building looks lovely and the bar area has a rustic charm but, without any direction (even the previously excellent website has been abandoned), the pub is destined to fail.
Fyi, we managed to get a short-notice booking, incl dogs, at Hindon�s Lamb, & diverted the Briz contingent there for lunch.
trainman - 30 Dec 2009 10:54
Stopped by on 17 May 2009 - 'place was full of flipping beer-drinking cyclists obviously having a good time and no wonder as the beer's not only in great condition and brewed a handful of miles away. I wish I could remember what they were all called but my memory fades after a few.....
markopolo - 20 May 2009 09:11
This traditional village pub was warm, welcoming and friendly, and had two beers on - Hidden Quest and Hidden Pleasure. Both were superb and I wish I could have stayed for more. As this pub is within spitting distance of the A303 it is well worth stopping here when heading to the West Country, although I wouldn't want to see anyone with a caravan drivign through this narrow, quiet village.

One of the best pubs in this area serving soem of the best local beer. Now definitely on my list of must-visit-agains.
ETA - 30 Apr 2009 08:50
I went to this pub in september 2008 with my wife, I told the waitress that i was alergic to most salad foods so could they please not add garnish to my plate. my sandwhiches came with salad on the plate i complained and they took it away. they brought it back and i could not believe what i was seeing ! there was small flies on my food. i began to think that they did this on purpose because i complained, So i went to the bar with my food and asked for a refund. which they gave me . i said that this was the worse country pub that we had ever been in. i was told to FU-- OFF and not come back by a barmaid with PINK HAIR (BEWARE OF THIS PUB)
Declan7777 - 15 Oct 2008 01:16
I visited this pub on the 19/09/08 the wife and i had an exellellent meal a a superbe night all round i will call again
tagmoide - 20 Sep 2008 18:59
Called in a few weeks back and evidently new licensee in charge. New menu and much better value. Food was excellent. Some concern about the cask ale as it was hazy and not in the condition expected. Shame as Hidden beers are superb and I believe this is their flagship pub.
nvo2 - 29 Apr 2008 14:54
Went there last night and found a lovely old pub with a glorious fireplace and a roaring fire. Not only was it a delight to be in, but the pub offered local beer from the Hidden Brewery. I tried two of the ales: I think they were called Pint & Quest, but I may be wrong. I also had a pasta meal, which was reasonably priced and well flavoured - although it was a hot dish served on a cold plate!! The staff were very attentive and the chef was on hand to explain the menu. If not on their list, it should be worth a CAMRA visit.
Wagstaff - 9 Mar 2008 17:52
By far and away the best local pub, neigh the best pub in the world. Good beer, good food, good company, what more need i say?
chrisjohnston - 8 Nov 2006 12:46
A very good pub, nice friendly staff, good pub decor and atmosphere, food excellent
jane.v - 9 Oct 2006 12:31
I heartily recommend this establishment. Marvellous drop of ale, brewed by the excellent Hidden Brewery.
anonymous - 28 Apr 2006 17:15
Built in 1373 as a coaching inn. A large inglenook houses a huge log fire in winter. Accommodation and Foods great; I recommend booking early for food and more so a bed for the night as it�s beside the a303 and a36 junctions, Ales are excellent, hidden and unknown, landlady�s welcoming with warming staff. Very satisfying.
gary.lumber - 18 Dec 2005 12:54
14C modernised tastefully to retain as many of the original features as possible. Flagstone floor with inglenook fireplace in main bar. Dining area.
Recently taken over by The Hidden Brewery and sells their ales in addition to a guest beer selected from local micro breweries.
Friendly landlady and staff. Beer of an excellent quality.
andrewh - 22 Aug 2005 18:11

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