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The Bell, Walthamstow
Our rating: 
User rating: 
(5 reviews)
User rating: (5 reviews)
FancyaPint?'s review...
The Bell occupies a site that has housed a pub by of that name for well over a hundred years. Not much has changed to the exterior of the building on Bell Corner in that time. Inside the pub however, the fortunes of this grand old boozer have been mixed.
The latest incarnation of The Bell intends to cater for the increasing number of twenty and thirty somethings who have moved to the area from the likes of Shoreditch, Dalston and Stoke Newington, in search of a bit more space for their money whilst enjoying easy access to the City and West End.
Don’t let is recognition of a gap in the market put you off though.The Bell is much more than just a hipster pub, hoping to cash in on the craft beer boom. The new proprietor has managed to get the important facets of a pub just right.
You walk into a large space filled with a mixture of sofas, stools, chairs and tables suited for varying sized groups and occupied by a varying clientele that manage to create quite a harmonious atmosphere. The pub was busy, but getting a drink was never a problem. There was decent music and a lively atmosphere, yet you could comfortably converse with friends.
The decor is uncluttered yet filled with character. Cool without trying too hard. In front of a bare brick wall stood a wood panelled bar. This held a decent selection of standard lagers and eight handpumps featuring ales from the likes of Timothy Taylor, Ikley, Redemption and the East London Brewing company, all well kept.
Behind the bar, quality bottled beers from Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn and Anchor Brewing sit alongside a decent selection of wines and spirits. Snacks came in the shape of an interesting array of crisps and nuts, whilst locally made pies and scotch eggs sit temptingly on the bar.
It’s the attention to detail; in the stylish and understated decor, in the quality of the food and drink available and in the joviality of the staff that make The Bell well worth a visit. Just maybe an area that is proving it has a lot to offer, and a site that has an illustrious history, finally has the pub it deserves.
This Review courtesy of Nick @BlogandDuck
W: blogandduck.tumblr.com
T: http://twitter.com/blogandduck
The latest incarnation of The Bell intends to cater for the increasing number of twenty and thirty somethings who have moved to the area from the likes of Shoreditch, Dalston and Stoke Newington, in search of a bit more space for their money whilst enjoying easy access to the City and West End.
Don’t let is recognition of a gap in the market put you off though.The Bell is much more than just a hipster pub, hoping to cash in on the craft beer boom. The new proprietor has managed to get the important facets of a pub just right.
You walk into a large space filled with a mixture of sofas, stools, chairs and tables suited for varying sized groups and occupied by a varying clientele that manage to create quite a harmonious atmosphere. The pub was busy, but getting a drink was never a problem. There was decent music and a lively atmosphere, yet you could comfortably converse with friends.
The decor is uncluttered yet filled with character. Cool without trying too hard. In front of a bare brick wall stood a wood panelled bar. This held a decent selection of standard lagers and eight handpumps featuring ales from the likes of Timothy Taylor, Ikley, Redemption and the East London Brewing company, all well kept.
Behind the bar, quality bottled beers from Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn and Anchor Brewing sit alongside a decent selection of wines and spirits. Snacks came in the shape of an interesting array of crisps and nuts, whilst locally made pies and scotch eggs sit temptingly on the bar.
It’s the attention to detail; in the stylish and understated decor, in the quality of the food and drink available and in the joviality of the staff that make The Bell well worth a visit. Just maybe an area that is proving it has a lot to offer, and a site that has an illustrious history, finally has the pub it deserves.
This Review courtesy of Nick @BlogandDuck
W: blogandduck.tumblr.com
T: http://twitter.com/blogandduck
Review: 57 out of 58 people found this review helpful
User reviews
26 Mar 2013
Have drunk in this pub for very many years and it has sometimes been good and sometimes terrible, but now it has risen to excellent! It is related to the Antic chain and is styled in a similar manner. It is comfortable, if relaxed , and serves an excellent selection of real ales including both independents and local micros. It has a friendly atmosphere and good background music and the friendly staff are always happy to help you select the most suitable ale. Have not eaten there yet, but the menu that they launched last week was very appetising and I shall certainly remedy my oversight soon. An ideal place to meet for a chat or just to chill for an hour after work before fighting with the public transport system. A real bonus to the area.
12 Nov 2012
The new owners have done an amazing job on the refurb of such a beautiful pub. Perfectly kept ales, great music, lovely REAL fire and a superb clientele make this pub exactly what Walthamstow needed. Finally we've been given a local we can be proud of.
12 Nov 2012
Unfortunately the pioneers from west of the River Lee seem intent not only on colonising Walthamstow but also introducing their offspring to the fine old British tradition of pubbing from an early age (ignoring that part of the tradition which made them child-free environments). I arrived at The Bell 2.30pm on a Saturday afternoon and. although there was on squealing baby I didn't find it too intrusive. Having got a pint and settled myself down in a wing chair by the open (real) log fire I spent a reasonably contented half hour but from 3pm the buggy brigade started arriving en masse and in short order I counted twelve little darling, two of whom were riding round on scooters and one of whom was being fed 'au naturelle' (for some this site won't let me use the term by which we all know it). The place became a parking lot for baby tractors which had to be negotiated to get to the bar and facilities. I'm fairly relaxed about this in Hoe Street 'yummy mummy' cafes like Daisy's or La Delice but don't expect it in licensed premises. I guess once food is served it will become even more family orientated but I asked the landlord what time a 'curfew' would kick in to create an adult ambience. I was appalled when he said 8pm. That's far too late and, sadly, I doubt much of my money, or that or my peers, will pass over the bar or into the kitchen if this remains the case. Perhaps the Nags has got it right after all!
Contact details
617 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4NE
020 8531 2779
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How to find the The Bell pub
From Walthamstow Central: try to take the right-hand exit from the station and head up the ramp. Cross Selborne Road at the lights, past The Goose, turning left into Hoe Street and carry on up the road. The pub is about 10 minutes walk, and is on the corner opposite the snooker hall.
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History
26 Mar 13 Updated by steveknowles53
26 Mar 13 Updated by steveknowles53
Landlord information
Overview
This is a huge former gin palace of East London.