The Bell in Chelmsford

We'd been to Danbury Lakes and found the closest pub to go have some lunch. So we were introduced to The Bell and wow I'm so pleased we were. Let by Daniel who's lovely and had a choice of seats as a walking club who had booked table were not walking sure to the heat. 32C We were both made welcome and seated with a fan. Complementary water at the bar was nice. The menu is quite extensive and the food we chose was well worth it. I had the Sausage Melt and my wife had a Cheese/Onion baguette. Both come with salad and chips, and they were very filling. Such a nice place to eat with great food, friendly staff who made us very welcome. Just to note this is a dog friendly pub, with facilities for the larger dogs like Greyhounds too. So to follow this up, we are looking to have a lunch with friends with our dogs, when the weather is less crazy.

First time visit I had the best ploughman's EVER!! Wife had beef with horseradish and salad, lovely staff great beer super friendly service. I recommend this place

Stopped here by chance for lunch and so pleased we did! Friendly welcome and excellent, freshly made food. Attractive decor and comfortable seating. Will definitely be back!

Really good food. Halloumi and mushroom burger was lovely. Chips and onion rings were not at all greasy. Homemade slaw was crispy and creamy. Prawn cocktail was very fresh. Well worth a visit. Staff friendly too

A nice friendly place. The staff are friendly, the service is good. We had lunch with them and it was lovely. Maybe the steak baguette needed a tad more steak but it was well cooked and enjoyable.

Four of us went for lunch. We were met by a very nice friendly lady who asked us where we wanted to sit. We chose near the window which is the place to sit people when you need to attract customers. We were the only customers. Drinks were served promptly & we ordered our food, which came fairly promptly. The fish & chips were nice & golden & were tasty. The meat pies looked good & the veg was cooked to perfection. The only downside was the pie contained some shredded meat & gravy. I would have expected some pieces of meat at the price charged. I didn't complain as our friends chose the venue. The service charge was a surprise but we usually leave 10% if the service was good, which it was. They were advertising for staff, so I expect they need a chef.

First visited for coffee after a few of us had been for a walk . In our newly formed walking group When we told the owner we had been on a walk we were told welcome to leave our cars so long as we put a note on . What a welcome to change We now walk regularly and have post walk food and drinks Good menu the vegetarian baguette is outstanding and the coffee excellent My favourite pub in Danbury by far

First visit to this well presented roadside pub on the main road between Danbury and Chelmsford, Essex. Clean and tidy main bar offering UBU by Purity Brewery 4.5% and Dirty Tackle by Wychwood Brewery 4.0% also a range of draught lagers and a draught cider. It offers a good pub grub menu including a particularily generous “All day breakfast” A cheerful and friendly welcome.

Called in today for lunch after shopping Chelmsford on our way home. Not been here since lockdown, asked if we could bring our dog in which wasn’t a problem. Shame a few items were not on the menu as they had run out last night, but that said there was still plenty of nice items of food to choose from. Our drinks arrived while looking over the menu ( nothing worse than waiting for drinks) order taken for food and a water bowl brought over for the dog. Food arrived after about 15 minutes I think, looked good and both meals tasted fine, my wife had the salmon from the specials board which looked and tasted very good, not that there was anything wrong with mine but hers was better ha ha. When meals were deliver second drinks order taken and quickly delivered also staff check everything was ok with our food. Came the time to pay so we asked for bill, once brought over this was quickly followed by card machine so no messing about, only a small negative but they add 10% service charge to the bill (we normally leave a tip anyway but like the choice) regardless of how man n the party, so bear this in mind if you are a large party. To sum up nice friendly pub, good food and dog friendly.

Disappointed that an automatic 10% service charge is now added to the bill since our last visit. No mention of this on the menu or when making payment. Also car park has had some clay like top dressing applied which because it was a damp day was very sticky and transferred to my car when leaving. The potholes were not fixed and were quite deep in places. Service was good but our seating area was cold so we kept our coats on.

We came to the Bell for a family lunch with adults, child and dog. The staff were really lovely with nothing too much trouble. Food was very good, tasty and decent portions. The dog was made very welcome with water and treats. Will gefinitely be coming back 🙂

This pub is a stone’s throw from another pub and for some inexplicable reason we have always opted for the other one. What a mistake! We took our 3 year old son for Saturday lunch and were SO impressed from the second we walked in. The Landlady and bar staff who appeared to be family were GENUINELY friendly and welcoming…no false pretence, just nice people…the bar was very nice and clean, restrooms spotlessly clean. Appeared to have ample rooms and additional function rooms. The menu was varied and perfect for pub lunch with sharer platters etc. We ordered some Brie sticks and to our shame were not expecting the quality of them (fallen in to that trap in pubs before). Homemade and beautifully cooked, the portion sizes were very generous and tasted delicious. I had mussels and chips for main and got an enormous pot (the cream sauce was heavenly). We were so impressed with both the quantity and quality of the food that afterwards we researched whether it was brewery owned - it would appear that it is freehold. On discovering this I felt compelled to write this review, all the more reason to spread the word of this hidden gem of a pub…I IMPLORE PEOPLE TO GO HERE FOR A MEAL! and support your local business …Need more family run pubs of this quality!!! What did shock me was that the place was empty when we went in, I wasn’t sure if it was even open. I didn’t mind as we got the place to ourselves. I considered it may be due to covid but personally I’m amazed the place wasn’t packed out. We will be returning as soon as poss! Thanks to all at The Bell Matt

Together with some friends we booked lunch at The Bell last week - our first visit - and will definitely be returning! Very welcoming and friendly - the beer was kept superbly (plus it's a free house so changing guest beers). A good varied menu, the food itself was excellent and reasonably priced - all of us thoroughly enjoyed our food (and if they have spare ribs on the menu go for them, they are superb!!!!). Of note was the way also that they had implemented Covid restrictions - very very good indeed. Would definitely recommend and we most certainly will be returning soon!

Brilliant meal, great atmosphere and great staff - had a meal tonight which was. Wry good and plenty of it - the new land lord and land lady have made this place great

We had a small gathering for my mum’s 50th birthday at the pub. Genty and Dan are very welcoming, friendly and helpful. From the organising to the day its self they did a brilliant job. They made the day really special for my mum! The Food was lovely and they decorated the pub for the day. We even stayed for pie and mash that night which was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend! We has such a lovely day ! thank you ! :)

Following a recent refit and new management taking over, Dan and Genty, The Bell is a great place to eat. The food is fab, and there is a great feeling about the place. Well worth a visit, I am loving the authentic Pie and Mash.

What an incredible refurbishment!! My new local was brilliant.... great food, great service and the new owners are great. Thank you for looking after us. 💙💗 #TheBellDanbury

I visited today with my nanny, the service was very good, I had the children’s burger and cheesy garlic bread. The food was hot and tasty, the garlic bread was so cheesy. The surroundings was pleasant and the barman kind and helpful. Nanny had a roast and that was also very tasty, we will return again

Local pub never tried before stoped for lunch . Welcome was very friendly By a nice lady who was very attentive.. Service excellent food very good . Very generous portions. Wil! Be back would recommend a visit.

Stopped for a quick meal, great service from the very friendly staff! Nice atmosphere and good food!

We visited for the first time today and had a warm welcome. We had roast Lamb and my son had sausages and mash off the kids menu and for afters we had the waffles and ice cream and a apple and raspberry crumble which both were delicious!The quality of the food was excellent and the owner/ staff were really friendly and also very good value for money so will definitely be returning.

We had a lovely time at the bell. Great food and drink and service was good. We will be going again sometime soon

Absolutely wonderful pub with friendly service and great food and drinks. Always made to feel so welcome. Wonderful pub!

If you want a friendly village pub that serves great food, isn't part of a chain (so doesn't slap on a 10% service charge for a family group) and makes you really welcome, look no further. We had an excellent meal to celebrate my husband's birthday, all eight of us enjoyed our mains and desserts and the staff were really helpful in accommodating the gluten free member of the group. And it was great value for money too. Can't go wrong.

We stopped here on Sunday as we were driving by.Hadn’t used the place before but we struck lucky. Food was excellent and mostly homemade. Friendly staff and a really nice atmosphere in the place.

We visited this pub on their Home Made Pie night, and weren't disappointed. The food for both of us was freshly made and piping hot (chilli con carne for my wife, steak and veg pie for me). Sat in a quiet corner and enjoyed a very good glass of Shiraz and the atmosphere of a good village pub.

We had a lovely meal here on bank holiday Monday. Food was amazing and the staff were really friendly. We will definitely revisit!

A small pub with a lovely atmosphere, wonderful food and really friendly staff. As soon as you arrive you are made to feel welcome. Not surprised at all that there were tables reserved already however we managed to get a table as we were there 530pm on a saturday. Menu is simple but food is wonderful. The deserts are awesome. We are definitely going back soon!!!

Fantastic find, lovely pub with brilliant food. Really friendly. Value for money. Will definitely be teturning

Thank you for the lovely buffet and everyone I have spoken to since Saturday said they had a great night. Hopefully will make the drag night an annual event, so will be in contact later in year to book again for next year. Once again thanks for the hospitality x

Stopped in for lunch (open on Monday!) and was greeted with a smile and good hearty food. Chicken with bacon and Bangers and Mash were delicious!

Our first time visiting The Bell pub/restaurant. We had the best roast beef meal. The starters of chicken goujons was filing on its own. Then it just got even better, with the roast beef, oh boy that was just the best I've ever tasted. The dessert of toffee sticky pudding and custard was melt in the mouth yummy. All washed down at the end with pots of tea and coffee ☕. Our thanks to Kim and his chef. See you again soon.

Chose the Bell for a catch up with a friend as every time I drive past it, it looks lovely & inviting. When we first got there a lovely lady behind the bar aknowledged us & said she would only be a minute & once finished serving came over. She gave us 2 menu’s and told us to make ourselves comfortable wherever we wanted. The place was nicely lit and very inviting.

28 adults and 5 children eat an excellent lunch of roast lamb and followed with apple crumble. Well served on time with efficient and friendly service. Pub decorated for Christmas with its very own style. Great atmosphere and so friendly! A great place for a party. We will be back. Happy new year !!

We popped in for a bite to eat after a long walk in the woods! Great food and a lovely fire to warm up in front! Will definitely come again, thanks :)

Went today at 4. 45 pm as we were out early . Had great service and food. Home cooked by the owner. Sausages, apple creamed mash and caramelled onions. Tasty quality!Great pub !!

Couldn't reccomend this pub enough!! Beautiful home made food the chili was delicious and the prawns were equally yummy. I'd like to thank the manager for the great service he really made us feel welcome and we can't wait to return. Well worth a visit

Visited this ,lovely country pub, really busy, got a table, lovely friendly staff, ordered Cumberland sausages and mash and beer battered fish, chips and mushy peas,absolutely delicious, really large portions, will definetly return and recommend

We popped in tonight living only a 10 minute drive away and always passing thought we might just pop in and have have a drink. With the ever so friendly barman and excellent value food we decided to order eat and have a few more drinks in such a relaxed atmosphere. We had a lovely evening and will be back again as this is a proper pub that needs supporting and so sad that it is not within walking distance as I would go there every night...

Liked this place immediately. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Only two real ales, both London beers - Young’s Bitter and Courage Best Bitter. Used to drink both in the Eighties and wasn’t a big fan; but I think my tastebuds must have been dulled by the gallons of Australian lagers I consumed in that decade because the Young’s Bitter was excellent (will try the Courage another time). Ordered a cheap and tasty bacon, brie and cranberry baguette. All in all a successful visit and I will be returning when I next do a Blake’s Wood and Lingwood walk.

I left a 5 star review for the Bell a few months ago and recently had another great night at The Bell. The food was excellent again as was the beer.

Have visited this pub on a few occasions now and cannot fail to be impressed. Previously have taken friends for a lunch 'treat' and this week took our new dog along who was made to feel welcome. The proprietor has always been very friendly and pleasant and you feel nothing is too much trouble. Food is good home-made pub grub and great value. Also has a lovely beer garden and plenty of parking. We'll be back soon!

Really welcoming and helpful host, had a main and desert each lovely simple food. Would come again !

Overly impressed with this place! Went for some lunch after a walk by Danbury lakes. The staff are so polite, friendly and helpful and the food is delicious! Lots of choice. We had a burger and mackerel salad and both were very tasty. Had a dog with us so we sat outside in a beautiful little garden but would love to done inside on an evening. Would definitely come back.

Popped in for a quick lunch as was on a course nearby, very friendly lady served us .Furnishings could probably do with an update but dont let that put you off, could happily have sat there all afternoon chatting with the engaging staff.

Very friendly, great food. A not to be missed country pub. Large beer garden to enjoy when the sun is out.

We arrived after a long walk around Danbury, eager for some refreshment. We sat in the garden with the dog, and then went inside to order. There was no-one about, and I asked one of the people in the bar if it was self-service. There was only the one guy serving and as it was a very nice day, he was rather busy.

We decided to give Pie night a try at The Bell this week. Having visited the Bell previously last year, we received a very warm welcome from the lady behind the bar. We opted for the Steak and Kidney pie and a couple of chicken and bacon pies. The food arrived nice and hot and on hot plates. The meat was soft and tender and the pies had great flavour. This pub is a real little gem in the village and the prices of the food make it exceptional value.

popped in again for a quick pint I forgot how good the beer and friendly staff were it was so good I stopped for a meal and called the family to join me food for the price can't be beaten and the beer well open the tap while I lie on my back

I love this pub! Good quality pub menu and well priced. The food came out timely and tasted great. The whole family has stopped by now a few times and can not fault their service. Kim the landlord always has a smile and is very friendly. Many thanks!

Have been coming here for over 3 years now and can't fault it. It's what you would expect from a non chain pub. Hearty food that is tasty and always served quickly. Great choice of Ale and drinks. Great in the winter of you want a cosy pint or in the summer if you want to sit in the beer garden.

Visited her for Sunday Lunch as we were visiting my Sister who lives in Danbury. I didn’t want her to cook as she’s just had a baby so went on trip advisor and found The Bell as number 1. We had roast dinner had the beef. I have never known such awful stringy beef in my life. The landlady did refund but kept us away from other potential customers. Disgusting! They should be as to dish this food . Never again will we eat there.

Visited for the third time since Christmas. Each time we have enjoyed a different meal from the menu and each one equally as tasty. Always a warm welcome and friendly, quick service. Will definitely make our visit a regular one.

We've been here before and nothing has changed, it doesn't have to as the ambience is ideal for a nice relaxing lunch time meal to celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary.

Hands down such a great pub. Come for a week to Danbury outdoors. And the hospitality is just amazing. So friendly. Make sure your comfortable and everything’s cooked to how you like. Definitely recommend and would come again.

Decided to eat out and, as we haven't been in this pub for a few years even though we are locals, chose to try The Bell. Good choice. We both had the liver and bacon again a good choice, it was very nice meal , with plenty of food on the plate.( No room for dessert after eating it) The service was excellent and the atmosphere cosy . Plus the prices are very reasonable as well will certainly go there again.

We originally visited this pub back in 2015 as we were driving past and stopped off for something to eat. We passed through again a few weeks ago and it was just as great as the first time round. The food is wonderful and exceptionally good value for money and all the staff are really friendly. We will definitely go back when passing again.

Kim and Lorraine again were exceptional with their help and hospitality on the night of my 40th! Had the best time as did all my friends and family! Really can’t thank you both enough!! Would highly recommend! X

Wow! What a lovely evening at the Bell, great food and service from Lorraine. We both enjoyed the fish and chips and the sticky toffee puddding - we really didn’t need the desert... Lorraine was a perfect host and we look forward to returning soon.

The Danbury pub is OK for a quick drink and a curry & rice, but it is NOT the wonderful Bell at Woodham Walter. I can tell from reviews that people are making this mistake again and again.

just stopped off for a pint of the best kept beer in essex and believe me coming from the north I know a good pint

We visited The Bell for the first time last Sunday for lunch as the reviews were such that it seemed as if it was the best in the area well, it definitely isn't!!!!!

Fantastic Food, and atmosphere, Thoroughly recomend. The service is brilliant, and best of all Value for money

The main attraction of this pub is the friendly and efficient staff. The lady working the evening we went I think was called Lorraine. Within 5 minutes of being seated at our table we were chatting as if she were a friend. She obviously has a very easy relationship,with her regulars but readily welcomes newcomers.

Called up to check they were still doing food and they kindly stayed open for food for us.

My Wife and I decided to visit Furzelea which was open under the National Gardens Scheme (“NGS”), after having lunch en route in Danbury. There are mixed reviews for some of the eateries in Danbury, so we decided to have lunch at the first pub that we saw.

Stopped by the pub for a light lunch, and was impressed by the range of items on the menu, and the quality of the food!! Lovely staff, and atmosphere, with a spacious beer garden. Would highly recommend to anybody.

We had such an amazing time at this pub. The staff were so amazingly helpful and friendly. It was the most stress free event I've ever organised. They were truly wonderful. I would highly recommend having a function/party here!! Lovely place! Kim and Ben Hall x

I'm involved in running a small committee whose members come from a range of locations in Essex and Suffolk. We are a Branch of a large organisation that is technically a charitySo I spent some time looking for a location where we could meet as a group with some privacy and have a reasonably priced meal.Eventually I found the Bell. On the the understading that we order cooked meals from the menu we are able to use their upstairs room without charge.The location has proved a 'hit' with our members. We have our privacy and the food and service are excellent. And there is wifi too

I was visting danbury recently on business and decided to pop into the bell was greeted by a friendly smile by the barmaid . The pub had a good choice of food and drinks, having ordered i sat down the food did not take long to arrive and it was very nice .i will definitely be back when i am next in the area

A wonderful time was had by all, the staff were helpful and friendly, the pub itself is a warm welcoming place with a large garden for the children and families to chill out together. The landlord was brilliant in helping with the arrangement and arrival of our family. Very polite and respectful. Will I visit again? You bet I will

Pop in to get an early evening dinner. Great welcoming and service. Nice menu but what I call basic pub food.

Friendly customer service even for a lunch time visit. Tasty and well priced food and drink, especially the baguettes.

Warm friendly atmosphere. Cosy pub with lovely outside seating. Set in lovely countryside and walks. Food is tasty and good selection. Desert was particularly mouth watering.

Whatever the time of day lunch, early evening or evening just as last orders is called you know you will always be greeted by a smiling face behind the barNothing is too much trouble for this great localKeep up the good work-great chicken curry on Monday night thanks Ian

My husband and I have visited The Bell several times now and have found Kym and Lorraine to be most welcoming! The food is fantastic; good home cooked grub! We have also ordered off piste a few times and have not been disappointed! Can't recommend The Bell enough! Extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere!

Decided to try out The Bell tonight to see what it's like as I can't remember the last time we visited. We received a very warm welcome on arrival from the barman, who directed us to our table and took out drinks orders. We checked out the menu and ordered some food, I decided on the burger and my partner went for the lasagne and my mum went for the lamb. The food didn't take long to arrive and was served piping hot. My burger and the lasagne was really nice and the lamb also very tasty. The prices were very reasonable so anyone on a budget would be pleased. The menu is smaller and does contain traditional pub selections which is very well priced. I would definitely come back, service was great and the staff just as friendly. We will be back again.

best well kept beer in essex staff always make you feel very welcome and go out of their way to ensure your visit exceeds your expectation

We regularly pop in for lunch as the foods good, at reasonable prices. Crystal (our husky) enjoys coming in with us, which makes for a nice family outing

Thanks to the barman richard "dickie" we had a great night (somone give him a promotion) , fantastic atmosphere nice food quite cheap as well.

Went for food Monday night - friendly staff found us a great corner table with plenty of space for our dog. Great value, tasty home made pub grub - curry for a fiver and a chilli for £8. Then had the honeycomb cheesecake which was also home made from crunchies - it was divine! Plenty of garden space outside too.

A very enjoyable afternoon spent at this friendly establishment with the family. The English weather meant we got to enjoy the beer garden (very spacious and well kept) and, as the sun vanished, moved inside to a warm and hospitable atmosphere.The owners seemed very nice people who genuinely enjoyed conversing with the customers.We will be back.Craig

Last minute Mother's Day booking for a group of 5. Good choice on the menu and excellent value. Warm welcome, good food and friendly service.

A large group of us visited late Sunday afternoon with children and dogs in tow. Service and food was fantastic. No request was too much trouble. Great menu choice, including good children's menu. I opted for the roast beef, which was lovely. All meals arrived at the table at the same time, very well presented and all piping hot. Great value for money. Very family friendly and dog friendly too. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

Superb hospitality for my walking group as ever. Happy to accommodate everyone including a late request for a vegan meal. Option to sit in the garden or the upstairs room. Thanks again and will definitely book again.

Again we had another good evening in the bell. We don't live that local but it is well worth the drive, all the food is home made and the staff and manager make the evening relaxing and although they are attentive it's not overpowering would recommend if you fancy a pleasant evening of home cooked food and a chilled atmosphere you won't get better than there

Second visit here with my Dad. Found it by chance the first time then looked for it again! Very welcoming and attentive staff and great food! I do enjoy fresh vegetables freshly cooked and these were! Good variety on the menu and very good value. Will return again!

We popped in our way back from visiting my mother in her nursing home in Danbury. We live in Hampshire, so did not know what the pub was like,except for the trip-advisor reviews. We had lunch and a quick drink. The food was good, well-priced and service was prompt. The manager was friendly as were the locals! We were also checking out access for my brother, who is a wheelchair user. It wouldn't be easily accessible for an electric wheelchair at the back to the main bar area; there may be another access point.

De vacaciones en inglaterra nos encontramos con este Bar ,Personal muy agradable , la comida estaba genial y muy bien presentado . Muy recomendable .

My girlfriend, girlfriends daughter and me stopped in this pub as we were passing. We found that the food selection here was very good the kids menu was also very accommodating. I would recommend coming here as the overall atmosphere, service and food its great. Will definitely come back in the future.

I have been visiting this establishment for many years and have always found it a friendly and sociable pub eaten here on many occasions food is and service is unbelievable I also held my 60th birthday party here and I thoroughly enjoyed it kym and Lorraine could not do enough for me to make it any more of a successful evening beautiful beer garden clean pub and such a warm friendly welcome

Probably the best village pub in Essex! A fab welcome from Kym and his team. Great range of food and drink - lovely coffee, open fires and a wonderful selection of tasty food - we will be back!

Upon entering The Bell you immediately feel the warmth of the pub. Charming decor with ample seating, a large bar, two gas fireplaces surrounded by, what else, a lot of bells, all of which were collected over the years (we recently contributed one ourselves). You are instantly greeted by one of the loveliest men you will ever meet, Kym, who runs the establishment. He pours a fine drink but he is also warm and engaging and always has many interesting stories to share. The food at The Bell is good as well. My boyfriend and I have had the steak, the burger, the chicken and we have also tried the curry night which is a great choice on a cold Monday night. But what makes The Bell so special, besides Kym (and Richard and Lorraine too) and the people who go there, is the fact that it makes you feel like you at home when you go there. An excellent choice if you are ever in Danbury!

Nice easy-going place to chill, landlords chatty and engaging, foods good and available all day and if you just fancy a no nonsense pint at the end of the day it's very accommodating

Always a warm welcome from Kim & his team. Well kept real ales & beersGreat pub foodWhat else do you want from your local

Wow !!What a fantastic meal with fantastic service and a very reasonable price.We were a family of 11 eating there last night with every one having 3 courses, not one complaint by anyone and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals.The gentleman who served us all evening was so kind and helpful.I'm not local to this pub restaurant but I will definitely be going back A* all round.

We booked a table at the Bell for Sunday lunch as a pre xmas dinner. Having never been before I wasn't sure what to expect so was a bit disappointed that there was no dining room but that is something I should have checked first.Never the less we had a lovely meal, the roast lamb was really and the portion sizes were really generous. Whitebait to start and I shared an apple crumble for dessert.Really friendly landlord and great service, will definitely be back.

The best pub in Danbury. Great atmosphere, beer and food at a reasonable price. What more do you want?

After leaving Danbury many years ago for London then New York, upon my returning to take care of some family affairs the 'Bell' along with the wonderful staff (Kim, you know who you are) became our go to place almost instantly. The warm feeling as you arrive just keeps you there, their flexibility with the menu to cater for our erratic arrivals and gluten issues has been outstanding. During the last year we've become regulars and will be sad when we head back to the states. This will be our first port of call when we next visit Danbury without question.

Arrived at 3pm and was pleased that they were still serving hot food. Barman very friendly and helpful. Lovely roast meal served quickly. We were the only ones there at first but by the time we were leaving there was quite a crowd, all served with the same politeness and friendliness, a highchair was provided for one small visitor. Lovely open fire as well ! Would use again when in the area.