The Bell Inn in Test Valley

The carvery this Sunday was excellent. The owner seems to have taken the bull by the horn and decided to get behind the carvery himself. The difference in quality and service was night and day from the previous year. Definately be visiting again soon and looking forward to what the weekly menu looks like. Thank you guys x

We went to the Bell on Sunday with our family for a Sunday roast. Warm and welcoming as it always was, new chef, so glad the pub is open again. Lovely big garden, great food and even better service.

First time visiting this place and it will be the last. Terrible customer service, rude staff and was not greeted or acknowledged on entry. Unwelcoming and uncomfortable environment. Would not recommend.

If I could give this pub a 0 star rating, I would. When we walked in there was no greeting what so ever, we felt very unwelcome. The staff seemed very rude and did not acknowledge us at all, but was quick enough to take our money. Very poor reception, some people should not work in customer service. The pub itself was very dark and dreary, did not even seem like it open to the public from appearance.

Went to the Bell with my wife’s son and partner for Sunday lunch at 2 pm . It was the best value and selection I have ever had and we all agreed we would definitely go back the turkey/ beef was excellent also the pork . Read some bad reviews on here but we could not fault it well done

Its about the 5th or 6th visit this year. We always go for the hot rock menu as we know its spot on... We've had the Steak/ Gammon and Chicken on this menu and its always been good. The beer is always a good pint as well. Its about half an hour walk onto town for us and about the same to the Bell 🔔 Its always a nice walk and a good meal so now, normally choose the bell. Very friendly staff as well. There are some bad reviews on here but I disagree. Always been good lately for my family and friends. I would recommend 😊👍

No menu other than carvery. Appalling service. Little care or attention. No kids meals. Very poor food.

Visited today 17.07.2021 with 3 others. Food was terrible. Not worth the visit. Can tell how run down it's got. The owners treat the garden like a personal garden not a business garden with the kids pool and their children in it. Owner lady very snotty. Shame as it used to be nice. But our waitress was very lovely. Meal 1 - burger and chips - chips tasted like they'd been sat in hot oil and re heated many times, burger was passable. Meal 2 - sausage, mash, onion gravy and peas - peas was good, no onion in gravy, sausages very rubbery and mash was powered mash. Meal 3 - steak and ale pie with chips and peas - again, peas was good, pie was soggy and same for chips as meal 1. Meal 4 - very simple ham and cheese baguette - fatty ham and rubbery cheese.

The WORST fish and chips we have EVER had!! The fish was not fried so the batter was soft and anemic, The chips must have been heated and reheated many times so were wrinkled and soggy, but the peas were passable! I ate the fish as boiled rather than fried fish by removing the batter. Such a huge disappointment. We complained to the waitress but nothing was done and we were expected to pay full price. Lesson to be learned: if no one else is eating in the pub then walk straight back out of the door!!

We went to the bell Father’s Day, didn’t fancy the carvery so opted for food off the menu. Should have guessed the food was going to be bad, menu a smudgy laminated piece of paper. We were four adult with 2 children. The children’s food was awful the chips were cold and really chewy like they were cooked then reheated. I had sausage and mash with onion gravy. Well no onion gravy just the gravy off the carvery with barely warm mash. Steaks over cooked , £23.50 for mixed grill which was ,all over cooked chicken,steak and gammon small pieces. Certainly not worth the price. Waited an hour and twenty minutes for our food. While we were waiting got ask twice if we want dessert which our reply was waiting for our dinner. Will never go back, been before and had carvery which was edible at a ok price. There must be a lot better places to eat in the area. So really poor food, very expensive for the standard of food that we received. Only good thing is don’t need to book now I know why once been never revisit. My husband went to pay the bill was given a bill for 4 carvery had to tell them that wasn’t our bill so then given correct bill. More incompetence.

Such lovely owners. Nothing too much troubk. Fantastic menu and talented chef. Dogs are friendly and all staff welcoming and well trained. We visit every week and me and my dad love it

Visited for lunch over bank holiday weekend. Food ok and decent value ..,,,, But was more like eating in someone’s unloved garden than a pub garden. Garden and tables were dirty, grass was threadbare. The two best tables on the patio area are clearly permanently allocated to the owners and their children and multiple dogs. It felt like we’d arrived at a house party without an invite. We won’t be going back

We were looking for a spot to meet for a Sunday lunch on a wet and windy day and wow... did we strike lucky! From booking a table to paying the bill it was fabulous. The staff were polite and obliging, the carvery delicious with a choice of puds to die for and when the bill came I was sure there had been a mistake!! Such great value for a good hearty meal with the warmest of welcomes, I would happily recommend a Sunday visit. Thanks Bell Inn... we'll be back xx

Great venue, lovely staff, good social distancing measures in place. The food was nice and a pleasant evening

Roamed the area to try and find a local pub to treat my daughter to lunch however the first 6 were shut so we agreed to stop at the first open one we passed! We happened by the Bell....... The greeting was warm and polite, given an option of where to sit, whilst the drinks order was taken, which was subsequently delivered to our table. We only wanted a light bite but my goodness we came away feeling like we had eaten a 3-course meal. We ordered a Baguette each and shared some cheesy chips. The baguette was served with a lovely fresh salad and crisps to our pure surprise (lots of food) We had a drink each and were not rushed. When I went to pay, expecting it to be a reasonable £20 ish I was floored when I was charged £9 (due to the government scheme currently running). This really is tremendous value for money, and you would be daft not to try it. Thank you very much for a lovely lunch!!!

I'd seen the reviews, so when some friends asked to meet up there I was a bit sceptical.It was surprisingly good! The staff were very friendly, the carvery was very good. It was quiet, so if you don't like crowded places then this is ideal. The prices were very competitive.We usually go to a Toby, not any more. It's not the Ritz, but it is a great family friendly pub.

Not very good stopped here with my fiancee for a light bite, I had garlic bread followed by sausage mash & gravy, the gravy was very watery potato had lumps in it and garlic bread was cold, and the place inside was like the Mary selest waiting at bar for ages ect very chavy but from outside looks very intiesing but please don’t be fooled

Had high hopes for this but was sorely disappointed. Popped in for a carvery and it all looked good but when we came to eat it, we were disappointed at the low standard.The yorkshire puds were burnt, the stuffing balls hard enough for ammunition and the gravy was like water.Seriously, who dishes-out gravy like hot brown hot water? The sprouts were frozen and not cooked-through and even the turkey wasn't on the bone, but a boneless joint, which would have been ok but was just too wet and jelly-like.The only saving grace was the roast potatoes, which were good but spoiled by the watery gravy......sorry - but not much to write home about here.Won't be returning.

The nut roast was quite nice but the service was incredibly slow. There was a lack of options other than roast as well.

The staff need proper training they don't know the price of anything the food was cold nobody around to speak to when eventually someone asked they just weren't interested at all 1st & last visit

The meat, especially the beef, was extremely overcooked. Rest of carvery average at best. The service from the waitresses was awful, totally inattentive, clueless about drinks and how service worked. Avoid.

We saw the sign served all day, however it should have said been sat all day under lights in water or just dried up, food looked awful and if it hadn't been for a very friendly bar maid we wouldn't have even stayed for a drink.Food sitting all day under lights is not a great advert.

We all enjoyed the full range of the carvery, 3 meats plus too many vegatables to mention, yokies huge and crispy, stuffing and dumpling. Dessert were scummy also. We all had a wonderful time Celebrating a Birthday. will be back on another Celebration.

Just literally left after a roast cavery, food very bland, dry, lots of veg had ran out and wasn't being restocked, very disappointed for the price, first time we've ever gone for a cavery and left a lot of food on the plate. Wish we had not have wasted our time and money. Avoid

Spotted very last minute on the side of the road, missed the turn but turned around to go back. I’m glad I did. The decor hits you first and it is tired. Carpet is fraying and more stains and colours of wood than you can shake a stick at. The bar area was quiet and I really wasn’t sure if this was a good idea. The carvery changed my mind. It was fab. 3 meats to choose from and all tasty and lean. I lost track of how many veg choices there were but around 10. And dumplings!! Not seen these on a carvery before and a great addition. The lady that served was really pleasant and looked like she enjoyed her job and that helps boost any business - well done to her. All for a very reasonable price. I’d happily recommend and if I’m that way again I’m sure I’ll pop in.

The Bell Inn fitted us in for our Christmas lunch when we were let down by another restaurant locally. The Bell Inn was very welcoming and offered our party of 17 in for Christmas lunch with only 30 mins notice. The carvery was lovely and the selection of puddings great too. We all had a lovely Christmas lunch and that was thanks to the friendly, welcoming staff at The Bell Inn. Thank you so much for coming to our rescue on the day.

We had a very pleasant family lunch at The Bell. We were made welcome and it catered very well for our group of 9, aged from nearly 2 to 92! The carvery was excellent ( which I had) with generous portions and the beef was delicious. The other meals were plentiful and looked very good. The meal was very good value and ideal for us. The service was pleasant and staff were helpful and willing. We had booked and the table was ready for us. The conservatory area was warm and comfortable, despite it being a cold day. ( It was lovely that there was no noisy music too).

We visited for a family birthday, he food was not good, we visited at 6pm and it looked like the roast meat had been sat for a long time, the service was not bad but I felt it was not the most welcoming of places.

Well, today October 14th 2018, we visited the Bell, unfortunately not the most pleasant. On entering there was some confusion on what we were, as customers, expected to do. There was no direction and little help and when we asked for help, we were told, sorry I'll be with you in a minute. ....then ignored. So after approximately 6 minutes of waiting we approach again only to be told find a table? Having the meal, both I and my wife didn't finish it it was awful, except the beef and the dumplings were extremely nice and the dumplings very very light and fluffy (wow) unfortunately the rest was, well....unfortunate!

We had booked a table in advance for a party of 8 adults and 2 children... the Carvery itself was average, our issue was with the service, especially as with any Carvery we served ourselves our main, it was the time it took for the table to be cleared, in fact one of our party took some of it to the counter, and the age it took to be asked if we wanted dessert and then how long it took for them to take the orders, in fact one of our group had to go chase them up, having eventually placed the order which included a simple scoop of ice cream for each of the kids, we waited once again for an eternity the little ones were getting extremely restless so ‘Dad’ had to go and chase theirs up, more time passed and then the adults desserts arrived, one of which was wrong! The adult whose dessert was wrong decided enough was enough and they were not going to wait another age for it to be corrected so they went without, the food was fine but on the service alone we won’t be hurrying back anytime soon.

Came for a pre-booked lunch, carvery was good, selection of well cooked meats and loads of good veg and potatoes, but failed to clear 1/2 the plates and totally left us for nearly an hour before finally asking about desert which then again took an absolute age.

There were twelve of us and it was good value. Service was good. The chef stocked up everything for our large group.worth a visit if you don’t want to cook.

Booked a table today for 18 people for a birthday lunch. 2 guests are vegetarians of which I advised the restaurant when booking the table.

Booked in advance for our large party of 18 which 2 were vegetarian, being a so called Vegetarian friendly place, we felt confident they would have option for them ……… How wrong we were, Chef said, haven't got any we run out yesterday !!! Sorry but we told you when we booked, well I wasn't told was his reply...…….. The meat portions were very small, im guessing this was because he only had limited meat he wanted to stretch for us all !!!! ……… Veg was overcooked and watery, overall I felt embarrassed for our friends who joined us, after saying The Bell came highly recommended...…… There were two small children "working" a little girl (looked 6) cleaning tables and a young boy (looked 12) clearing tables and delivering drinks !!!!

18 of us visited today for a 15th birthday celebration the table had been booked and they were informed there were two vegitarians in our group and we were told they would be catered for. Well we all lined up ready to choose our dinner meats for the children to be told to hurry up and choose, the server was shooing a wasp away from the meat with the knife he was using to cut the meat, when asked to replenish the empty stuffing tray we were told by the cheif they had ran out and he couldn't be bothered to make more! Had to wait several minutes for the miserable kitchen staff to bring out more items. The cabbage was raw, the food was pretty poor to be honest and our vegitarians had no nut roast as promised as were told to eat vegetables! Very bad customer service rewened what was ment to be a happy event appealed I advise you to not waste your money

We went to the Bell Inn on an impromptu trip, and thought it looked rather nice; it has a decently priced carvery, which runs all day everyday, so thought 'well, can't go wrong!'

Walked in and had to wait to be shown to a table even though the place was nearly empty. The waitress showed us to a table then disappeared. I had to go and find her twice to ask her for drinks!

Probably the only carvery we have been to where you don't need to load your plate.you can go back for more. Great choice of meats and of vegetables,and excellent service from the two serving staff. Excellent value at £9.99-no wonder it is always busy

The array and choice of vegetables at this Inn is incredible and I challenge you to sample them all; you wont be disappointed. Chatty, friendly & helpful staff throughout will make your visit complete. Plenty of parking and clean toilets. My only plea to the owner would be to see a larger selection of real/craft ales even if only in bottles. Only 2 on draft when I visited and one of them had run out. Make sure you call and book at weekends as this venue is very popular with locals. You can even get your Sunday carvery to take away! Heartily recommend this excellent value for money Inn.

I have to say I do love the food here but the owners let it down... I’m 16 and used to work in the kitchen, there is only 1 chef and he works 7 days a week all day so as you can imagine he’s always tired, all the waiting staff get breaks but the kitchen staff don’t. I was working 7-9 hour long shifts and wasn’t getting a break which I might add is against the law and so is the fact that they were paying me cash in hand, the communication is terrible I rang up to say I couldn’t make it into work one day got in the next day and the owners had a go at me and I even had the proof I phoned, and because there was 2 of us in the kitchen I was left to sort all the food out and dessert orders when they came in while he chef was serving people so if I was caught up in dessert orders the owner would come in and have a go saying whys there no food, in the end I got so fed up with the way I was spoken to/ treated that I was only there for about 6 weeks. Food side yes amazing management side no awful probably the worst I’ve seen in a food establishment

Great value carvery-well cooked meat and lots of vegetables. Don't overload your plate you can come back for more-very welcoming !

Visiting a distant elderly relative in the care home directly opposite and saw this place from the road side.

We booked for a Sunday carvery and when we got there we were met by polite but very stressed staff. We ordered drinks at the bar then were seated 5 minutes later. The table was dirty, it hadn’t been cleaned from the previous customers.

If you like salads it is good value. Also their Spare ribs are very good.It is good for a quiet quick lunch.

Have been here a number of times. Loads better than other comparitive 'roast eateries', slightly more expensive. .but you get what you pay for. Relaxed atmosphere and food is excellent and really good choice of veg and accompaniments. Best roast around

It was a Tuesday evening about 6pm. Carvery served plenty of meat, beautifully cooked and had a good selection of veg. It was very quiet with customers, but being on the main road, there was some traffic noise. Still the staff were very friendly. The...

We visited on a Sunday evening, it was fairly quiet. The waitress that greeted us was very pleasant and offered us a choice of tables. The waitress that took our drinks order wasn't so friendly, rather abrupt. We went to the carvery and had to...

Así que no sé por qué este pub ha tenido malas críticas. Fuimos un domingo 10 de nosotros nos trataron muy bien muy buena excelente carne de servicio (mi padre era una carnicería, así que él debe conocer) volveremos. Todos nos lo pasamos genial! !

El servicio era bueno para un pub, a la altura de la comida del domingo. La comida era muy buena y posiblemente la más grande variedad de platos para acompañar la elección de tres carnes exquisitamente cocinada. En general, bien vale la pena cada céntimo.

I visited with my son and daughter in law for Sunday lunch. We all had the roast beef and have all been hit with horrendous diarrhoea and vomiting not saying it is the cavery but the only food we had in common this weekend. Can anyone else confirm this

4 of us went to the Bell for Sunday lunch. They offer a good quality carvery with a choice of 3 roasts, beef, turkey and ham. All were good. There is a wide choice of veggies, and a surprise, dumplings as well. There is a wide choice of deserts as well. The food quality overall is good, 8 out of 10. We have been in better furnished pub restaurants, but it was ok. Price is good.As I write this review there is a picture showing a ranking of 1 for food hygiene, this is totally incorrect I have checked today and the ranking is 4/5 and has been since 2015.

Eaten here the last three Sundays. Can not fault the food at all. The beef is delicious. Vast selection of veg. Gravy is lovely. Staff are friendly and helpful.

This pub is deservedly best known for it's carvery which is exceedingly good value for money, but during the week it also has an additional menu available. There is always at least two choices of meat with a good selection of vegetables. This establishment continues to pleasantly surprise me on every visit.

Had a fantastic carvery and really beautiful pudding would definitely be going back there, staff were so friendly and helpful very happy .

When we have friends visit, we always go to this pub.It is value for money, as you can eat as much as you like, except for the meat, but you do get three choices, usually beef, turkey and hamIt does get busy, so advisable to book.

Daily carvery, choice of meat, good range of Veg which were fresh and well cooked. With a range of uninspiring sweets. Choice of one real ale which was Doom Bar and which was not at its best.

Found By Chance after nightmare visit to Chalkhill Blue Half mile away. Beautiful Carvery, 7 different Vegetables (not frozen) all fresh, even lovely fluffy Dumplings in Rich Gravy. Very Pleasant Staff, Very well presented Sweets. Will be returning within a few days. Also Good Car Parking off main road

Amazing little pub who made our party feel very welcome in extremely sad circumstance. The food they supplied was top notch. Thank you for your support and service

We arrived at 7.30 on Sunday evening, it was already very quiet - they stop serving at 8pm. We ordered our drinks which arrived fairly quickly The staff seem friendly and helpful The food was very niceThe veggies were varied and plentiful - cooked just right, not soggy or over cooked The meat was slightly past its best as it was right at the end of the day. Even so everyone cleared their plates and all seemed happy enough Puddings were lovely and very reasonably priced. All in all we all had a pleasant evening and look forward to returning when we're next in the area

Took the grandchildren and family to Sunday lunch. first time here..Lovely welcome , very friendly staff and great meal...outside plenty of things for the children to play on making adult time brill.

We moved to Weyhill village six months ago and have been into the bell on a number of occasions. Each time my husband or myself has tried to engage with the staff only to be greated with a terribly rude response. We persevered - bearing in mind that we are fairly new to the village but not the area - but unfortunately each time we were greeted with an incredibly rude man/woman behind the bar. My husband and I are both military/ex military and I can confidently say that I have never experienced such contempt and rudeness and we have been in many a bar in many a country. In short, I would not recommend this place - terrible people, very average food, horrible uncomfortable atmosphere and dirty, dated surroundings. Absolutely terrible.

Normally, I avoid carveries like the plague as nobody can cook a roast like my Mum, myself, my husband, or my daughter. I really was not looking forward to the meal we were invited to to celebrate a friend's birthday. How wrong I was. I can no longer see the point of cooking a Sunday roast (although I believe this is all the pub provide all day, every day of the week) when I can drive 5 minutes down the road and have the choice of 3 meats, various potatoes, plentiful choice of veg, HUGE yorkshires, suet dumplings and scrummy gravy.I will be back regularly.

Myself & my friend drive past here today and decided to turn round and pop in. We had a carvery lunch there that was lush! Great portion sizes, incredibly tasty & moist meat. Lovely friendly chap served us at the bar. Pub was clean and welcoming. Will go again without a doubt

We went to the Bell this evening which was a work get together for my wife's workplace. The carvery was very good value with beef, pork and turkey as the main choices, all of which we tried and all were well cooked and tasty. The chef carved the meats and was very friendly and professional. The roast potatoes were very good for a carvery and there was a large choice of vegetables. All in all, the meal presented good value for money. the puddings were normal fare for a restaurant of this type but everyone on the table (14 of us) enjoyed what they had. The bar part of the restaurant is well laid out and the staff there were all friendly and very willing to help. For a good value for money meal for a traditional UK pub carvery with a friendly and professional atmosphere, the Bell works well.

We often go here for their Sunday carvery when we don't fancy cooking. The food is hot and tasty with a choice of ten or more vegetables. It is not high end but is good value. The staff are friendly especially the very nice man who carves the meat.

Its just so good, choice of meats and LOTs (I mean lots) of veg and different potato types so everyone will like something. they do need more staff though for the busy days!

Sunday lunch, Carvery good value for money lots to choose from always hot and plenty of it, good value for money would visit again with confidence.

Came here for lunch, poor offering for vegetarians, food was so dried up it tasted like it had just been reheated in the microwave! Don't waste your money.

A lovely place to take the family. We go here regularly and love it. Very family friendly with lots of outdoor activities for the children

We went there for the Sunday carvery. The staff were courteous and helpful, catering for my vegetarian wife at very short notice. The vegetables and dumplings were commendable. The chocolate fudge pudding was delicious. The atmosphere was hospitable and friendly. The prices were very reasonable. I can't understand why anyone would give this place a bad review. We will definitely go back for more!

As a vegetarian I do not like going to a carvery at all, its for people who like eating meat after all. However the people I was with do, so there I was. They had no veggie alternatives on the menu at all, however they found me a lovely home made quiche and they made me a vegetarian gravy. I really enjoyed the vegetables too. They were very fresh and I think local because the flavours were excellent as if just picked. I would go there again I enjoyed the food and found the staff to be helpful and accommodating.

Did not like the lunch in here for sure - it was all dried out and lacking in taste - a friend said it was "ok" but after looking on here I can see it is not and they even have a bad food Hygiene score - not surprised!

Turned up on spec late on a Sunday afternoon. It was very quiet in the restaurant; garden and bar were busier.Shown to our preferred table and a helpful and smiley waitress took our drinks order and also the free wifi key!Drinks arrived swiftly and we went to get our food. No one else was waiting.Chef was chatty and friendly and sliced great portions of roast meats and we piled up the huge choice of veggies. Lovely big yorkie puds that were spot on too. Everything was perfect; all hot, fresh and tasty.No complaints or gripes at all.Had pudding and coffee too....all good.Very reasonable prices and a nice relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.I read some negative reports about the Bell but we have been 2 or 3 times and honestly it is always good.Will be returning as it makes a nonsense of spending hours cooking when we can just pop in here :) Thanks :)

Always manage to fit us in, even at short notice. Children friendly, fabulous play area in the garden. Friendly staff. Carvery, yummy

This is one of our local carveries that do wonders all week long, where you normally get 3 meats and at leased 8 veg all week long, a great place to take family, friends or visitors for a great meal out. they also serve real ale as well and there service is great.

Well what a great pub with great food the landlord dino Thomas is GREAT however the bar man Simon is well he's Simon the locals such as fudge and Ian maclaren are great even when they are a tiny bit drunk but do you no what it's great but dingo is the best

You can see by my review back in January I gave this place a great review, sadly my last 2 visits were very poor and my last meal was the worst I have ever had.We visited mid-week to avoid the Sunday rush. The place was practically empty.We went up to the Carvery and waited, and waited – then a Trainee cook appeared who was not in the best of moods and we were a total inconvenience to him.The meat was all covered up – not much left, all dried up and hard. We asked for a selection as the quality did not look great, thinking if the beef was too hard to chew the turkey may be ok.We also noticed the veg section was half empty and what was left was very dried out and did not look great. We has a selection of the limited veg on offer and I have to say it was all discussing.I asked for a steak knive – not for steak but the potatoes were so hard I could not cut them, unfortunately the steak knive could not do the job – you would need a chainsaw!Parsnips – rock hard and disgusting – in fact ALL THE VEG WAS HORRID.We barely ate much – now the REALLY ANNOYING BIT!As we sat down, we noticed the trainee cook that served us immediately brought out fresh meat, replaced all the veg away and brought out fresh. What horrid thing to do just after serving us slop.I went up for some fresh veg and it was a bit better but still not great although I did not need a chainsaw for the fresh potatoes.I think it was pretty bad of the Trainee cook to serve us up, then bin all the food and bring out fresh – you could tell by the attitude he thought this was amusing, what a horrid thing to do, rubbing our noise in the fact we missed out on fresh food.What was worse was later that day both my wife and I we very ill being sick and on the loo – thanks for ruining our weekend.I then checked on-line and found this place has a 1 out of 5 for food hygiene (or lack of it) 1 being MAJOR IMPROVEMENT NECCECARY!

We came to The Bell Inn after The Portway Inn down the road had made an error with our booking. They were very busy, it being mothers day but they bent over backwards to fit in a party of 8 last minute. Nothing was too much bother, very attentive staff who made us feel very valued and welcomed customers. We will be returning very soon as Andover is a central meeting point for us in Wiltshire and family in north hants.

First visit to the carvery after passing many times. Read a lot of bad reviews, but decided to take our family of 4 to see for our selves. Booked a table for 1230 but was asked to go for 1300 instead, we was happy to oblige. The place from the outside looks amazing, big car park with a coach full of diners waiting. Through the glass doors no one waiting to receive us, no problem straight to the bar and the bar man grabbed a waiter to show us our table. Waiter took our drinks order and brought them promptly. Meat selection was rGood and vegetables a lot to choose from, minus cauliflower cheese! ( is this a Hampshire thing as were from Birmingham?) food was excellent hot and delicious. Nice atmosphere plenty of diners. Is stuffed and so are my wife and 5 and 3 year old. Ordered dessert from the vast menu and each is really good. Will be coming back to this place for sure as we live locally.

Dining here was like being part of a fly on the wall tv documentary. The meat is poor quality and the portions really measly. The veg is soggy and watery and there were loads of wasps buzzing all around the meat on the carvery.The waiting staff are very sweet but clearly put upon. The manager is an absolute chopper. He parades around like a Lord while his poor minions are run ragged. I overheard him dealing with a complaint and he was so patronising. Whenever we pass we always remark on how surprised we are to see diners' cars in the car park.

If you are looking for a traditional carvery this pub is fab. We went for a Sunday lunch good variety of meats and vegetables friendly service and very reasonably priced I would definitely come back It ticks all the boxes

We were travelling from Gloucester to Portsmouth on a Sunday and seeing the sign 'Sunday Roast' we decided to give it a try. It was just 12 mid-day and only one family were eating. We did wonder if all was ok with this place as it was so deserted. We took a look at the carvery and it certainly looked good. It was very tasty and plenty to choose from in fact better than a Toby carvery that we have had before. Whilst we were eating several other people arrived that had booked tables.As other reviewers have said the decor is dated and there's no atmosphere but the meal made up for that! Do beware if you visit though that on the day we were there they didn't take credit card.If we were in the area we would certainly visit again.

We were travelled up to this gastronomic and customer service disaster to celebrate the birthday of our friends teenager. Rarely have we been so underwhelmed and at times embarrassed, for the friends that had suggested we meet here! The food was tired, overlooked and served with a sneer! The notice on the buffet seems to indicate that you can visit as many times as you would like so we didn't mind the measly meat ration. However the man serving the meat practically savaged one of our party when he approached the buffet and asked for another slice of meat (we are still not sure what meat it was!) we were roughly informed that seconds were limited to the vegetables. I have never heard anything like it. The 'restaurant' was practically empty so why they'd want to scare away a large group such as ours is still a mystery, as is the very survival of this outdated and completely dire place. I strongly recommend that this place is to be avoided at all costs if favour of the many chain restaurants within half a mile - and I have never recommended this before!

Went today. Food was poor, service was ok but tried to charge me for a childrens meal so I could have a plate to put a potatoe and some carrots on from my plate for my 2 year old so he had to eat from my plate! Complete Bollox! wont be going back

Lovely food lovely service lovely people the best food I have had in ages can't wait to go again. That bar manger Simon is lovely and very help full and the lovely Ian mclaren is a local and is very funny

Been here a few times now & altho the staff are very friendly & accommodating the atmosphere needs work. The decor is tired & the music needs updating. Can't fault the food. Amazing choice. Always 3 meats to choose from or have all 3! And really the pickiest of people has a choice of many veggies. The only thing they need to work on is their roast potatoes... could do with being a bit crispier but that is personal preference ;) We will be back :)

Following a few rcommendations, we decided to visit mid-week. The restaurant was practically empty, and we were shown to a table by a very pleasnt waitress. The rest was all downhill after that.The female chef had a face liked a smacked bottom, and the food on offer did not look much better. The potatoes looked like they were the remainder from lunch time, as did the majority of the food - or rather what was still available.On a serious note. The various ladels and spoons for serving the food were very hot, to the point where I let go and as my hand flew up, it hit one of the heating lamps above. The reply from the chef was 'yeah, they do get hot'Of the four of us, no-one particularly enjoyed the experience here.

First visit to this carvery today and it was fantastic! Greeted with a friendly welcoming smile, shown to a table straight. The meat was lovely, little more needed though but the choice of vegetables made up for it. Unlimited yorkshire puddings which was great as most places only give you 1or 2. Dumplings were delicious and so many choices of vegetables.Dessert was delicious and plenty to choose from. Only down side was they didn't do a childs size portion of Ice cream.Very reasonably priced, managers present and making an effort to talk to their guests.Will be going back again, especially as it's only 10 minutes away from us.

Meat tough and man cutting meat was rude. Lady who served the drinks etc was very pleasant but could no way make up for the rest of it. Would not return!

Went to this restaurant for Mother's Day with my elderly mother who is confined to a wheelchair. The restaurant were very helpful in accommodating us at a suitable table. The carvery was excellent with very tender meat and a good choice of vegetables. The staff were also very friendly and helpful even though the restaurant was very busy as it was Mother's Day.

Went here on mother day 2014 ,very good food and polite staff.This is the best place in the area for Suday lunch and the best bit is that the Sunday lunch is served every day.

Its a shame because the outside of this pub looked very nice, I was expecting it to be full of character inside but sadly it didn't have any. It was like sitting in someones extension very bland interior. The food was ok, peas and sprouts were like bullets. I had the smallest slice of cheesecake I've ever been served. I have eaten at many Toby Calveries so my expectations were based on those visits. The food was quite cheap but I would rather pay more and go elsewhere.

The service fromThe staff was very friendly and attentive, the Carvery was delicious three choices of meat and plenty of vegetables. Great value of money and will certainly be paying another visit.

This is the best place in the area for Suday lunch and the best bit is that the Sunday lunch is served every day! First class food freshly served and always great!

This is our second visit and they always take great care of you and the food is always the best quality. Will keep coming back.

we travelled from Dorset to meet friends from Abingdon. Chanced upon The Bell . When we meet up again it will certainly at the Bell . We arrived before they had opened.BUT, as we tried the door we were told we could wait inside as it was cold outside ! What a truly wonderful welcomb .15 minutes later we were shown to a choice of tables. drink order taken and on the table in 3 minutes! The carvery was great ,3 meats . v/good choice of veg. Under staffed? possibly . BUT at these prices you cannot moan.4 carveries- drinks-tea and coffee £50 !!!

Needing to meet up with friends in an area unknown to us, other friends recommended The Bell. We weren't disappointed.It was warm and cosy inside and the manager welcomed us and bought our drinks to the table.The carvery was very good indeed, with a choice of three meats and about TEN different vegetables. Followed by excellent puddings we were well satisfied. The manager was charming and the only reason I could not score 5 was I was slightly disappointed that the carvery was the only meal on offer. But that keeps the price down and what we had was very good.

This is a very popular place ! It is only a carvery there isn't a choice, however, the carvery is excellent ! We had a choice of three meats and the vegetable selection was superb, around ten to choose from. There were also sauces available and gravy etc etcService was also good. Well worth a visit ! !

five of us visited the Bell for the carvery meal and were pleasantly surprised after hearing mixed reports . we were greeted and seated and drinks were ordered for us. there was a choice of three good quality joints of meat with a York shire pudding and a vast amount of nicely cooked vegetables. There were also dumplings which I was told were very nice. The gravy was tasty and the roast potatoes were crispy but at no means over done. Me being a vegetarian was offered a pasta bake and was offered to help my self to veg and potatoes from the carvery . bit disappointed I was unable to eat the potatoes and gravy as they were made with the meat fats but that I guess is why the 4 meat eaters really enjoyed there meals. My fault for being a vege. we will defo go back as good quality food and a good price.

A very popular pub. We arrived expecting a long wait as we did not book. We were seated within 5 minutes of arriving drinks ordered and invited to to carvery. At the carvery we were greater by a friendly chef ready to carve our choice meat. They have 3 choice of meats and plenty of vegetables with an option to go and get more. They now do the carvery 7 days a week. I would recommend this for a night off cooking and cleaning. And enjoy your food and company.