The Bell Inn in Suffolk Coastal - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Only an overnight stay but made the most of our time. Looked forward to dinner and was not disappointed - a high standard and a reasonable range of choice - were the the wine less expensive then may have given in to a 2nd bottle, am sure there is an opportunity to entice customers by offering either an overall better price or a reduced price on the 2nd bottle? Having retired to our somewhat small room and small double bed we regretted not enquiring about size of both prior to booking. However soon it was time to go down for breakfast, nothing unusual about the offering and ingredients were all seemed to be of high quality, sadly overcooked sausages did not stand be re-heated/kept warm being somewhat hard and dry. Not so sure we will return and will have to seek out alternatives in the area.

Great pub, lovely location, friendly staff, lovely food and even an electric charger for the car! Forward-thinking Brilliant :-)

Amazing little pub . Reasonable priced . Good food . Friendly staff . And on top of all that they let you charge you little electric car for free Thanks guys

Popped in here for chips. Sadly the garlic aioli is not the delicious treat that it was, but is now full of dill and inedible. The garlic bread used to be the best we'd ever tasted, but it's now off the menu. Can't fault the staff (Peter deserves a special mention) who go out of their way to make customers and their dogs welcome.

Been in twice this week and not been disappointed on either visit, on Tuesday after walking from Walberswick to Southwold and back it was a pleasure to sit in the garden and enjoy a drink and lovely food, I had the Bell burger and my wife had the ham egg and chips, today we did another walk from Walberswick to Dunwich and back, although very wet and with our dog we were welcomed in warmly and enjoyed another great meal, pork belly for me and fish pie for the wife. The staff were fantastic and very attentive, would highly recommend it. Look forward to going back next year.

I hadn't eaten here for a few years, but the food had always been good in the past so I decided to ignore this year's negative reviews. Big mistake - this place now does average pub food at high prices e.g. £22 for a medium sized fish pie. Wine list is now very restricted. Service wasn't great either - they brought out the fish pies at the same time as the shared starters, contrary to our instructions & the manager seemed to insist that this was our mistake and therefore our problem! Still no bookings taken but we just about managed to find a table in the back dining room at 12:30 on a Sunday. It must remain popular only because it's one of only 2 pubs in Walberswick, but I won't be back.

After a long walk being dragged along by an enthusiastic Dalmatian we were hoping for some shade, water and food! We had a room to ourselves the service was quick and friendly the food delicious with dog treats for our companion. With a large dog in tow we are always worried that we won’t be welcome however here we couldn’t have been more accommodated.

Managed to find a table today but had to clear the table and not that clean. food all average and reasonable cooked and arrived with minimum delay. At least better than last year.

Having been a regular customer for over a decade to The Bell Inn, I was left very underwhelmed this time. Room was lovely and clean as usual, Tom on reception was fab. We chose to dine in the restaurant as normal and booked for 730pm so we had a nice long evening to enjoy eating and drinking. The menu is now very limited compared to previous years, we chose to have 4 starters to share and some rose wine with bread to start. Slight delay on bread, which came crammed on a small plate, which we had to ask for side plates after waiting for the waitress to reappear…the oil and balsamic was awful, there was so much oil chucked in the ramekin we had to ask for another, to pour some off to try and get to the vinegar. Food came out, and was put on table, again had to ask for side plates as we were sharing and still had bread on the other ones. No drinks check. Had to wait at bar to order more. Food was mediocre at best, we both have very good appetites ( especially after the harbour walk and some wine!) but both ended up just picking at it. Ended up going to room with our wine very early, the only other table in the restaurant that was occupied had some sort of problem ordering due to “fryers being turned off” and got sandwiches and chips instead! Slept well as usual. Went for a quick dog walk before breakfast and narrowly avoided being hit by the chef arriving at 845am in the car park. Arrived on time for breakfast at 9am, lovely, lovely waitress served us, ordered full English and pot of tea, partner the same with coffee. Took a sip of the tea and it was barely lukewarm… spoke to waitress who was very apologetic and bought me a fresh one, turns out the rest of the room all had the same problem with tea and coffee as the urn hadn’t been turned on in time ( see chef comment) food came out and was delicious and hot, and top quality as usual, we cleared our plates! Room was spotlessly clean, and the Tyneham hand wash/cream is so good! Overall disappointing as I know how good this place can be, and the first time I’ve ever encountered any problems. As stated before it was not busy in the slightest compared to previous years, so no excuse really. I will return as The Bell holds dear memories for me, I hope next year it will have ironed out these problems and be back to full glory!

We are local and after a lovely walk on the beach we decided to pop in the Bell to treat ourselves to fish and chip supper. What a disappointment, the service was super speedy and that was because the fish was obviously not cooked to order but had either been sitting under a heat lamp or refried, it was incredibly dark and crispy and dry although not inedible, the chips were great and enjoyable. There was another table near us who had the same complaint. We mentioned to the waiter that the fish was severely over cooked and he apologised and said he would tell the chef. Great shame as not a cheap supper. As the driver I had a pint of orange juice and lemonade which at over £5 was a real rip off!!

Every year we visit here once we have crabbed, this year was the first time I’ve not given a 5* rating. We arrived for 12pm and noticed that the menu had changed, and the prices had increased which we understand happens, however some options on the menu wasn’t available that day and when asked about some meals taken off the menu, we was told it was due to a big change in the chef. Overall the food was lovely, the staff was friendly and service was fast. Overall it still is a nice family friendly pub.

2 x pints and 2 x halves of soda and lime for £11.70 is too expensive. I understand the idea of not just ordering tap water and taking up a dinner table but we also spent £50 on food. It's not all about Adnams. Make non-alcoholic options more affordable!

Lovely setting in Walberswick village- lots of outdoor tables set in beautiful gardens - good food and service- very enjoyable experience

Stayed at the Bell many times over the years. Slightly disappointed this time. Firstly the positives - lovely staff and spotlessly clean room. On the second day our room wasn't serviced until 3,30.p.m. and this was rectified when I found a member of staff. On our last night only lunch menu available for dinner - no specials and the only dessert available ice cream or sorbet. We had this on our first night - 3 miniscule scoops of ice cream and sorbet that barely covered the base of the dessert dish. Also seems to be an abundance of chips with everything on the menu. The choice on the menu seems to have detiorated over the last few years.

Our go to pub in the Summer for several years, unfortunately the prices have gone up, understandable in the current climate, but the food quality has gone down. We were disappointed. Will try again as maybe a one off.

We stayed here last week to celebrate my 71st birthday. This is a wonderful old pub full of quirky character with a very relaxing vibe. We booked in for dinner B&B. It was all terrific. We had a very good dinner with generous portions. The...

Delightful “olde worlde pub” you must visit if you are in the area. Wibbly wobbly floors and little cubby rooms everywhere. Very interesting surroundings. The cod fish and chips with tartar sauce and mint mushy peas scored a high 10/10 for us. Crispy batter, fresh...

Nice atmosphere, pleasant beer garden with views. Good selection of local beers. We didn't try the food but the menu looked interesting.

Having been going to The Bell for 15 years plus, I am sorry to say that the lunch we had yesterday was dreadful - my wife’s fish and chips was mainly batter - my crab salad (£24) contained hardly any crab - of the puddings,...

This used to be the go to place. A lovely walk over the bridge from Southwold or on the ferry. But now it’s gone “poncy” £5.50 for proper pub chips it says. They were frozen chips from brakes/3663. Proper chips at that price should be...

Really disappointed, I’ve been coming to the Bell for years. This is our first visit since covid. This used to be a pub known for great food, doesn’t do Sunday lunch anymore, and ingredients that appeared to be heated rather than cooked. Real shame

A lovely traditional oldie worldie pub. After a walk in the area we stumbled across this lovely pub. Great for lunch.

Stopped in after a nice winters walk on the beach. Good choice of ales and a GF ale on tap! Although we didn’t have any we were recommended the Victoria sponge by another customer. Dog friendly.

The service was brilliant, food was great and location is amazing. Good family friendly location, the garden was clean and just a short walk from the pier.

I very rarely do Tripadvisor but felt I should after having spent the weekend there. Quickly flicking through previous reviews they all mention the staff - and they’re spot on. We couldn’t have wished for a friendlier bunch of people - Mo, Sam, the Assistant...

Always a warm welcome from Mo, an absolute credit to The Bell with an eye for the friendliest and most accommodating service. Fantastic food and drinks earlier on in the year and around the festive period. Thanks Mo 👌🏽

No complaints food excellent as was the service and ambiance Would recommend the Sunday roast and Adams cider

The staff were all very friendly. We walked from southwold , which isn’t far away, and arrived to a lovely warm open fire. They have a great drink selection, the food looked lovely and lots to pick from. We didn’t eat but will next time....

Had an amazing Sunday lunch, with great service. Great location for a walk along the beach after. Would highly recommend…

Probably the worse lunch time meal I’ve ever had. Lovely pub but average staff and awful food. Could be so much better considering how many people travel there for the day or holiday. Maybe this is the reason.

Went for supper at 8:30pm. Ordered drinks and was then told kitchen was closed. No negotiation. (Website states 9pm.) Stayed for the drinks but as the bar was wet with spilt beer and the staff looked like they were desperate to go home, we went...

One can either walk over the Bailey Bridge or take the little ferry across the Blythe estuary; probably more fun to go over the bridge to get there and take the ferry on your return. The Bell Inn has a very cozy feeling and serves...

Ok to not have any booking but when arrived sat in dining room to be told was closed. Moved to one of the other rooms to be told was reserved. Had to eat outside but was a warm evening so ok. Food ordering chaotic and...

We had an evening meal which was lovely (great fish and chips and scampi) and warmly welcomed by the bar staff. We returned for lunch the following day however a different bar staff with a cool reception and much different to the night before. Not...

We are local. Elderly relative with reduced mobility visiting. Tried to visit the Bell. Car park reserved for residents, nearest public car park too far for relative to walk as seemingly no parking for those with reduced mobility (he doesn't have a blue badge as...

We’ve been to this pub for food numerous times and can’t fault it. However, today we arrived at around 1.45pm, was given menus by the barmaid, found a table, ordered drinks at the bar and then a few minutes later went back to order food....

We visited The Bell late December 2021 at lunchtime and cannot praise this place enough! Firstly we were greeted by the warmth of a fire which after a long winter walk was very welcome. The layout of the pub is such that the tables are...

We chose to eat here for two of the three nights we stayed in the area as there were more choices on their menu - I enjoyed the Katsu chicken burger the first night and a seafood platter the second night. The burger was first-rate....

Stayed a night for a break. Great place to stay. Very comfortable. The staff were all excellent, friendly, helpful, pleasant. Dinner was some of the best cooking we have experienced. First class. Breakfast also.

Thank you very much to all at The Bell for a fantastic weekend. Lovely comfy clean rooms and delicious food. Your pub came recommended to us and that was fully justified! See you again!

Was looking for a pub meal after messing about on the beach (yes I know it was November). Read the menu and instead of going for a standard "Fish 'n' chips" or similar went for mussels, with pan fried hake, chowder with cockles. Staggered, one...

Our three night break at the Bell Inn Walberswick was very relaxing. The food was excellent the whole place was very clean and our bed was so comfortable. Thank you to Jess & Jordan for being so nice and friendly and looking after us. All...

Saturday lunch, a pint and a sandwich. Staff very friendly, local Adnams just as it should be. Sandwich menu quite limited, only 3 options, but what there was, was excellent, quickly served, , well filled, fresh, and chunky,, looked appetising., and tasted great. Just what...

Fantastic pub, great location and faultless food and beers - what’s not to love !!!! Our group had ‘Smokies’ and fish-finger sandwiches - absolutely delicious.

This is by far and away the best pub i the village. The staff are great, pleasant friendly and helpful. The interior is a lovely old pub, with small rooms and a cosy feeling to it. They sell a good range of Adnams beers which...

There were seven of us for this meal and we ordered much of what was on the menu. The food was well produced and very nice and the service was very good too

Great little pub serving good quality homemade food. Full of of character with a variety of smaller rooms - one of which housed a darts board and we enjoyed a game whilst waiting for the kitchen to open - check the website for food serving...

Called in on spec for a late-ish lunch and very pleased that we did. A relatively small menu, no problem with that and even then several choices we could have made. In the end we both chose prawn and crayfish cocktail sandwiches on granary bread...

Looking for an evening meal while staying locally. Had tried to get in the Anchor up the road but was booked up. Arrived here at around 5:30pm to be told they dont open until 6pm and it was suggested we dont turn up too late...

Second visit in the last three months. Southwold and the surrounding area are suffering staff shortages. While there were restrictions on numbers able to be served our food was tasty and fresh. Many thanks indeed for managing to still be open unlike so many…

New to the areas and came across this charming and busy pub/ restaurant on a Monday. We didn’t need a full meal so opted for the sandwiches/ snacks. So glad we did: we chose prawn and crayfish sandwich and the fish finger brioche. Super food,...

I arrived at the pub with my young family 20mins after the doors opened to be told there were no tables for dinner (no prebookings are allowed), worse still that they did not operate a waiting list. We were told "it's every person for himself...

A full pub, but we were shown to a table, having asked if lunch was available. There were clear signs showing the Kitchen is open 12 - 2 pm. A few minutes later we approached the bar and ordered drinks and only then ( at...

We loved staying here. The breakfasts were really good and plenty of it. We stayed in room number 2, which was lovely, all be it small, but had everything we needed including a beautiful view. The staff were lovely too. We would definitely stay again...

A warm welcome despite lockdown easing and a heatwave Tables were free - the food was delicious and everyone warm and friendly

We’ve been coming to Southwold since 2014 but never used the ferry, wish we had. We visited the Bell for lunch & it was fantastic. Friendly welcome, great choice of food, obviously sea food and a great choice of beers. At this time you may...

We love Thd Bell and are regular visitors. The setting is fab in the heart of this lovely quintessentially English village. Most importantly Tom, JoJo & the team are friendly & welcoming!

A lovely pub in Walberswick. We had booked and arrived a little early as it was raining. This was no problem and the staff were very helpful and friendly. We both had a delicious fish pie and sticky toffee pudding, lovely!

Beautifully presented food. Perfectly cooked and delicious. Attentive and efficient service. Light and airy surroundings.

Lovely feel about the place helped by very friendly staff. Food very good. Quality of room excellent. Well worth giving it a try.

Called in at 11.30am on a hot day for a drink after walking the circuit across ferry up the river and back over the Bailey bridge; asked if we could have lunch and told full, but a a way was found to fit us in...

We had pre-booked for an evening meal, arrived early and had drinks in the garden. We ate inside - food was excellent with a wide choice and something for everyone. The service was friendly and attentive both inside and out, and there is a great...

Was advised tables outside are not able to be booked and to turn up. Travelled over an hour to get there thinking we can have a nice meal in the garden to be told they were fully booked??

We had two fantastic meals this week at the Bell. We booked well ahead. All our meals were excellent quality and served promptly. Excellent fish pie, fish and chips, salads and puds. The young staff were working so hard in weird times and did a...

We went in to the Bell Inn for a nice hot cup of tea and coffee to warm up after grabbing in Walberswick. This charming pub has so many cute and cosy little nooks and crannies, that we got very comfortable. Once the rain started,...

A visit to The Bell is one of must-do things whenever we stay in Southwold. Currently taking bookings only (until June 21st 🤞🏼), you've gotta book early to get in here. Our family of four had croque monsieurs, a fish finger sandwich (OMG, this is...

Really lovely old pub by the harbour, had a walk along the river before going for dinner. Not a lot of parking though. Lovely pub with nooks and crannies to sit in. Food was really good, great service, lots of choice, good value. Friendly, helpful...

Booked ahead for two visits during our stay, food was excellent as previously experienced, only disappointment was the Cockle & Clam starter which was described as served on sourdough toast, wasn't really toast as no crunch and a bit soggy, still the rest tasted great!

Staying on Southwold and crossed over the river to explore. What a lovely little find The Bell was after walking Royden Fen! Down here for a few days break so didn’t know the area. One of the locals directed us to this pub. Due to...

We booked for lunch in the garden. The whole experience was exceptional, especially the efficiency and friendliness of the staff. Food was excellent too. Well done all of you in these difficult times.

Visited on the Saturday of the bank holiday and, having booked ahead, had a lovely meal in one of the beach huts in the beer garden. As always the food, drink and service were excellent. Due to COVID restrictions only outdoor dining was available and,...

If we could give a rating of zero, we would! We have tried many times over the past year to support this local pub, and have been turned away almost every time! They appear to be using the book to avoid disappointment as a scapegoat...

Since lifting restrictions and outdoors hospitality reopening I’ve been to a few places but this was the best. All very safe but also very friendly and efficient. They have nailed how to deliver safely but also very proficiently, whereas other places are trying hard but...

Quality fish, good chips and a superb pint of Ghostship! Friendly Staff greeted us, we were made to feel safe under the current restrictions and the beer was great! What more could you want?!

We have visited this pub many times with our children many times over the years and it just gets better. Booked table on the app, greeted at the door and shown to our table, all felt COVID secure and well organised. We booked for an evening meal after lockdown 2 and it was so lovely to be out. The meals were lovely; beautiful fish and chips (a choice of mushy peas would be amazing) and husband had pork belly which he said was perfect. The kids were also well catered for and had a good time. A lovely surprise of mince pies with our bill.Also service was faultless and friendly. Can’t wait to visit again

Our group of six braved some awful weather to make it here from Southwold. The Bell is a bit larger than you may think, but the bar area is simply superb. My views were echoed by a fellow guest from Yorkshire who regarded it as...

Fell into this pub after a lengthy dog walk and bagged a table for lunch. Covid arrangements were working well, and service was swift and friendly. Delicious burger for me, prawn and sunblush tomatoes etc, warm, for her. The dog thoroughly enjoyed meeting other canine customers. Not haute cuisine but goodness it was a lovely antidote to Suffolk coastal rain and wind!

Handling Covid restrictions very well and serving excellent food. All the food was excellent but the Baked Alaska was sublime.

This had been recommended by friends and didn’t disappoint. It was a fun trip. We walked from Southwold along the beach and took the rowing boat ferry to Walberswick. The inn is easy to find and very inviting with very helpful staff, Addams beer and lovely food. Whitebait followed autumnal Suffolk version of tartiflette was delightful and very filling!

Booked lunch in advance and seated at the very end of an annexe when plenty of tables nearer the bar. Very soulless room Staff not interested in serving which is a problem when only table service available Not an enjoyable experience

Nice looking pub . The garden wasn't the best, only OK. The food was just about alright, no more than that.

We have eaten here many times over the years and it does not change. We both had battered fish and chips which were delicious.

I booked this online as we were staying in Southwold. We had a lovely walk over to Walberswick via the Bailey Bridge and were not disappointed with our meal. We all had different main meals and desserts and all 5 of us were very happy. My husband was particularly impressed with his dessert - pineapple baked Alaska- best ever dessert apparently . We were in a small alcove all on our own so we’re very happy with the space we had with the Covid guidelines. You can also take in dogs - so another bonus! Would definitely recommend. The ferry back was great too- our dog loved it!

Booked for lunch with friends. Excellent COVID system, very organised. Staff friendly and professional. Food well presented and absolutely delicious. I am renowned for finding fault but not for this meal. Enough range on the menu to suit all but not too much so that you wonder if dishes are mass produced. Well done to The Bell

Lovely meal at The Bell on our first night in Walberswick. We arrived earlier than our booking and were offered our table or one in the sunny garden which we thought was very flexible during these restricted times. Staff were super friendly. Food choice for us was excellent and both were happy with our selections. Enjoyed so much - booked again for tonight.

Visited as a family of four midweek on the eat out for less offer. The food was delicious and service was great too. Overall a very pleasant experience and would definitely recommend.

Stayed here for a couple of nights and thoroughly enjoyed the stay, the food and how professionally the Bell staff took social distancing and peoples well-being into consideration.Yes, you have to book if you would like to eat or drink indoors, but thats the sacrifice being made to help protect each other. Accomodation was lovely and a real bargain. Breakfast excellent and two evening meals we had were also pretty good. Its an Adnams pub, so beer is obvioulsy great.All in all, just great. Best wishes to all the staff.

My family and I love this pub/restaurant. Excellent food and service. During covid staff are taking slavery precaution to keep everyone safe and sheds built for diners who would like to eat outside. You can eat at the outside tables also if you wish but we thought the decorated sheds were an excellent idea and should be kept after covid.

Great bar Having an early Prosecco In the beer garden sitting in a beach hut Great idea for social distancing

Went in to ask if they had a table for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow. Staff all wearing masks- none so much as say hello or acknowledge your presence. Hospitality industry seem to have forgotten manners and a welcome is important! When eventually spoken to, asked if they had a table to which I was told we would have to book about a week in advance....in fact, he didn’t even let me finish my sentence - if he’d bothered to ask, he’d have found out we wanted an early meal and could have accommodated us. The place was virtually empty - about 4 tables occupied. Like so many of these places, they are so extreme in their response to coronavirus, they are losing money hand over fist. And the taxpayer is expected to foot the bill. When they cannot stay open because they’ve shunted their customers, it’ll be no less than they deserve. Not a good experience.

Gorgeous food. Great choice and so tasty and beautifully presented. Best I have had in a very long time

Great choice from the menu of well cooked food all nicely presented. Service good. fully recommended

Turned up on a Thursday evening just for a drink. We got greeted by a lad in a mask before we had even reached the door asking if we had booked. We only wanted a drink having walked from Southwold. We got told that all the drinking tables were full. No offer of a spot of lawn to sit on or a chance to wait. Turned round and walked back. It was my Birthday.

We have just returned from a lovely trip to the Bell inn, Walberswick.Excellent service throughout & lovely staff who were all really friendly, polite & helpful. The room was very pleasant & clean.Ate a wonderful 3 course meal in the restaurant & all courses were delicious, plentiful, well presented & really tasty, washed down by a very nice & reasonably priced Malbec & Adnams beer. Breakfast was also really tasty, with a nice choice of food and we returned for another excellent lunch time meal. Cannot wait to plan a return trip & highly recommend.

The booked table was free when we arrived. The Adnams beer was fantastic and the service was attentive. Starters were ok but restricted menu mains were overcooked and terribly overpriced and stodgy. The surroundings were great but we didn't stay for desserts.Will return for drinks but will give the food a miss.

First visit to a pub post lockdown, felt very comfortable here, greeted by very polite staff and sat in the beautiful garden sipping cold rose, tables spaced at good distance, would have loved to eat here inside but just run out of time!!

A big well done to all at The Bell for a great new normal dining experience. Really loved the shortened menu - only problem was that I wanted to order it all! Clam and cockle starter, fish pie main and baked Alaska pud all really tasty and served up super friendly and without fuss despite adherence to all the rules and regs. My first pint of Adnams bitter in 16 weeks wasn’t bad either! We shall return.

Stayed for 2 nights in January. The rooms are fairly small but this after all a very old building. The pub has bags of character. Full marks to the staff both bar and cleaning. The rooms were immaculately kept. My one reservation though being the size of the rooms which are perfect for a single person but would be cramped for two people Staying for any length of time. Being an Adnams pub the beer was well kept.

Popped in after walking from Dunwich. Has a wonderful old world feel. Selection of food is wonderfull, and it's easier to decide the odd dish you might not want than ones you want - and thats only because of personal preference, not the menu. I had a wonderful Fish finger in Ciabatta accompanied by a sid portion of chips. It was so good that i went out of my way 2 days later to have i again. Old Ale is wonderful. Malbec wines good quality and served at perfect temp. My wife had a flaked smoked fish in cheese sauce dish which was equally wonderful. this is my ideal pub, and if you look at my reviews of others I have been to in the past, it proves that just because you have a constant influx of customers, that you can't serve them well. Credit to the staff too, very friendly, welcoming and helpful.

A great place to visit, I prefer out of season as it get so busy in the school holidays. Friendly staff and good food, especially the pie.