The Bell Inn in Great Yarmouth

We found this fantastic pub whilst staying at a nearby caravan park, and I'm so glad we did. The setting is wonderful beside the broads. Shame it was chucking it down whilst we were there. The service was impeccable. Staff were all very accommodating. The food was amazing. Large portions, so beware. We had no room for pudding. I had the chicken Caesar salad, amazing. My father plumped for the pie and he said he'd never seen such an array of veggies on his plate. Other dishes sampled included the scampi, and my son had a burger from the children's menu, said it was the best he'd ever eaten. Thoroughly recommend giving the Bell a try, you won't regret it.

Tried to book a table for 12 people for October, only to be told by a very curt lady that no bookings are taken for over 6 people. Now when we all go out once a month we spend alot of money, i cant understand why a business would turn down a large booking?

We stopped by hoping for a drink and a bite to eat. Unfortunately there was a nationwide issue with card payments and they could only take cash, of which we had just a small amount. While buying drinks we had a laugh and a joke that we were scraping our cash together and we didn’t have enough cash for food. While enjoying our drinks the ladies behind the bar brought us two bowls of chips on the house as we didn’t have enough money for food. We were overwhelmed at such a nice gesture and they were lovely chips too. Thank you so much!

Popped in for a drink on our way to Norwich. Lovely day, thought we'd sit in the garden. Waited at what we thought was a bar to order drinks to be told you need to go to the middle bar to order food and drinks, I said we only want drinks to be told that it was a collection bar only...!! Then the bar person said ...middle bar in a stern voice no smile, very rude. We left and went to another pub, what a contrast in terms of customer service and politness. We shan't be going to the Bell Inn again. My suggestion would be that staff go on a customer care course and the signage clearer. It was like queuing up in a fast food establishment.

Unfortunately we left. Very not us ! Nothing on the menu grabbed us and was quite dear, funky odour, very busy and chaotic as it was so busy. BUT looked like many happy diners, just not for us.

Excellent service, traditional pub menu and very good meals in a very good location with a very well tendered beer garden by the river

Summer trip out we went to The Bell Inn for a light lunch - ordered a ploughman's and a pizza from the outside shack to share. Pizza was fresh and a good amount of toppings. Good quality ham and cheese in the ploughman's Only thing is the outside table/seats could do with a bit of maintenance as some of the wood was loose. Lovely setting and quick service even though it was busy.

My grandson remembered the chicken burger that he had last year when we last visited and on his recommendation of it being the best chicken burger he had ever tasted four of us ordered it. Mine was very good My daughter enjoyed the curry and my wife found the chicken to be very tender and succulent. All in all a very enjoyable meal which we agreed was good pub fare derived efficiently in a friendly manner.

First time in 30 years we have visited The Bell at St Olaves ,even though we only live 5 miles away. Now the food was great absolutely no complaints,but for us the staff were excellent,we were four at times rather loud pensioner’s and the poor girl bringing the food out looked a little confused at times but did grasp our sense of humour. I didn’t get the names of staff but we were there tonight 09/02/24 so take a bow you were all brilliant and we will be back

Yet again a lovely lunch. The staff are all superb, which makes a huge difference, and can be a decider for us. The food was great. The chicken goujons my OH had as a starter, was such a massive portion I could have happily had them for a mains with a side of garlic bread! Mains of pasta and fish & chips were brilliant. Couldn't manage a desert. We eat here several times a year, as we are local, and it never disappoints. It is not fine dining, but does not pretend to be. It is a lovely pub! The food is excellent, the prices very fair, and the staff are always lovely. What more could anyone want?

We’d passed the pub many times and always wanted to call in but it was never the right time. Managed to pop in today and the first thing that struck us was how cold the place was. We hadn’t intended to eat but having found a table by the fire and seen the menu, we were minded to until we were asked to move to accommodate a larger party. Fair enough, but it was the only warm spot in the pub! We were told that the heating was on (the radiators were barely warm) but when the staff are wearing thick jumpers you know something isn’t right. The place was clean, the beer was good, the food looked nice but we won’t be trying it this side of the Spring!

The wife and I decided to go out for lunch at the bell inn on Sunday the 8th October, the food was delicious i had the beer battered catch of the day the wife had scampi, the restaurant section has a cozy atmosphere there is also a nice choice of larger on draft which was nice, however the dark haired lady behind the bar was rather quiet rude and abrupt when we asked for menus by snapping at us as she was taking a order at the time which we was unaware of as we had just entered the pub, she was also repeatedly rude and condescending to the young boy whilst we was ordering are drinks who I assume to be a new bartender in training, i do not usually leave many reviews but i think her attitude was appalling.

We ate here 3 times during our stay just further down the road. Friendly, helpful staff. Great menu and the food was fab. Great portion sizes.

We called in on the off chance and were allocated a table even though they appeared very busy. We both opted for a roast beef Sunday lunch and we weren't disappointed, the food was lovely and hot, well presented and there was plenty of it. We didn't have room for dessert. Staff were all very pleasant and very good customer service. Thank you

The pub is lovely and in a great setting right on the river, we had fish and chips for lunch .. the fish was tasteless and very watery and not nice considering it's price!! Also the staff behind the bar were unfriendly and curt like it was a chore to serve us. What a shame.

Beautiful Country Pub on the River … Met here with Family & Friends for an Outdoor Lunch and a few drinks. Food was Lovely across the Menu from Sandwiches to Fish & Chips. Good Size portions and not skimped ! Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here … We will defiantly make a point of stopping off here again 😊

Unfortunately the food at this restaurant was very disappointing. We had fish and chips and a butter milk chicken burger and chips. The butter milk burger was dry. And the fish and chips was the worst ever had. The fish had huge bones in it - with no warning on the menu to say the fish may or does contain bones. There should be a warning. The chips were still raw inside and the peas were hard. Would not recommend and won’t be returning in the future.

We saw this place on the drive in to Fritton. All seemed good to start with views in garden were lovely with a beautiful sunset and we all found something we liked on the menu. Unfortunately the smell outside was really bad like sewage so we went in doors which was also really nice and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Again unfortunately the food wasn’t great at all. I had a burger which was on the menu as Angus. I’ve had Angus meat before this wasn’t it. My partner and mum had a trio of butchers sausages these also weren’t butchers sausages. Myself and our boys all had over cooked chips. Really average meal with a not so average price.

We dined in this establishment on the 28/08/2023 Service and the overall atmosphere was excellent! Unfortunately we cannot recall the name of our server but she was wonderful very friendly to us and our dog, overall very accommodating for our furry friend. Food was okay, everything was clean and seemed up to standard. We had bi-passed the bank holiday rush and whilst we were there received reasonably good service. Unfortunately our problems arose after we left the restaurant. We were charged twice for the 2 mains and 2 drinks that we had. Which sometimes happens and is an easy solve. Or so we thought? So I figured that the easiest option for both me and the business would be to ring them directly and inform them of their mistake so they could rectify. I spoke to a helpful lady on the phone who told me the only way a refund could be issued is if the manager issued it himself, which sounded reasonable to me but after being informed that they had no understanding of his schedule and his availability began to sound like a wild goose chase. The staff member then informed me if I hadn't had a refund or heard anything by that night(30/08/2023) to call the next day. As I hadn't heard anything, I called back, and I had a very different experience - The person I spoke to was Laura, one of the bar staff working at 5pm (31/08/2023). Another member of staff told me that there are 2 people called Laura that work on the bar. I want to make sure that the person I am about to complain about is identified correctly. Laura was very flippant about my situation and told me that if I had called yesterday then it would 'probably' be dealt with. She told me specifically, when I asked about being charged twice, that she 'had no way of checking anything in anyway'. She went so far as to tell me all she has available to her is 'a pen and paper'. I asked if she thought I should go through the bank for the refund she flippantly replied 'probably yes'. She was very unhelpful and I got the sense that she had no time for my query . I asked for an email address and she hurriedly rattled off the address, as she was speaking so hurriedly I struggled to understand her and when I asked her again to repeat herself she hurriedly rattled it off again another 2 times, without caring if I had understood her. After all this it was evident to me she was trying to hurry me off the phone and I ended up finding the email address on their website. I wanted to allow the pub to refund me simply but I have now contacted the bank. I hope that my review will have an impact on the urgency of dealing with customers that have been double charged through no fault of their own as we are in a cost of living crisis and money is precious. This company took an extra £43 from me on Monday the 28th it is now Friday 1st and the money is still missing from my account through no fault of my own. This is 100% their mistake and I hope they can rectify quickly.

Had a lovely family meal at The Bell Inn. Friendly staff, great service and lovely food. The kids said it was their favourite meal of the holiday. Would reckonmend the Buttermilk chicken burger and the Gammon steak. Thanks for a lovely evening. Cheers!

We were given a voucher for here from Xmas so went with some family and was very impressed with portion size and quality, great home cooked food and they reserved us a table next to the cosy roaring fire. Will definitely visit again. Pleasant staff also

Well this visit (August 23) was a big let down, my wife's Scampi and chips had to go back as the Scampi was not cooked and replaced it with Gammon and chips which was ok. Son's pizza 9" (as no 12" left) meat feast was lacking in meat and there was a part that had no meat at all. The only thing that was really good was my Burger. I know that they were busy but they need to maintain their standards.

Not impressed at all , no steak pie or mushroom stroganoff although shown on menu . Food served really quick, prawn cocktail tastless chewy appeared just unfrozen .Chicken tikka masala again tasteless , numerous flies on the ceiling . We went because of good reviews but it was so poor and overpriced. Wouldn't return

Great place for dinner on our journey down to Beccles by boat. Sat outside as we had our dog with us. Went inside to order and gave table number. Service was quick and food was brought out soon after we ordered. Food was lovely and portion sizes were big. Would recommend as a nice meal was had and staff were friendly and chatty as well.

Second time we have visited for a meal and can't fault the food. Service was so quick we were debating whether they were listening in on our conversation as to what everyone was having the kitchen was cooking our food before we ordered.

Very disappointed with this restaurant. We were told that they do not accept bookings but we’re then told we couldn’t sit at the long table (party of 11) as it was reserved??? So we had to be separated. Then once seated we weren’t provided with our menus or told that the kitchen was closing. It was only when we went to order our drinks we were told that we have one minute to order our food otherwise we couldn’t eat. We were extremely lucky if our food was brought all the way over to our table, in most cases they just called over and left it at the bar. It literally took 5 minutes to bring our food out after ordering which also confirms it wasn’t freshly prepared and likely reheated. This all made for an extremely disappointing and uncomfortable experience and for that reason we would not return or recommend. It wouldn’t be so bad if the food made up for the service but even that was average. Staff were unhelpful and unwelcoming, particularly the manager who has zero people skills.

Ate every night at the bell inn it was fantastic portions were big as well, had catch of the day Thursday never had such a big piece of fish please visit if youre in the area you wont be disappointed

The staff here are just so friendly and welcoming, and the pub served a good range of beers and traditional pub food. The desserts were a bit special and well worth trying one, assuming that you have eaten the quite considerable main course portion first!...

Absolutely amazing food, cooked to perfection, decent price, one of the best Gammons I’ve had in over 30 years of eating out, highly recommend. Mooring right outside 5 Star

Comfortable surroundings with friendly, helpful staff. The toilets were clean and well maintained. The food was tasty but the pies we had were very overcooked, and the waffle l chose for dessert (with ice cream) was so hard it snapped in half when l tried...

Very rushed had table reserved but my daughter was running late - she was only a short distance away but phone reception was poor . Staff advised if I couldn’t contact her we wouldn’t be able to place a food order as the kitchen order...

Very friendly, helpful staff. Menu is varied. Prices have increased recently, like everywhere, but this remains excellent value. Eaten there twice in the last couple of weeks. So impressed the first time, went back for more, and it was every bit as good.

Very nice food and great service. Very friendly and accommodating for our two dogs. 100% recommended. Great variety of gins and lovely pale ales. This was by far the Best steak and Ale pie I’ve ever had and I’m 67

We stopped here on a wet Saturday for a spot of lunch. We were made to feel at home and the whole team were friendly and helpful. The Bell is a local pub and yet it still has a modern feel that makes it a...

Great food, lovely staff in a well appointed, traditional but not old fashioned pub. It's on the river, and even if you stay on the furthest moorings away on a boat, it's only a few minutes walk. Lovely staff, who were very attentive, great food...

We’ve visited with friends for a meal on 2 occasions, the food is really nice and good quality, the staff are friendly and the setting is beautiful, the restaurant is cosy but in better weather it would be lovely to sit outside next to the...

Lovely food and service. Huge portion of chips with each meal and good value for money. All the staff were kind and friendly. Great waterfront setting for summer

Went to the bell with my daughter's and granddaughters on a Saturday night. Had reserved a table, the chair I sat on was stained and scruffy. I ordered the Yorkshire pudding with Cumberland sausage. When it came it did not look very good or apertising,...

This is a great pub on the bank's of the Waveney. It offers a wide variety of beers and wines and a great selection of food, all at reasonable prices. The staff were very pleasant and really helpful.

We spotted this lovely Inn while holidaying in Beccles and after a morning in Yarmouth. It was a beautiful day and we sat in the garden having drinks then moved inside, to have a lovely meal in delightful surroundings. There were 8 of us ranging...

We arrived here on the last evening of our stay in Norfolk. Being the bank holiday we arrived just half an hour before food orders were stopped. Three adult meals and drinks for £50 an absolute bargain. The meals arrived soon after arriving (20 mins)...

We went here on our first night of a holiday. It was very hot and we ate outside - turns out to be not such a good idea as there were wasps wanting to help us eat and drink! We enjoyed the food and the...

Popped in and out over the last weekend, great sunny garden, friendly staff, good beers and a very relaxed atmosphere. Didn't eat here as we already had a table booked elsewhere on Saturday, but the food looked and smelled amazing. Would definitely visit again.

Right next to the River so plenty to see , Plenty of outside sitting or inside if a little chilly , Food served hot and a varied good value menu . We were on holiday and eat there 3 times Shame kitchen shuts at 8pm...

We thought the setting was lovely the staff were lovely ,but the food is not good they need a new chef , I sent my meal back as the chicken was chewy not nice and the rest of it was tasteless , my family didn’t...

Dropped in for a drink and snacks on the way home with our son and two boys after a nice day out. Abrupt lady took our order then told us in no uncertain terms to go to the other end of the bar to collect...

Ordered 3 main meals after our starters ... asked for chunky chips with melted Motzerella but even checking with kitchen had small fries and just cheese sprinkled on top ( the meals were already coming with skinny fries so really shouldn't have been that hard...

This is a place to go for a big lunch. It’s the riverside location that draws passers by like myself. The rather strange system of going to one end of the bar to see what beers they have, then going to the other end to...

We had been meaning to visit "the bell inn" for a while having just moved not far, We were not disappointed !!! The fabulous river setting is lovely, we went for lunch I had the scampi & chips & peas with tartar sauce it was...

Cannot believe the recent bad reviews. We are local (only 3 miles away) but because of Covid and one of us being on the clinically extremely vulnerable register, we have not been for 3 years. But we went yesterday lunchtime, and were very happy. The...

I can't believe the welcome you get on arrival when told not to get comfortable as we are closing early tonight not sorry sir we will be closing soon as a local and living not more than 100 yards from this I will never visit...

Horrible blonde woman took our drinks order, initially came here to eat but didn’t get food because she spoiled our appetite! good location, rude staff and dated decor .

The last thing you want is miserable grumpy barmaids, that is exactly what we got. A smile costs nothing, if you really dislike a job don't do it, or hide it alot.

Went for lunch with my wife today 7th June, we were not disappointed, prawn sandwiches and salad, and skin-on chips were a-maz-ing Top service, top quality, top food, and top staff. This owner knows his stuff. Our go-to lunch/dinner venue

No complaints. Staff friendly. Was quite quiet on the Sunday after jubilee bank holidays. Have been at busier times and sat in the large garden. Service experienced was good. Food arrived quickly and was well presented. Portions are large so of you have a big...

Went to lunch there today (Jubilee Thursday) with four friends. It was very busy and we were told there would be a delay with the food order, literally five minutes after giving our order the food was on the table, lovely food and great service,...

I was one of a party of five women dining midweek 6pm. We meet up once a month and dine out and thought we would try the Bell as we haven’t been there for a long time. The pub itself is lovely, we had booked...

Went there after a walk, a party of 8. All the food came out quick and it was amazing and delicious. The main were nice and the pudding were just as amazing- everyone enjoyed the food with no Complaints.

Have eaten here previously lots of times and always impressed. However not so much today. Chicken burger was just ok, bun tasted odd and was quite hard. Chips weren’t very warm. Food was definitely overpriced for what it was. Probably won’t go here again

Out driving with Management-wife-and stopped for a drink at The Bell. St, Olaves, could not help seeing fish and chips being wheeled, or should I say WHALED out, so ordered a portion between us-we had recently had a sausage roll at nearby Nature reserve. We...

Best coleslaw ever ❤, second time in a week we visited this pub, amazing food, so tasty, had beef stroganoff, fillet beef was amazing, top quality, so much, couldnt eat it all, this place is worth a visit and staff are so freindly.

Worst roast dinner I have ever had, 2 potato’s each and loads of unseasoned veg and dry meat. No taste what so ever! When we asked for more potatoes we was told they do have any. Shame as it’s a lovely pub just badly run

Lovely place on the riverside. Nice menu with lots of choices. Food was really good and fast service. Lots of beers to choose from and very affordable

We visited on a Saturday afternoon at short notice (we had nothing booked) We were greeted by the lovely Teagan and a team of friendly helpful servers, we had a nice meal and drinks, in a lovely setting and left happy. The food was all...

My friend and I popped in for a snack today. We hadn't booked a table but we were welcomed anyway. After looking at the menu we decided to have a Sunday roast! As we neither of us are big eaters my friend asked if we...

Staying on the broads phoned and booked a table. The place was very busy but the staff and food were really good despite the number of people there. Food typical pub food or pizza, decent portions good value for money.

We booked mid afternoon for 4 people seating inside and we were met with the usual staff members who quickly got us seated and then asking what drinks we would like. That done it was not long after that our orders were taken, about the...

We had a lovely afternoon beside the river on a glorious day. We only stopped for a drink but we were tempted to try the pizza. Probably the best pizza we've ever had - freshly made, perfectly cooked, crispy but soft dough, lots of topping....

Hi, I visited the Bell today and hadn't been for a few years. We initially were just stopping for a drink, but the outside pizza cabin was producing such good looking pizza, we had to have some. I must say it was the best pizza...

Recommended by a local lad and wasn’t disappointed. Fantastic little view with it backing in the water and the food was another level and huge portions. Great value for money and extremely fast service.

Our dinner on Saturday 18 September 2021 was not a great experience. The glee with which we were met was more to do with us being their last booking of the night, than with welcoming us for our meal. The dining room was hot and...

We never got to eat here as there was nowhere to park. No marked parking spaces. Cars parked everywhere, packed out. Took a while to get out of the car park no spaces and exits blocked by inconsiderate drivers parking irresponsibly.

Great food - had some of the Bbq items and some from the main pub menu. The pulled pork burger was gorgeous. 😁 The location is brilliant. Service was good and attentive.

Great meal and great value at this place we had a table of 9 last night inside as it was raining on and off and we preferred the Penang curries the chicken tikka as and various other dishes . Friendly service lovely staff and the...

Perfect position beside the river. Vast number of outside tables. Well organised ordering of food and drinks. Staff efficient, friendly and welcoming. Large car park. Food and drink can be ordered and paid for online. Food was delicious, couldn’t fault it. Tables clean. Glad we...

Amazing service ana was the food would highly recommend this waterside restaurant. Great COVID things in place which is great. Staff were amazing.

We saw the Bell on our way to staying st Hopton. We rang for a table and they were heavily booked but got us in at short notice. It was our first holiday with our dog and they were happy for her to come in,...

We booked a table here for lunch time as evenings are extremely busy and our lunches were delicious. My husband had fish and chips, I had scampi, my daughters had the pizza and the other had chicken tikka. All food was tasty and the portions...

Visited today for lunch with our 2 dogs. We were very impressed with everything the staff were all very organised and very friendly. The food was lovely and served up quickly. Thanks again we will return.

Have passed this lovely pub lots of times when in the area, but finally got around to booking a table! What greeted us was lovely, friendly service. Excellent food, and a great choice, due to the addition of the outside cooking area. Will definitely return...

I’m glad to report for once a pub that got it right, Great food good portions for a change and good staffing, well worth a visit , We have twice visited and plan a 3 rd for Sunday lunch. Unfortunately I would not recommend the...

We were enjoying a staycation in Hemsby and were looking for some where to eat and came across the Bell and was pleasantly surprised. Friendly staff and very good food. Definitely would recommend.

Haven’t visited here for years, but it didn’t disappoint, staff were friendly and very helpful, food was delicious and freshly prepared, have only one small complaint and that is the toilets are clean and modern but the sealant needs removing and replacing (as I said...

Popped in for a beer and was very impressed with the place. On the river with a lovely beer garden, good selection of beers and wine, nice menu and fantastic fresh cooked pizza. Friendly staff and nice relaxed atmosphere to the place. Would definitely recommend...

Visited here with a friend for dinner and drinks on a Monday evening. We sat outside and used the app to order, so far so good. Unfortunately the service that followed was appalling. The starter and mains came out at the same time, resulting in...

We visited this fabulous pub 3 times and ate twice during our holiday. The food was delicious (we chose to eat from the barbeque and pizza hut on one occasion and ordered from the restaurant on another). No complaints and the service and beer were...

Poor customer service along with lack of Knowledge. Tried to make a booking. Called and was fobbed off. Claiming guide lines and rules. Which were all incorrect. Wouldn’t even work with us regarding seating plan etc. Not going to waste my time any further however...

Called in advance for a lunchtime and when arrived the car park was busy , it is a large venue with plenty of space with very nice garden by the riverside, it was a nice day so most people were on the outside tables and...

This was recommended to us and it did not disappoint. If you want to sit inside, then booking well in advance is a must. I tried to book the day before online and it was full already. I called them on the day and they...

Arrived for lunch, first experience was positive, went down hill rapidly. My partner ordered lasagne, didnt want the garlic bread asked to swap was told no swaps allowed, so ended up ordering a side of fries, which coincidentally where cheaper than the garlic bread. Ended...

Booked lunch for 17th June as this is a venue my aunt has eaten at in the past. We were greeted by a rude waitress on arrival and then shown to a corner table in a dingy bar. I was expecting a view of the...

On Wednesday the 16th June, my wife and I called in for a lunchtime snack, it was a glorious sunny day and we got there quite early! The covid measures were very strictly adhered to but caused no problem to us! The staff were all...

We booked a table for lunch following a boat trip (day boat hired from St Places store). They have a large garden next to the river and plenty of tables, most of which were occupied. We were greeted by a lady who was very helpful,...

Great location right by the water. Very efficient and friendly service. Generously sized portions. Very hot and tasty roast Sunday lunch. Puddings were just as good. Outside there was live music, which sounded good too.

Recently stopped by for lunch and having pre-booked were met with a warm greeting and shown to our table on the patio. Order using phone which was simple and service was quick and friendly. Food was excellent and portion were large. We will certainly return...

Had visited here in October excellent covid restrictions. Polite service .So on returning In May booked a week in advance for a meal .Turned up polite man in car park directed us for parking .Booked in .No issues with app for covid etc .But was...

Went here today with friends. It was so busy but luckily we had already booked. Considering how busy it was the staff were great, friendly and efficient. A little wait on the food which was to be expected and didn’t bother us at all as...

We really like this place. Our first eating out venue since the reopening. On arrival we gave our names.contact details. (Lots of hand sanitising stations visible). Polite and warm welcome. Lots of tables spaced out. Along with a markqee we looked at the menus and...

Marquee and outside lights to cope with outside dining. All precautions taken. Had lovely meal, despite -7 degrees being hard going! Staff cheerful and helpful, with online ordering in place. Sorry we couldn't see the inside of the building.

I think, as pretty as the location and place are we were recieved by rudeness. A friend of mine and I came to Suffolk with our children, on the way back from a day in Bury-St-Edmunds we found the pretty Bell in so we decided...