The Bell Inn in Cherwell

Went for the steak night. The two steaks we had were over done but do you know what they were super tasty and it really didn't matter. Now the thing that completely floored me was the wine £7.75 for a medium (NOT large) red wine was seriously a stupid amount of money to charge when the wine can be bought from Aldi for approx £5.50 for the bottle and the fact of the matter the wine with the meal (included) and the glass bought on it's own were rubbish. Cheap and Nasty.

Arrived for an evening meal. Very pleasant welcome from all staff. The meal was excellent and value for money. Would definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Warm welcome, good roast beef and trimmings, family style Sunday lunch. Restaurant full at 12.45, and because we had not booked we were happy to eat in bar. Short menu (a good sign) two roasts or vegetarian. Excellent friendly service. We had not visited the area and pub for many years, and delighted to see it thriving. We’ll be back. We wish the Bell good luck for the future. Oh, and the Hook Norton beers are good too.

Excellent meal this evening for 2 people, clean and tidy restaurant, great service, lovely food, will definitely be back!

my wife & i have visited the bell on a few occasions since it has been taken over by sarah ,it is a lovely clean & airy pub , lovely welcoming staff who are professional & very helpful, they have a very good chef, the food is fantastic , the menu has a lot to choose from & is not expensive. we have already booked again for next week & will be going back with the daughter & the grandchildren & plan to sit in the lovely garden - weather permitting !

What a lovely pub ! The staff are really friendly & welcoming , there’s a large menu with something for everyone, I will tell you that the food is excellent... & not at all pricey ....already booked again!

Fantastic food. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend. Will definitely be back.

Stayed at Bradstones camp site just up the road from this place ,had to book for Sunday lunch via a mobile number which the campsite will supply. Was not disappointed with our lunch cooked fresh no frozen food, you might have to wait a bit but worth it .if we're around the area again will definitely visit both places.

What a find! This is a truly awesome local pub with good service, excellent food, and wonderful people. We have been living in Bourton now for a few months and have felt the warmest of welcomes from the locals and from The Bell. Richard and Emma run a tight ship, with great beer and excellent food. The burgers and fish and chips absolutely rock, but for me it’s the kebab. Yes I said it, the kebab is incredible - Richard sources the best meat and prepares it perfectly - I have one a week and it brings only happiness! If you are looking for great banter, wonderful food, and a very safe environment then look no further, The Bell is an incredible centre of the community and perfect place to escape the ups and downs of life! Perfection!

The Bell is my local pub and I go there at least once a week. Richard and his partner Emma are always friendly and smiling ready to welcome me, even when I turn up on my own I know I will always see a friendly face behind the bar. The food is good value and I recommend the chicken Caesar pizza, my fave. Before lockdown I took my parents for a roast dinner and we really enjoyed it. There is sanitizer and a one way system in place now because of the pandemic, and plenty of covered outdoor space to eat and drink outside.

Such a shame but got to the bell about 5.15pm nice welcome no doubt very chatty manager slightly sarcastic about a question we asked about his pay setup but we ignored that .... has we sat at a table to order food I noticed dog feces on the carpet across from our table ... on telling the staff it was a good 5 mins before it was picked up and then no anti bacterial spray on the carpet not even a clean shocking really!! So then we felt the beer had a smell of needing the pipes cleaned or glasses refreshed ...only pub near to where we were staying and on foot .. we didnt no of anywhere else reachable ..so had food .. now apart from the above and blocking out the fact I had seen the dog @@## we still had to eat something...the burger and southern fried chicken burgers with chips came out and was delicious.. value for money and hot... with having no choise to stay due to the situation of no where else or starve..it did us !! Shame shame spoilt the village experiance for us !!

I have been using this pub for over a year now, myself and friends have found that the place has become very dirty and untidy, the beer and other drinks are not good, we spend a lot of money here and feel that it’s not up to standards, many locals are moaning but don’t say anything, it’s a great pub but needs more attention and to be greeted well , bar staff are miserable and don’t really speak, the whole place needs a revamp - toilets never clean and glasses have been dirty, it’s the height of summer and no Ice! Such a shame for a lovely pub. Please sort it out. Us locals love it - you need to love it too.

A group of our village friends have been meeting up in The Bell every Friday evening for drinks & a chat. The new Landlord, Richard, has transformed the atmosphere, decor and food. This pub has had a chequered history due to frequent changes of landlord but we now clearly have a winner who is clearly very experienced & understands what is required of a small pub located in a small village but having a much larger catchment area. All guests are made to feel very welcome; the decor and food offered has been transformed & are now of the very best. On this occasion our "Friday Group" met up for dinner which was excellent & which we plan to repeat in the future. Apart from the excellent quality & wide choice of food the furnishings, decor & service were all good.

This pub opens every day from noon till late seven days a week , lunch is 12 pm until 3 pm. Evening dining is 6 pm to 9 pm.

We had been recommended by friends to try the bell as new owners had recently taken over.. all I can say is wow!! The food was fantastic and all freshly cooked, the staff were welcoming and not intrusive while eating. This pub has been transformed into a warm, cosy welcoming establishment. All very reasonably priced too! When we went in it was full even with people having bar snacks at the bar. 10/10 for food, service and atmosphere.

Just had one of the best steak and ale pies I’ve ever had wow! Menu looks very will be back to sample more of there food, beer good too

A Saturday busy lunch time and pop in for a quick pint and a pie. Good company; good beer. What's not to like?

We were staying at Barnstones Caravan Site for the weekend and popped in at Saturday lunchtime. We had 3 dishes off of the bar snacks menu. The food was nice but quite small portions. They are bar snack after all I suppose. They are about starters size. The whitebait wasn’t very crispy but the squid and chicken wings were ok. It’s a lovely little pub with separate bar and dining areas. Local beer and gin and treats on the bar for Bella (our dog). Staff were friendly.

Visited on a Bank Holiday weekend whilst staying at a local caravan park. Quoting a code word on ordering secured a 10% discount on the price of our meals. We both ordered fish and chips and were surprised at how small the fish was, I would say we had half a fillet each. At a full price of around £13 it was not good value at all.Was asked if everything was OK and complained about the size of the fish, no apology or anything else was forthcoming. Disappointing really.

Rob and Jodie have done a fantastic job over the last year to rebuild this pub to what it should be and that is the heart and soul of this beautiful little village. My wife and I feel so lucky to have moved to the village four weeks ago and can now call this our local. Great food, great atmosphere and wonderful friendly people to spend lunch or dinner with. Bands, Aunt Sally on a Thursday evening and wonderful staff. We cut short a visit to another local pub where we had gone to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary to come back to our local for a wonderful pudding and some laughs!!

Discovered this place following a small sign outside the Barnstones Caravan Site. Short walk leads to everyone’s expectations of a typical village local. Car parking round the back although I’m sure with consideration there would be room on the roadside if it was full. Lovely inside. Very nicely decorated using a subtle choice of colours. Ample comfy seating and solid dining chairs and tables. The background music was calming and easy listening. Just perfect. Outside a very pleasant garden area creating a space that is good for sitting and chatting and eating. The young lady serving us couldn’t have been nicer. Not a massive menu but interesting enough to find something you will enjoy. Vegetarian options are available. We had the homemade pie which was delicious. The dish was well presented with three vegetables cooked perfectly. The mash potatoes were garnished which so simply added to the appearance and anticipated taste. The choice of ales was good coming from the Hook Norton Brewery. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday lunch and we will certainly be visiting again.

Ignoring the reviews, we tried it on a Thursday for dinner. Simple pub menu, a couple of dishes were off. Pies had good pastry, no soggy bottoms here, great fish, skin on chips with good flavour.Well kept beer and several choices.Staff couldn't have been better, only downside was regular use of the door to the garden which made things draughty.... Take a jumper or sit away from that door.Well recommended.

Staying locally with a large number of friends. Glad we did not listen to some local opinion and that we DID try this pub. An absolute delight; modern clean décor, friendly and helpful staff and although not an extensive menu there was something for everyone. There is the added bonus of a very pleasant outside seating area. All of our meals were good - the pie especially so - and although we did not have room for desserts there was plenty there to tempt us. Good value for money. We understand that The Bell is under relatively new management and from our experience they deserve support and success. We will certainly return on our next visit to the area.

Recently walked up to the bell searching for a new local. We ended up staying all day! Today we returned for a roast - it was excellent! Such a great pub, friendly service and great atmosphere- highly recommend.

Beautiful, fresh food cooked with love! We had such a lovely experience. Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Bar was well stocked and drinks tasted fresh. Really happy and will definitely return. Hope this place succeeds! Well done The Bell.

Pleasant well run village pub, with a good choice of food on the menu. We had freshly cooked smoked haddock fish cakes and a Bell beef-burger. The food was delicious, hot, and and served with good skin-on chips. Service was friendly and helpful, and a few small bottles of Prosecco helped celebrate a birthday! A good choice for us on this occasion, but as it was a weekday lunchtime, the pub was rather quiet.

Been before and highly recommend it and the staff are friendly and welcoming.Very good fresh food.Someone said earlier on trip advisor that the bar prices are expensive that's rubbish (try going to the falcon) then you will realise how cheap the bell is.Would highly recommend going :)

My husband and I booked for our anniversary, we have lived in an around the area for years but never visited the Bell. I am so pleased that we did and I wish we had sooner! The staff are fantastic and the food was delicious - we have booked to go again in a few weeks! Can't recomend enough.

Having been a regular of the bell for many years we thought we would call in for a drink. Bar was quite full and very noisy, lots of people standing round the bar making it difficult to get served. I was charged £9.50 for a pint of cheap hook norton bitter and a Bacardi & Diet Coke which was way over the top compared to other locals, I’m not tight but hate being ripped off. Can’t comment on food but it was quiet in the restaurant, I hope food prices are cheaper than the drinks!!!

Visited for a second time with family for the Sunday roast, once again the food was lovely, roast lamb my favourite, staff very pleasant and attentive, checking we had everything we needed, nothing was too much trouble. Will be back to try the Tapas!!

Booked a table for Sunday lunch for 2pm. Arrived to pleasant ambience with simple surroundings. Shown to our table promptly, however a little surprised to find only one roast joint on the menu of lamb. No problem though as we were happy to order this. Whilst waiting for a starter we were told they only had enough lamb left for one person!!! and did we want to choose something else. The choice of roast was zero...gammon being the nearest . We were told they had been very busy, sadly we don't accept that as an excuse. Why allow bookings to be made when the chef would be aware that he wasn't going to have enough lamb, as most people want a Sunday joint. Another couple came in after us and they were also told the same. We decided to cancel our meal as the reason we were trying out the Bell for the first time was for a Sunday roast we had read in a local newsletter writeup. We were amazed that the owner didn't even bother to come and apologise or even offer a drink etc.

A very warm and welcoming country pub, with a comprehensive menu catering for all tastes (including veg & vegan). Specialising in local produce, the food was well cooked and beautifully presented, and the prices didn't hurt the pocket! With ample parking and a well-kept garden this pub comes highly recommended. PS This pub has Cask Marque accreditation, and deservedly so- the range of Hook Norton ales are extremely well kept here.

Having avoided this pub previously as it didn’t serve food, we were delighted to see that this was no longer the case under the new management so decided to try it for a snack lunch.

Such a warm welcome at The Bell Inn on our 1st visit, Nothing was too much trouble and the food was fantastic, excellent Sunday Roast lunch, and particularly impressed with the delicious free range chicken and superb roasties, I’m told the brownie was divine ! will definitely visit again, well worth the 30 minute drive, very reasonably priced and highly recommend.

Just had a delicious Roast Beef Meal- served beautifully with lovely gravy. Everything was piping hot and the service was excellent, Lovely atmosphere. I would definitely recommend you give this a go !!

The pub's make over is excellent and make it a very warm and inviting place to be. We have a couple of lovely meals here and the beers are excellent. Definitely worth a visit!

The food was delicious, i can't wait to try more from the menu. A perfectly chilled atmosphere for the whole family. All the staff are really friendly and helpful. Would 100% recommend and we can't wait to go back!

Had a fantastic evening! Tried it for the first time, service was on point, friendly staff and the food was delicious! Can't wait to go again!

My partner & I visited this pub on a Friday evening to have dinner, we both chose the chicken pie which was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere was so relaxed and the village residents were all so friendly and welcoming as we had never been here before! Would definitely visit again & highly recommend to anyone!

The Bell inn is now under new management with Rob and Jodie giving it their own touch and it is such an improvement. Both managers and staff are so friendly and helpful and after a complete makeover the pub has such a lovely warm atmosphere. The food is delicious and locally sourced and the sunday dinners are spot on. I cannot recommend this place highly enough

We came here to eat with friends on a Tuesday. They were doing Tapas - it was truly fabulous. The food was tasty, drinks good and atmosphere was perfect.

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat on the way to our holiday, hungry kids and long car rides don't mix too well... Food was lovely, staff were friendly and the sun was shining - great start to a lovely week away.

Food was good.. Took a while but allowed for a few beers. Never been cheap eats here but it was reasonable to be fair. Will always take friends there as its easy don't know its my destination foodery yet......

My family and I booked (6 of us in total) for dinner midweek and were so surprised to see how different the pub looks! New, stylish, and clean! We loved the service, the food was good, and we’ve even booked to go back in a few weeks. Great job guys, keep it up!

Visited to try one of the Chicken & Leek pies I'd heard all about, absolutely fantastic. Pub has had a facelift & looks stunning and new young landlady & landlord doing a marvellous job.....keep it up guys!

Went recently for the first time with hubby and we loved it! The service was lovely and the food was fresh local and delicious. It has a great atmosphere, a spacious beer garden and a big screen in the bar area to watch games but a separate area for a quieter meal. There are local beers on tap that are well worth a try as well. Looking forward to returning.

Under new management, the Bell inn has become a bright and inviting place to suit all ages. The Bell inn offers a great variety of food, including daily specials to suit all, including those who have a vegetarian and or vegan diet. Keep up the good work guys

A Real good village pub! We stopped by whilst working in the area; the pub is well supported and has a very friendly ambience about it!

Nos alojamos en el camping en este pueblo y decidimos ir al pub y tienen una comida pero no sólo no sólo está abierta de 6 a 11 pm, no sirven comida y no tengo muchos refrescos para ofrecer. Solo aceptan dinero en efectivo, lo que era incómodo ya que su ahora es ella en el pueblo para conseguir dinero.

We stayed at the local caravan park having read good reviews of this pub. However it is under new management and not currently serving food. This is not mentioned on its website. There are no other pubs in the village so a real disappointment.

Encontramos este 'viejos' Inn minutos antiguos típicos de Banbury Southam Road. Tan pronto como entras en entrar lo que sólo se puede describir como un típico pub del pueblo en días pasados. Una buena selección de cervezas tiradas con un menú que tiene artículos a precios razonables hasta para ver los tamaños de las porciones y luego te das cuenta, las comidas son una buena relación calidad-precio. Todo recién cocinado a la orden y bien vale la pena la espera.

I visited the Bell Inn at great bourton over the weekend and the rugby was on which was great and exactly what I was looking for a pub with a tv and beer.

Su estancia en sitio barstones de caravanas y el pub está a una corta distancia a pie. Para mí es el pub perfecto Sky sports y perros abiertos de fuego son bienvenidos. Gran selección de cervezas y comida fantástica las patatas fritas son para morirse. Bien vale la pena una visita, si estás en la zona

This pub is run by a delightful couple.Steve cooks with great talent Tara runs a very welcoming front of house and nothing is too much trouble.The Bell makes a very happy addition to Village life and many visitors from around Banbury

Habiendo experimentado recientemente una muy buena comida de los domingos en el Bell, decidimos volver para nuestra fiesta de Navidad para 12 personas. Una cena de tres platos a precios razonables se ofrecía (menos de £20) y nos pedidos del variado menú de temporada. A la llegada, el personal del bar era extremadamente acogedor y luego atento durante toda la noche. La mesa estaba bien situado y el precio incluía galletas de Navidad. Todos los campos eran excelentes y los platos principales fueron servidos con un montón de verduras frescas calientes incluyendo nueva y patatas asadas. Nos bebimos vino, cerveza y gaseosas - nuevo precios asequibles. Todos lo pasamos de maravilla y volveremos pronto.

My wife and I visited the bell again on Saturday as we wanted a good old fashioned home made burger! Absolutely perfect. Well done again !!!

Greeted by a friendly young man at the bar and the starters were ok but well above average price .mains absolutely awful my daughter had the gourmet burger with burnt bun and full of sweet tomatoe relish I had ham egg and chips chips tasted...

We moved to the village 18 months ago and we were quite nervous about having a village pub as they can be quite "clicky", however the day we moved in, we ventured to the pub and couldn't have been more surprised by the welcome! Every single person was so welcoming and the bar staff absolutely lovely! The pub itself is small and quaint but immaculate and the landlords have since made some great improvements!To make it even better, the food is amazing! We eat here regularly (about once every other week) and we have never had a bad meal. The prices I feel, represent the lovely food and the service so i think it's value for money. Please do ignore the only bad review on here as it DOES NOT represent this wonderful little pub; as you can see by all the other reviews. Thank you Tara, Steve, Pod & Dan! We love you and your wonderful pub!

This is such a lovely pub, everyone is so friendly and the food is fabulous! Will definitely be visiting again!

Visiting as a party of six for an evening out we were completely satisfied with every aspect of the place, from the attentive staff, the excellent beer (Hook Norton) and of course the food.From starters through main courses to dessert...everything was well cooked, tasty and plentiful.Special thanks to the chap behind the bar who was the only member of staff we saw who managed the bar and table service without missing a beat, even remembering who was eating which meal...A memorable evening.

We had a fantastic mid-week meal here, and the service was very good too. Loved the pace, friendly service and ambiance. We will definitely be returning in the near future.

After being welcomed by a very friendly guy behind the bar it was down hill from there. My Chicken, Ham and Leek pie tasted of burnt rubber. I left half of my food and when I complained I was told I should have complained sooner, but what upset us both the most were the angry comments from the landlady and a local customer who actually told us to f*** off. When I paid the bill I was told not to come back.

Best Sunday roast for miles, and warm friendly staff and locals ! consistent quality of the meals, good selection of beers and ciders.

We've eaten here loads, always eat with friends and everyone agrees it's great. In fact our friends keep visiting us so they can go to the bell. I like the fish n chips best. My wife the burgers.....Sunday lunch is also fab! Keep up the good work...

Visiting for a celebration meal, we were made welcome and at home from the moment we walked in the door.The menu is extensive for a small village pub and it didn't disappoint. Good real ales and great food in good portions, together with fine service, means this is a pub we would recommend

Mike and Sarah from the blue boar we ate here this evening and it was fantastic one of the best meals u have had for a long time and just wanted everyone know what great pub this is

We were staying at the nearby campsite and ate here on a thursday evening. Very friendly welcome and well kept local real ale. Extensive menu gave us plenty of choice. We both enjoyed our meals which were served quickly and were clearly homemade. We would go back if we are in the area.