The Bell Inn Bistro in Tendring

The Bell was recommended to us by friends. We tried it on Wednesday and were surprised how busy the restaurant was. Very professional service and a great choice on the menu. We will most certainly return

Didn't start off great. We didn't have a clue where to check in. There was a wedding taking place in the restaurant and the bar was locked and closed even though it was Saturday at 3pm. I tried to open the door but it was locked up. We had to go into the wedding party area to check in. Not nice for them or for us as we felt we were intruding on their celebration and I'm sure they didn't enjoy having a couple of strangers rock up with suitcase and carrier bags .... eeek! Our room, the Kitty Canham, was actually really nice. The room itself was large and had everything we needed. Bottle of water, lots of tea and coffee making sachets and milks and a couple of biscuits too. Towels were great, bathroom was modern etc. We had a very strange armchair though. I don't think anyone could ever sit in it. Or if you did you'd never get out gracefully as you was more or less on the floor. The view was the graveyard which didn't bother us. We slept well. We wasn't told when breakfast started and finished, but we got downstairs early enough. It seems they had suffered a leak in a bathroom upstairs which was causing a bit of a pong upstairs and the water was slowly dripping into the restaurant. But they sat us for breakfast only for us to be moved into the bar after 10 minutes. Not so much of a problem for us as we'd only got our sups of tea. But the table next to us were stopped eating to move. Why they couldn't have waited is beyond me. Breakfast itself was lovely although there wasn't enough butter for the toast, but that was a minor thing and I'm sure they would have brought more. Another gripe is that I asked for an orange juice with my breakfast and was told it would be an additional charge. I thought that was a bit mean considering we'd paid £125 for the night. It's a bit of a labyrinth inside and we couldn't find our way back to the staircase to get back to our room. Maybe a few signs might be helpful. If there are signs, I'm sorry I didn't see them. Overall it was just a bit awkward. I think we were just unlucky.

Well this was our favourite restaurant, and could not wait to return when we all meet up a couple of times a year. We walked in to a hostile environment. The staff were huddled together and looked at us like we were an inconvenience. No welcoming smiles, just a grimace. The food was shocking, obviously the amazing Chef must of left since we were last there in Jan/Feb. We felt really sick when we left and will not return. The food quality was nasty and cheap. I would imagine our chips had been re-cooked a number of times since lunchtime. Was talking to an acquaintance to be told someone left that place, having a terrible experience with rudeness and food quality.

Lovely pub, BUT "Gender Neutral" toilets. I'm a man and I don't like sharing toilets with other men, they piss on the toilet seat etc. There is a door into the toilets showing a male and female symbol, you walk in, there's a wash hand basin and mirror with a cubicle to the left and to the right, both with a male and female sign on their doors. Make one male and make one female please. As a man I found this uncomfortable and I'm not under threat like women are. It's not modern, it's not clever, it's not kind, it's facilitating auto gynophiles.

Had lovely service from Radu and the very helpful waitress! Ordered a delicious meal for 3 which was fabulous. Great ambiance and dog friendly! Highly recommended. Thank you 🙏

Stayed here on a stop over on our way to Norfolk. Chose this place due to the good reviews on trip advisor. It didn’t disappoint. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Room was clean, comfortable and well equipped. The bar was a tad pricey but...

My partner and I came here for Sunday Lunch, very impressed with the service, and the meal was excellent. Liked it so much will be returning next week. Many thanks

We visited here when we were away in our camper van for an anniversary lunch the food was delicious we shared some small plates and a bottle of rose, we had a fish platter Japanese squid manchego croquettes and a gem salad with blue cheese...

We are at The Bell yesterday, after we arrived at the Spa hotel in Thorpe-le-soken. We were very impressed with the service and good food. I especially enjoyed my Porchetta with a fennel and apple slaw, although I had to ask for a bit more...

Super find. Total quality and top value. We have moved to the area from Colchester and was delighted to find this place. We have visited the place three times in a week, twice for a drink and snack, and once for a Sunday lunch. Truly...

Vi kom sent men det var inga problem att checka in, väldigt trevlig personal! Rena rum, smakfullt inrett. Fantastisk frukost...

Amazing Sunday roast - just one veggie/vegan option (nut roast) but it was delicious with all the trimmings - crispy roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, parsnips, Yorkshire puddings, carrots and brocolli topped with the perfect amount of gravy. The others in the group both had the...

The roast dinners are absolutely fantastic! Fresh produce, freshly cooked. The portion size and quality are brilliant. The Bell is our go-to treat!

Fantastic food friendly staff just a great place to eat drink and relax. We came to eat two nights in a row it was just such a great place

Fab evening yesterday at the Bell inn, lovely meal in a relaxed atmosphere, followed by exceptional live music. What a tonic after a long working week. The staff are wonderful and make you feel so welcome.

Fabulous place. Visitors tonight having stayed at the Lifehouse Spa. Staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. Food and drink were fab. Definitely check this place out :)

Wonderful lunch today. Staff so professional,polite and welcoming. Setting, delightful sitting in the sunshine beside the church. Service prompt and professional. Food the best in the area. So good.

Absolutely lovely stay staff are so friendlyand helpful , rooms are spotless clean, spacious and so comfortable, breakfast was amazing highly recommend and definitely would stay again thanks

Eat here at the end of May while staying at a campsite round the corner Food was amazing. Tasty, fresh and good value for money Service was great too - very attentive and knowledgeable on the menu Great specials choice Highly recommend

Popped in for a quick lunch. Service from Radu and the team was great as usual. My daughter and I both opted for the short rib in tamarind and lemongrass which was delicious.

We stayed two nights at The Bell, the room was pleasant, the food good and the staff very nice. I would stay here again.

What a wonderful experience at The Bell Inn. The front of house staff were really welcoming and totally smooth service throughout, didn't feel rushed at all. The food was gorgeous and we learnt that everything except the bread is made in house. The haddock fish...

Great staff, really friendly, helpful and attentive. Food was brilliant. All eight of us really enjoyed it. I had the Scallops special for starter and Seabass main (with amazing seafood dumplings and Thai broth). As good a meal as I’ve had in last year -...

Superb food, excellent service, so good we came back the next night for more of the same. My date told me the vegan pie (ordered two nights in a row) was delicious (I didn't get to try any - so there's proof right there). I...

Went for dinner with my family and parents last weekend and everyone enjoyed themselves from beginning to end. Enjoyed pre dinner drinks in the bar… busy but lovely ambiance and feel about the place. Dinner came in good timing and everything was delicious…I think we...

We stayed recenly at The Bell as it was near a wedding venue we were attending. Had a very enjoyable stay indeed. The room, diner and breakfast were excellent and all of the staff were great.

A lovely visit for Mother’s Day with my family. We have visited the Bell Inn many times and yesterday was not exception. Food was amazing fantastic presentation and it tasted as good as it looks. I have never seen my elderly mum eat so much....

A friend and I had a very nice lunch here today. We hadn’t seen each other for a while so chatted for ages. The restaurant was lovely and warm (a priority on a cold, wet day) the food was delicious and we were served by...

A comfortable, clean and friendly establishment. The building is full of character with a lot of history. The rooms were well equipped and well decorated. The manager, Courtney was really lovely and works so very hard. The breakfast was super. There was a live singer...

We’ve been to The Bell a number of times and it’s brilliant everytime. The most amazing food and totally worth the price and the most amazing silver spoon service from the staff including Radu and Courtney who are always so attentive and a credit to...

Very atmospheric 16th century building. We had lunch there, as a change from the slightly uninspired menu at LifeHouse up the road . Madeira sautéed chicken livers were a bit disappointing - a bit bland and not quite warm enough. However, this was more than...

We had a lovely big family breakfast for my daughter’s birthday yesterday. All choose different things from the menu including some vegan breakfasts , and they all came out perfect. Even had some desserts from the main menu to finish off. Great service in beautiful...

We have been to the Bell many times for dinner and it has always been exceptional. This time we tried breakfast and completely the opposite experience. Service was poor as the staff seemed more intent o folding napkins than taking our order. When we finally...

The Bell Inn manages to achieve one of those quite rare blends - the feeling of a cozy pub and a high end restaurant. Big wooden tables set across a lower and slightly raised area, muted decor with big wooden beams and soft lighting. The...

We'd been to the Bell Inn before, the staff is always attentive and the food is amazing, but our Valentine's Day evening was absolutely perfect! The food was out of this world, the live entertainment was very good and the staff, as usual, worked tirelessly...

Enjoyed dinner at the Bell earlier this week, we sat in the Toby lounge, this is my favourite area on the bar side, its super cosy!! My husband had the Korean Chicken Burger - absolutely delicious and generous portion sizes. I had the fish and...

Excellent. Three course meal. Generous portions and everyone of our party went home happy. Will definitely be back.

Beautiful little old country style pub. Food was amazing, couldn’t fault it at all, it was reasonably priced and the service was brilliant especially considering there was just ONE person front of house! Best lamb shank I’ve ever had :)

A wonderful meal for our party of 11. The arrangements: booking, choosing menus, viewing the room beforehand were all done in a friendly, efficient manner. At our meal, everything worked very well. The service professional, and friendly . The food was of a high quality...

We chose to meet up on a Friday evening with friends (8 of us in total) at the Bell Inn as it is in a convenient location with a good car park. There was a choice of menus, either bar meals or seasonal menu. Everyone...

We stayed at The Bell Inn as we were visiting family in the area. What a great stay! The rooms were clean and comfortable! Courtney was a fabulous addition to our stay - she was so lovely and attentive. The whom team were great. We...

I visited with family and friends earlier today and was quite disappointed with the experience. This isn’t the first time our group has eaten here, we’re all local and following an ok experience last year we thought we’d have another try today. After being shown...

The Bell Inn Bistro Pub food is absolutely delicious. It is well presented, reasonably priced and the flavours are second to none. I had the special ginger cake and custard as a pudding and it was such a delicious desert. The lamb shank meal is...

I had our Christmas Day lunch with my brother in law and sister this year. If I could rate it more than 5 stars I would. Food was fantastic, service and staff brilliant Could fault it. Portions more than generous. Well done to all the...

Unbelievably delicious food, we go there time after time and it never fails to impress us. The staff are brilliant and the service it superb. I couldn’t recommend more and I no longer bother to go anywhere else.

The atmosphere was warm and lively. All the staff were friendly and knew about the menus. We both had the scallops with black pudding balls which were delicious and then I had the Venison, and my partner had the Hake. Both were superb. Can't recommend...

Excellent bar service ...very friendly staff it actually felt my local pub.....special surrouding with some interesting history.and for such a historic building it was very well presented. The restaurant...need I say no more.....The food was absolutely delicious ....never have I had fish and chips that...

Visited as a family with two young children and couldn’t fault a thing. Fabulous roast lamb and beef all vegetables cooked to perfection and loads of tender meat. Good vegan options for the ‘modern’ part of the family. Including what my grandson professed were the...

Once again, we visited for an evening meal in the restaurant; this time introducing a couple of friends for the first time. To be honest it’s really hard to fault this place. For what essentially was/is a pub they have strived hard to create a...

I had heard wonderful things about this bistro and so decided to treat us one Friday lunchtime. May I start by saying how amazing, friendly and helpful the serving staff were. The restaurant was also clean and well maintained. Our main was nothing to shout...

Mother's 100th birthday lunch. We took the whole restaurant. Courtney and her team did a fantastic job looking after 26 guests. She was so helpful with the organisation too. Food was great. Mum had a wonderful time. Thank you Courtney and the Bell!

Tables need to be cleaned more thoroughly. Table napkins go to the left of plate, never to the right, basic table laying knowledge required. Food is exceptional. A little gem, will b returning soon.

Great food, very friendly staff, great find! Dog friendly in the bar, nice outside courtyard with heating.

My husband and I had a meal at the Bell Inn, Thorpe Le Soken which was just superb. The staff were very friendly and we can not recommend The Bell enough for a lovely meal. Thank you.

Had an absolutely lovely meal at the Bell Inn. Wonderful atmosphere and lovely friendly staff. Highly recommended and will visit again

Had a lovely lunch here.The staff were so friendly and polite and the food was perfect.Had the homemade fish cakes which were wonderful. At the rear outside are a row of tables with heaters looking directly at a beautiful church.Its both Quaint with a modern...

We came here last night and were greeted by friendly and welcoming staff, we instantly felt relaxed and comfortable. We were both blown away by the food, it was divine. The staff even went the extra mile to make me a cocktail that wasn't listed...

The food here is lovely. The staff are polite and informing. I would highly recommend coming here. I will certainly be retuning !

My favourite place to eat in Tendring, always the best and freshest food. The staff are so lovely and welcoming. The restaurant manager Radu goes out of his way to make all guests feel at home, he always makes sure the dogs have treats and...

Excellent food, tasty and tender. Efficient professional staff, it was a real treat. So many times when you eat out its disappointing this was the opposite a pleasant surprise.

We stayed in the William Gull room, lovely spacious room overlooking the churchyard. The bed was comfortable and the room was well equipped - tea/coffee making facilities, toiletries in the bathroom etc, and the room was spotlessly clean. Be warned - the ceilings in the...

Fantastic food, great service. Highly recommend. We were well looked after by staff. Extensive menu and informative staff members.

Great atmosphere, fantastic tasty food, good service with brilliantly cheerful staff who made you feel very welcome.

Such a lovely place to visit . Food was amazing. And setting outside enjoying the evening sun in a quiet courtyard is just perfect. Staff so friendly and attentive , Chef John came out and asked if we enjoyed the food which was a lovely...

We visited the Bell Inn at thorpe for a birthday meal, all staff were friendly and attentive all evening. The 5 of us all had three course, the food was all great but highlights were the Argentinian red prawn starter, Cromer potted crab main, monkfish...

Fab food...had a lovely evening with old friends. Everyone enjoyed the food and relaxed atmosphere. Will be going again soon. Best to book

My wife and I spent a really lovely evening at The Bell for our anniversary. The food was excellent, couldn’t fault it but it was the excellent service from Radu and Hannah that made the evening…Radu’s food and drink knowledge was first class, really enjoyed...

Just had Sunday lunch at The Bell Inn Bistro in Thorpe le Soken, it was really nice, the food was lovely and the service was good too. There were 4 of us 2 had roast beef and 2 had crab, dessert was also good. Look...

From check in to check out brilliant. Victoria and Radu in particular were fabulous hosts. Every other single member of staff were also brilliant. Rooms immaculate and loads of space. Lovely outside space next to beautiful churchyard. Peaceful, intimate setting. Toiletries and decent teas in...

Excellent food, lovely atmosphere. Service was excellent. The celeriac starter was very good and caramelised and the monkfish was really well cooked in a dreamy curry.

Had dinner here tonight - 1st time Absolutely delicious food, nice ambiance & lovely staff Will be back!!

Superb food and top class service as always. Lots to choose from on menu. Bar snacks. Light bites and al la carte. Lovely tastefully decorated restaurant. Would highly recommend.

Our third visit, since moving back to Frinton in November and it gets better. Party of 4, 2 antipastas shared for starters, 2 saddle of lamb, 1 beef fillet and 1 fish and chips. Followed by the 2 different deserts and a cheeseboard. All dishes...

I think that the service was ok and foods was excellent but the only thing I found wrong was the price, it was i bit pricey. Portions were fabulous, especially for a big bloke like myself.

Lovely inn, beautiful room, amazing staff very friendly and the rooms and food are amazing. Great stop for a night or even more. Lovely little village an not far from the sea. Win win. Would highly recommend

Great food with a brilliant friendly customer service. Great atmosphere and the waiter went out of his way to explain the menu.

We had an absolutely excellent dining experience for our family Sunday lunch, food and service were both perfect, couldn’t fault anything! Booked a table of 10 day before, but to hold the booking we had to pre-order and pay £10 deposit - perfectly understandable, the...

Amazing evening at The Bell to celebrate the Queen’s 70th Jubilee. 10 course tasting menu, fabulous wines, great service and company 😊

Fantastic to have this on our doorstep. The food is excellent with an ever changing menu with specials . The whole team running this restaurant are very professional and friendly.

We where staying nearby and decided to pop in for a drink, the pub was dog friendly and the lady behind the bar was very friendly, we didn’t eat but the menu looked great. We will definitely visit again if we stay locally.

What an evening. The host from the local distillery was brilliant very informative and plenty of samples to try. Staff was very friendly and always checking we had drinks. Food, what can I say. The best meal I have had in a very long time....

I stayed overnight with my daughter & we ate breakfast, lunch & dinner here. Firstly, I would recommend staying overnight if you are in the area. Rooms are very well done and comfortable, we both enjoyed our stay. The food was great, not the cheapest...

I had lunch with my partner at the Bell Inn and I have to say it’s one of the nicest meals we’ve had. The new menu didn’t disappoint! I had the maple & bourbon glazed ribs and my partner had the minted lamb burger and...

Came here for a couples night out on a Friday night. The last orders for dinner are taken at 9 so book a table and get in quick. The menu is not expansive but that's only because what they serve is of amazing quality and...

We were at Frinton to paint a beach hut and needed an overnight stay in the area. We picked well! The Bell Inn is a real find. Room was beautiful and well equipped. Lovely bathroom and decor was particularly well done. All this was matched...

Excellent evening. Food and service was amazing. Applaud the chef and team for putting together a titanic menu. Can’t wait for the next one.

Went to the titanic evening which consisted of a 10 course meal. The food was amazing and very well presented, The staff were fantastic, could not fault this evening, the chefs done a fantastic job at serving a fully booked restaurant all with 10 courses....

First visit to the Bell Inn, made to feel most welcome and accommodating with gluten free menu, the fish and chips proving to be a great GF option. Lovely evening with friends, and easy parking with dedicated space. Thank you!

Visited Frinton Beach (which was absolutely gorgeous) and stopped by The Bell Inn for a spot of lunch. Stunning venue with very polite and helpful staff. We had our sausage dog with us and they couldn't be more accommodating providing treats and showing him lots...

Spent a night in one of your rooms. Beautifully furnished and extremely clean. Enjoyed dinner in the restaurant, excellent food. We ordered the corn beef and scotch egg to start, followed by the Bell burger and fish and chips. Portions were large and beautifully presented....

Good food, good service, couldn’t ask for more. We had Prawns and Baked Camemberts to start. Mains were Sea Bass and Pork cooked three ways. Superb

The food served in this restaurant is nothing but delicious! We have tried everything on the menu and there is nothing we have not liked. The quality of the food and the way the young chef prepares and cooks it is nothing short of outstanding...

The best meal I have had in a long time. All the food was excellent, innovative, and freshly prepared. There were 4 of us. We had different choices and all were great. And on top of that we had lovely service from Radu, floor manager...

What an absolute gem. We came across this place purely by chance and decided to give it a try. We were greeted with smiles. The waiter was patient and really knowledgeable about gluten free options. The pub itself is an absolute charm. It decorated beautifully...

Food was very good and although they were very busy, there was not a long wait. Service was friendly and proffessional

Wow. Not just a beautiful interior with friendly, professional staff. A chunky, home made pastrami sandwich for me and the best burger that my partner had ever eaten! Affordable but creative menu for all tastes. No room for dessert this time though. A great place...

Went for Valentines day couldn't fault it food was amazing as usual very friendly staff they even had a singer for the evening

Lunch was absolutely gorgeous food was right tempeture definitely be coming again staff was happy and joyful aswell

We popped in on the off chance for some breakfast (about quarter to 11) and assumed we’d be told no as it was so close to their cut off but they were so welcoming and sat us quickly. We ordered coffee and the eggs benny...

Excellent Service and very friendly staff, we started with the chicken wings and the homemade coleslaw which were good and the pork belly and mashed potatoes I ordered for my main dish was cooked perfectly. Would recommend