The Bellhouse in Southend-on-Sea

A very nice oldie-worldie pub with a small but leafy beer garden has had a long reputation for being a great venue. A good pick for a Sunday lunch but a tad on the pricey side (£100) for what is essentially a pub meal for 2. However the food is made with a bit of love and ingenuity, so you don't feel quite so shocked when you see the bill..

Great Place to eat with friends and family! food was fresh and delicious 😋

Rather overpriced for what it was. Service was fine but food was quite average. The bill was a bit weird. Service was included but then you are paying by card you are asked if you would like to leave a tip. I imagine many people would miss this.

Great little pub. We phoned to book a last minute dinner with our 2 small dogs. The staff we spoke to were very accommodating and welcoming. We sat at a table in the bar area with our pooches. The food was very good and hot. We will definitely return in the near future.

A great recent Saturday evening experience. Great service from Libby from start to finish. It’s a great setting and very quickly builds up. Make sure you book as not to be disappointed. It’s a chain, but doesn’t feel like it is. Great starters and main courses. Not so hot on desserts and coffee but that far from the end of the world. Give it a go.

Went on a Sunday as all fancied roast beef . Very nice great portion sizes couldn't eat it all .Not cheap but good quality thoroughly enjoyed it

What a beautiful pub, Lovely bit of grub, and dog friendly as well. super relaxing vibe

Always a great experience at the Bellhouse food & service is always 10/10. We were looked after by Abi & Emily tonight & they were both so lovely & friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Can’t wait to come back!

Visited for Sunday lunch with the family I hate to say it but the food was not good 4 of us had roast beef which was chewy fatty and overcooked the roast potatoes were terrible definitely frozen and cooked the Yorkshire puddings on first glance looked great but were tasteless and were like a puff of air one of us had the roast chicken which was really dry and my grandson had a burger which looked like something out of McDonald’s and it cost £16 the roast beef was £21 the service was good but the food was awful definitely all frozen probably from Brake Brothers which is a big pub catering company will definitely not go back and was so overpriced I just think the food has definitely gone down hill such a shame shepherd Neame you need to sort it out

Great food attentive staff old historic building. Give it a try.

Popped in for a couple of drinks with friends. 1 pint of fosters, 1 bottle of cider and 1 double spirit with coke. £20.75! Madness! We're not in London.

Really nice pub, especially if the weathers good! The food was nice, nothing to shout about but what you’d expect from a good pub. Service was really good, they couldn’t do enough for you and were always around to help. Definitely a good spot to catch up with friends

Delicious Sunday roast, great customer service.

We enjoyed a sunny afternoon outside the Bellhouse pub with some great food. We’ll definitely be returning.

Great food, lovely cocktails and friendly staff. There is also such a lovely atmosphere about the place. We enjoyed eating outside on this occasion however we have had dinner inside a few times and decor inside is stunning. It’s nice to have the option for sandwiches at lunch too as a lot of pubs only have the option of big meals.

Disappointed with the meal, slightly overpriced and the Yorkshire pudding was so big it covered rest of the plate. Difficult see to what was underneath. At least two of us found the plate to be swamped in watery gravy in shredded cabbage. The desserts were grossly over priced with £9 for a tiny baked alaska. We chose the Bellhouse because we wanted a better ambiance than a carvery, and while we had the ambiance we would have a better meal, on this showing, at a carvery. Service was good, no complaints there. Sorry but we will not be returning for a very long time.

this is a good venue, close to home for us (eastwood) friendly staff, super meals i.e. pork chops (delicious) steak and ale pie (tasty) plus desserts various. all cooked and served well and with a smile. Our main waitress was Alice and her attitude and ready smile helped to make this a really pleasant evening experience. cant wait to return

Lovely pub just stopped off for a drink and a snack. Quite a difficult car park to get in and out especially in the dark very narrow but still a nice pub would go there for dinner.

Quick family midweek lunch, great service from Teeghan and delicious food. Nice to be able to sit in the sun but also umbrellas for those who didn’t want to.

Just had a very good lunch at the Bellhouse with my son. Loads of parking. We hadn’t booked but being Monday it was quiet. Had a very tasty chicken and bacon toasted sandwich, son had a burger which he rated highly. All freshly cooked. Friendly efficient service.

Thought we would try again. We haven't been since they first changed hands and hoped it would be better. The food wasn't very nice, my roast was cold, some of the veg missing and there was only a choice of pork or chicken. My son and husband didn't fair any better with the pie and a burger. The service although polite was lacking as it had been last time. We weren't offered a drinks menu and just ordered off the top of our heads and the food took an absolute age to come out. This did make me wonder if the food had been left to sit after I asked the waitress if it was going to be much longer, she didn't bother coming to update me or even apologize when it finally came.

Great food, lovely dog friendly garden. Live music on a wednesday and Friday. Food is gastro always good options. Cheese cake is always lovely.

I have been a critic of the restaurant here, but I have to say that I thought the quality of the food v the price had improved. Service was attentive, and as with many local pubs, lots of chit chat around the bar area making for a good atmosphere.

Went for Sunday roast and staff were so accomodating. Even giving a table outside so dogs are allowed and they get a treat

Food has gone downhill - the wings were mostly stodgy batter, ended up leaving half of them. For £8 for a starter I’d have expected better. The haddock and chips were not good either, chips were not hot, and the fish batter was also average. Great for drinks but the food has definitely seen a steady decline as it has become busier

Visited for a Sunday roast with my lady, my father & his partner. We sat outside in the corner beside the pub at a reserved table for 4. Walking through the interior to our table the pub had a pleasant decor, service from the staff was welcoming & courteous at all times. 2 Aged Sirloin of Beef 2 Roast Pork Loin Warm Double Chocolate Brownie Sticky Toffee Pudding Overall food quality and ambience of the pub was very good, a good venue for a family get together.

Super looking place. Very country pub style. Unfortunately not matched by food or service. Sunday roast was good. Service was poor.

Really like the atmosphere, service and of course the food.

Lovely pub for a Sunday roast. It gets very busy so booking is definitely recommended. The service was really friendly and attentive. The roast dinner was lovely and very tasty. We did order a lotus biscoff cheesecake for dessert which was sadly really bland and didn’t have much of a taste. However I would still recommend this pub and certainly return in the future.

2nd time coming here and didn't disappoint. Beautiful roast beef with all the trimmings . . My new favourite place to come and eat . Well done chef and team really enjoyed my meal

The experience at The Bell House was very nice. Alice B, our server was very good, even 5*. Thank you Alice you made our experience worthwhile. B&L

Lovely roast and nice atmosphere

Went here today for Easter lunch - the roast dinner was delicious and sooo much food - was really hoping for a dessert but we were both so full from the roast dinners! Crispy roast potatoes - lots of meat - huge fluffy and light Yorkshire puddings - amazing cauliflower cheese 10/10 and by far one of the best roast dinners around locally! Staff were all so lovely as well - our waitress was friendly and the young lad behind the bar deserves a special mention as he was a lovely friendly lad too. We will be back again and again. One of my favourite local restaurants.

Warm welcome. Friendly. Good food. Good value. Wheel chair friendly. Our waitress was Lilly. She helped us to get settled at the table. We weren't rushed and nothing was too much trouble.

Food was delicious and portions were huge. Nice service from the staff who were attentive and welcoming

Food was abysmal, utterly grotesque and not to mention cold. Service was awful and staff was not too pleased to be serving us. Menu is dreadful, children’s burger was a tiny slab of meat and children’s pizza was with cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Burger was dry- 90% bun, 10% bad patty. Would not recommend if you actually plan on enjoying your meal and overall dinner experienced.

Had a lovely pre mother's day meal today excellent all round xx

Good food and wine. Disappointingly Lacking in shepherd and neame bottle beers.

Fantastic. We were served by Alice B, who was perfect. The food was wonderful, and the live music was great. Best birthday I have had in years.

Just need 0% Guinness added to your drinks list to get 5 stars.

Food was fantastic. A must visit for lunchtime meals and a beer.

£11 for a rose glass of wine far too expensive. Will be going back Rayleigh Lodge

My half term fell differently to 99% of other education establishments, so I went last week to the Bellhouse with a friend, her nearly 4 year old daughter and my pups. We were all made really welcome, there was plenty of space for the dog, water was provided, and for my friends daughter they provided a childrens menu and colouring as standard. Food was really nice and fresh- we enjoyed loaded fries, mac n cheese (which was particularly tasty) and a camembert (which we both felt maybe could have done with 5 minutes more, but was still very tasty). Pizza for the little one was huge, but would have been totally enough for a much older child. Drinks were nice, staff were really friendly. Loads of parking, and outdoor seats when the weather is better. I highly recommend this venue as a go to for everyone regardless of age.

Abi served us today and we cannot complain. Sunday roast was perfect and dessert was the final touch Well done guy see you again soon

Good service. Nice food and atmosphere

Nice family place, good food and atmosphere 👌

I’ve travelled from London just to come here for their Sunday roast after my dad introduced me to this pub. The atmosphere is warm and lovely, service is always great here and the food is truly amazing and so flavourful.

Don’t expect to come here and be able to hear your companions. The music is awfully loud and dare I say the live music is out of tune. The food was excellent and I appreciate live music is an acquired taste but generally if you want to go out with family & friends don’t expect to be able to chat.

Never been here before. We’re from Kent. Googled vegan menu and this place came up ranked highly. Hands down the best vegan food I’ve eaten. The miso aubergine starter was incredible! My Wife ate vegan starter and chicken main, absolutely loved both. Waiting staff were so friendly and attentive. Alice B welcomed us in, very polite throughout our whole meal. Friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

The food was lovely, good portions but needed more vegetables. Lots of choice. Able to fit in larger groups but booking advised. Sevice was good and timely. Will visit again soon.

Lovely little venue upstairs the staff was fantastic and could not do enough for us and the buffet was first class good choice and quality. Thank you for sending my father off in style, it will be remembered for years to come.

Abi was absolutely brilliant !!! Fabulous service and will come back again. Good wine Good food....................

We are currently in here having lunch. We all cost sausage sandwiches. Never again. The sausages were cold and obviously pre cooked and reheated. It said caramelized onions...they were boiled and cold. The chips were the only edible thing as they were hot. The waitress was interested in our order when we asked if there were onions in the sandwich. What a disappointment. Don't bother to go here. We will not be returning.

Very disappointing ordered sausage sandwich with caramelised onions boiled onions is what we got even had to ask for them sausage was luke warm the waitress seem to ignore me when I spoke 9 pounds for a sandwich of such poor quality and service used to be really nice at the bellhouse won't be returning or recommending such a shame

This place was amazing!!,the food was very good, our waitress Libby was very attentive and professional, i will be coming back

The pub doesn't look really inviting from outside. Don't know if there is dining and drinking parts. The dining room feels pleasant. Sausage sandwich was nice except pretty strong mustard quite good service.

Beautiful setting and building. Very romantic, historic and cosy inside. Lovely food and friendly service. We had a very enjoyable time and can't wait to return!

A great place for a private function.

Reasonably priced and a good atmosphere

Was served by Zach and had a sausage sandwich the service was outstanding and the food was great

Fab food, great vegan options, thanks Bellhouse!

I rate this experience 5 out of 5. Food was fantastic, drinks were very nice and great atmosphere. We had a fish starter and main course which was served by a lady called Libby. Would definitely return especially for the recommended fish.

Seems to have gone down hill over the years. The food we had looked to have been reheated a number of times. The chips were rank, the garlic bread was solid. We skipped the desserts but let the kids have the cheese cake. Even the kids didn’t have the stomach to eat it. Genuinely I would have rather have spent £100 in Wetherspoons. Definitely not worth the value compared to what it was used to be like.

Seems to have gone down hill over the years. The food we had looked to have been reheated a number of times. The chips were rank, the garlic bread was solid. We skipped the desserts but let the kids have the cheese cake. Even the kids didn’t have the stomach to eat it. Genuinely I would have rather have spent £100 in Wetherspoons. Definitely not worth the value compared to what it was used to be like.

I live local and use this place regularly 11 of us had our Xmas party there on Fri 22nd can't fault the food or the staff but there was no effort with the table no Xmas bits or even crackers which was very disappointing and that was the first time in about 10 years of having it there so can only put it down to the management and or brewery we were going there for new years eve but they are closing at 10 which is ridiculous so will be going somewhere else not good business

Lovely Christmas Day dinner at the Bellhouse. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you to all the brilliant staff and chefs, especially Alice C, Zach and Oli. Will be booking again next year!

Had our Xmas do /dinner on Friday been doing that for many years can't fault the food or staff but we (11of us) were very disappointed that there were no Xmas crackers or Xmas bits on the table I will say that's the first time in about 10 years of going there that this has happend but not very good and pre ordered calypso coffee but brought just coffee when pointed out seemed a bit put out

excellent food, went there for xmas celebration, we were served by delightful young lady by the name of Alice.B and two other young women three of the most helpful people you could meet, have visited the Bell several times before.

The food was lovely and we will go back in the future. The price is accurate to the quality of the food but they were generous with an nhs discount.

Our family of 14 had a great evening here. The food was delicious and the service was professional and attentive. We preordered two courses from the Festive menu and found the staff very accommodating with our various dietary requests. Couldn’t have wished for more.

This was a family of 14 Xmas get together. We had the Festive Menu which was £30 for two courses and the food was delicious. The service was great and our meals were served so we all ate together. We had to pre order a couple of weeks before and the staff were very accommodating with various dietary requests. Nothing was too much trouble. We had a great evening.

We went to the Bellhouse last night 15/12/23 a family celebration of 14 we were served by Lily and other staff members very pleasantly and efficiently even though it was very busy the food was delivered smoothly with very little wait the food was of good quality and enjoyed by all even my young granddaughter went out of her comfort zone and had the venison dish which she enjoyed thank you for making our celebration enjoyable for all thankyou Chris Ref table 7 acc no 355 7.30pm

Another great night at this welcoming venue. We attended as a family group of 7 for a pre Christmas meal. Unfortunately two members were called away shortly after arriving as their dog was taken ill ( having eaten a chocolate orange! ) Our waitresses Abi & Genevieve quickly ensured our courses be delayed allowing time for the dog to be taken to the vets for treatment and for them to return to enjoy our night out. Food was delicious as always. Lots to choose from with something to suit everyone. We all enjoyed a happy evening together in a lovely environment with a great atmosphere. Happy to say the dog was fine too !

Menu choice not available, very small average meal, disappointing for the price

Used to be the best roast dinner but gone down hill since it changed hands! However can’t fault the staff

Noisy but nice, Very busy on a Sunday which you would expect food big portions will go again.

Four of us ate dinner here today, all of us had different meals and they were all excellent.

Very nice atmosphere, great pint of Guinness. Well done guys.😉👍

Not keen on the new menu, but had service with a smile and live music on a Wednesday night 😀

Lovely pub with good food and service

Great food but small portions. A starter and a main weren't enough, needed a dessert, pushing up the cost. Service was good and nice atmosphere in an older pub.

Great pub with excellent roast dinner and spacious outside area.

Ordered burger and chips the burger bun was dry and felt stale and the burger was a joke it had zero beef in it and was worse than Iceland value burger . Very very disappointed.

Star rating says everything there is to say.

Absolutely great this pub! Friendly bar area and a great place to go for food. Good vibes, nice selection of food!

This is a lovely pub. The Sunday menu is different to the regular menu which is definitely something to keep in mind. This isn't the best Sunday roast I've ever had but it is still good. The lemon Parfait was really good, and the gin Cheesecake was lovely. Unfortunately we were brought the wrong drinks several times throughout our meal. (Diet coke instead of regular, white instead of red wine etc).

Loved it, especially if you use the fixed price menu if available.

A really nice place to visit, and take advantage of the food while you are there.

We had a table for 12 including 2 children. Food was delicious, hot and served together. Great atmosphere and service very busy

We were visiting the area, booked last minute and very pleased we did! Staff were so welcoming when we arrived and as it was such a warm evening, they helped with our request to dine outside (it was very busy with many tables reserved) I had the set menu which was great value with some lovely options to choose from (the main course...smoked haddock Rarebit on a bed of wilted spinach and new potatoes was absolutely deelish!) The courses came out well paced, hot and the staff were super attentive, checking all was well with our food, asking if we wanted more drinks just before our glasses were empty! (Other establishments I find I'm waving staff down, parched and keen for a refill 🤣) A lovely gastro pub, pretty lit garden, well worth a visit.... thanks for your hospitality

First time here, and I just stopped for a drink with a friend. Large interior with plenty of seating options and the food coming out of the kitchen looked and smelt good! Just a pint of some local ale from Leigh for me, nice to see a good selection available from the bar. The service was swift and friendly. Sat outside as the weather was pleasant, lots more seating available outside. Good to see it is family and dog friendly here with lots of people enjoying their food and drinks.

The food and customer service were excellent.

Perfect liver and bacon dish professionally done. Good floor staff and a nice traditional pub atmosphere, also lots of outside seating well worth the visit

Overly expensive food and was was average. Burger dry and bland poor adult pudding choice will not return. Fish and chips fish was mushy and over greasy.

Nothing like the menu choice they used to have, the two choices we had, a dry fish pie and beef pie with hardly any meat in it were just not good enough. We won't be back.

Loved the Sunday roast. Well recommended

Very busy so service was a bit slow but food was lovely a bit noisie but was Sunday lunch the girls and boys where working hard and came forth with any requests we had .

Lovely meal,friendly staff, great atmosphere, lots of parking.

All excellent food and drink, service and atmosphere, loads of space, value for money and a variety of options on the menu.

Service exceptional very clean very relaxed not rushed in any way food very nice but we had steak and was not impressed it seemed very small I have bought better from the supermarket but no complaints re anything else and we enjoyed it