The Bell at Skenfrith

The Bell at Skenfrith
Monmouthshire
NP7 8UH

T. 01600 750235
http://www.skenfrith.co.uk

Welcome / first impressions: Through the wooden door and onto the flagstone floor where you walk left into the bar, you will find a big roaring fire place opposite the bar which has wild flowers arrangements on top, there are large cosy sofas for you to sit and have a glass of something and an amuse bouche while you look at the menu, before you are taken to your table.

Menu / style of food: They have a full a la carte menu, which changes seasonally and is sourced from local produce and the kitchen garden.

Ambience / other diners: Mostly people who are staying the night with a few local people, but not a locals pub.

Delivery – service and cooking: Service is good and the food excellent, if anything it leaves you wanting more.

Exit and value for money: Slightly expensive, hence why it’s not a local’s pub, but fantastic value for money on the wine.

Pan fried pollock with cockles clams & baby leeks

The Bell is a former 17th century coaching inn on the banks of the river Monnow, Monmouthshire, which was re-opened in 2001 after extensive refurbishment which now gives it its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, you almost feel like you have stepped back in time to a much quieter, less rushed era.  The Bell has eleven beautiful bedrooms, all en-suite, some of which have views over the Monnow and others that look onto the garden.

The food at The Bell is delicious and on Wednesday’s they do two steaks for £25 which is popular with the locals for the occasional good night out. The last time I was at The Bell I had the garden salad, for my starter, which was sourced from the kitchen garden and goat’s cheese which has been sourced locally. For my main course I had the roast pork, The Bell reared six Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot Pigs for themselves. To finish with I had cheese, which was a selection of welsh cheeses and homemade chutney and baked water biscuits. All in all a very good meal.

It’s not a surprise that The Bell has been awarded the AA wine award 2012 for wales and the overall wine award for the UK, seeing as they have a selection of 16 wines, including champagnes, by the glass and also have a lengthy list of half bottles. http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/uk/view/81974/thebellatskenfrith