The Bell Inn - Hampton

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1. LM

   LizM

   London

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 9 June 2022

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   Food and service were fine. However at the end of the evening I realised my elbows were burning. I had leant on the table which must have been cleaned with a heavy bleach! The skin even blistered and bled on one arm. Tone down the cleaning please!

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2. WW

   WanW

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 29 May 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Music a bit loud at times (and repetitive). Food was lovely, only disappointment was size of the portion for a hungry adult.

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3. M

   Mop21

   London

   60 reviews

   4.0

   60 reviews

   Dined on 26 May 2022

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   I booked a table for lunch on Thursday but there was no need as there was plenty of space. Service was excellent and food was very good. Quite expensive though, over £20 for 2 small desserts and coffee.

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4. RH

   RobinH

   Bristol

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 19 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A great welcome and a very fine view. Best of all for this deaf old man was "of course we can turn the music down ". In fact the sound system allows different levels in different parts of the pub. BRILLIANT. If only more pubs were as good.

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5. B

   Bosher

   London

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on 27 February 2020

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   First visit for some time. Food was tasty and the service good.

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6. C

   Crystal

   London

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 30 January 2015

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Window table requested when booking and window table provided. Polite service - good food and cooked to order - delicious desserts.

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7. C

   Cpd1

   New York Area

   16 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on 3 January 2015

   overall3food2service2ambience4

   2+ hrs for a Sat lunch. Food was OK but nothing more. Slow service was the real killer, otherwise nice room and location

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8. J

   Jc8697

   Surrey

   11 reviews

   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on 30 November 2014

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   Decided to have Sunday Lunch as I am a common visitor to the pub and was pleased to say that the food was very good and my partner was very pleased with it as she has not been before. The service was good and attentive and we had the best seats in the pub for 2 people I think, so I would recommend this pub and the food very much.

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9. C

   Charlotte394

   London

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 11 October 2014

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   Great food and great service! Camenbert sharing starter platter was super yummy!

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Surrey

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 September 2014

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    The Bell Inn was the ideal choice to take four Germans and a Frenchman for dinner at a 'typical English pub'. We had a view of the river from our table and there was plenty to tempt them on the menu. They were none of them too keen on English beer but that wasn't a problem because there was plenty of lagers and wines to choose from and they were all very taken with our waitress too! It's not the first time we have taken foreign visitors there – some other Parisian friends always suggest lunch at The Bell when they come over.

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11. HG

    HelenG

    Surrey

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 September 2014

    overall2food1service1ambience3

    When we were seated at our table the waitress seemed hurried to take our order & get us out of there. When we explained we were there for the eve to enjoy the music she said there was a 2 hour wait for food. It didn't seem overly full but she said they were just busy. We ordered starters as we really did not want to be rushed. As we had suspected the starters came within 20 mins and were lovely. After a break we ordered our main meal. The veg stack which was a great dissapointment. The veg were hard with the aubergine inedibly raw & the whole thing lacked flavour, the plate had clearly sat on the pass for too long as the salad was wilted/slimy. We had to request a comp drink but by then we were v underwhelmed by the service and food.

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12. C

    Currymehome

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 30 August 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Very good food in this pleasnt riverside pub. Very attentive and friendly staff, good range of drinks and real ale. Enjoyable live music and a volume allowing conversation. I would recommend this pub

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13. L

    Lala268

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 24 August 2014

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    I had the haloumi salad, it was supposed to come with peppers and tomatoes but there wasn't a lot of that on my plate. It also came with ice berg lettuce and that was a massive disappointment! The dressing was okay but I just couldn't eat the lettuce, wouldn't recommend I'm afraid! However, to be fair another on our table had the tuna steak and that was good, maybe I just chose wrong!??

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14. SD

    SurreyDiner25

    London

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 20 August 2014

    overall3food4service4ambience2

    There was nothing wrong with the meal and the service was fine. I think it was the ambience that made it mediocre. The restaurant area is lacking and feels a bit like a conservatory. Probably nice to just go for a drink in there.

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15. H

    Horsetowater

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 August 2014

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    The food for this Gastropub was ok. A little pricey, but the ingredients seemed to be of good quality. Service was desperately slow, but the pub was busy thanks to a good Jazz evening, and the limited staff were obviously struggling. They remained polite throughout, and a helpful suggestion to move closer to the music while waiting for dessert was well received, even if we didn't see our waitress for the next forty minutes ;) The Jazz itself (for those who might be interested) was best when instrumental. Many of the guest vocalists were poor, with just two notable exceptions. The pub décor is more than acceptable, though the dining chair cushions could do with a washing! We will be back for drinks.

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16. KO

    KatieO

    London

    46 reviews

    1.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on 27 June 2014

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    We waited too long for someone to take our order so my husband went to the bar to place it. After 45 minutes we had not had our starters or any contact from staff. So we told them we were leaving and we did. The one plus was that they wouldn't let us pay for our (soft) drinks.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 June 2014

    overall4food4service2ambience4

    The food was great as always. The only disappointment in service was that we chose to sit outside to eat as it was a beautiful evening, which means you do not get waiter service, so the flow of the evening was interrupted by having to go to the bar to order every course and time we needed more drinks.

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18. a

    aussie

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 31 May 2014

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Read a few poor reviews of the Bell and we had a similar experience last week. However, we sent an email to the owners expressing our disappointment and decided to try a meal again last Saturday. What a difference ! The meal was very good. My tagliatelle was excellent, our friend's pork cutlet too and my husband's haddock and chips was fine although he did find there was a tad too much batter on the fish. All in all we had a great time, Anca our server was excellent - both friendly and efficient. We will be back !!

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19. S

    Steve1368

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 May 2014

    overall3food4service2ambience1

    Usually the ambiance at The Bell is the correct side of lively and the service prompt. However, this Saturday just gone, was just far too noisy and the food way too slow. We arrived at 7pm which would usually mean we would beat the 8pm rush but the food took so long that it was around 8pm before we we received our main course. This is also the time when the live music starts. I had imaged this to be of the background variety, but it wasn't. We found ourselves having to shout at each other, not only to rise above the amplifier but also in competition of the other diners who were having to do the same. I think the music would have better without the vocal. The ears can filter instruments but has difficulty filtering another (amplified) one.

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20. D

    Disappointed

    Berkshire

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 April 2014

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Although the atmosphere in the bar was good, it was really hot due to the large pizza ovens. We had two meals over two days and on both occasions a meal had to be sent back as special requests had been missed, I ordered a well done burger which came rare and a simple bacon sandwich for breakfast without butter that came with butter. It just lacked attention to detail and when mistakes were made although the staff were friendly, ther was no simple appology. It was disappointing.

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21. J

    Jonesandco

    Surrey

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 March 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A view of the river, a friendly, knowledgable waitress, great drink selection, easy car parking, smart but not too trendy interiors and a roaring fire - what more can you ask on a Sunday lunch?... A plate stacked with spot-on roast potatoes, veg, top quality beef and a perfect Yorkshire pudding! Very happy we made the trip to Hampton for this one!

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22. F

    Foodcoma

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 March 2014

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    The title says it all. I've been to the Bell several times, the food is always good but the service is very slow. So much so on our last visit that we ran out of time to order dessert. I'd still recommend it to a friend but I would suggest avoiding peak times if you want to have your meal within an hour of ordering!

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23. JM

    JMJM

    London

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 9 March 2014

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    My husband and I went here for Sunday lunch with my 3 yr old - having read previous reviews about poor service when it was busy, I had hoped that arriving at 12.15 would mean it would be relatively quiet and lunch would be quite quick. We all ordered Sunday Roasts - something that ought to be quick for a kitchen to plate up but it took over 50 minutes for any food to arrive. It seemed to be getting only worse for those that came in after us- and it still didn't appear that busy in terms of numbers eating. I will say that when it came it was a nice roast - but especially with kids, this wait with no warning or apology is really not good- there is obviously some work needed on managing their kitchen better.

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24. T

    Twicksfix

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 March 2014

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    Was lovely food, and very accommodating staff. However the pub itself was very cold in temperature. Service was really good from 2 young guys but they definitely needed an extra pair of hands as we were left with our empty plates for a long time, before then prompting for desert. Would recommend a visit especially in the summer.

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25. j

    jackjacks

    Surrey

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 2 March 2014

    overall1food1service3ambience1

    would never go back. avoid at all costs. we went for early evening Sunday Dinner & they offered only ONE starter choice. is that a choice???? and five mains.

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26. 1

    1hamptonman

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 February 2014

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    This is the second time we have visited this resturant and found the food excellent. Will definitely return.

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27. C

    Canuck

    London

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Hubby and I had walked across Bushy Park to get there and after an hour's walk, we were very ready for lunch! The roasts were delicious - beef was still a little pink even at 2:30. We had a lovely table in the front window over looking the Thames with the sun pouring in and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. It did take just over 30 mins to get our food, which was a little slow for starving diners, but they were packed and it was Sunday lunchtime - we'd have ordered starters too if we'd known food was going to be so tasty! Great sorbets & chocolate ice cream too. We'll definitely be back - as great to earn your lunch with a one hour walk to and from the pub :)

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28. D

    Daisy

    Surrey

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2014

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    I went to the Bell Inn for sunday lunch with my parents. I had the lamb and it was very good indeed. My dad had the vegetarian sunday lunch option which was described on the menu as a root vegetable wellington and came out with peppers instead of root veg. Overall the food was not as hot as it could have been and service was quite slow but it was a very busy sunday lunchtime so I would still visit this restaurant again.

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29. d

    dontgothere

    Surrey

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 January 2014

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Our table for 6 was booked for 4.30pm but the kitchen closes between 3 - 5pm! We ordered main courses about 5.15pm which didn't arrive until just after 6pm. There were still a number of mistakes with the food order despite getting the young (nice) guy to read the order back which we corrected. The food was dreadful and served lukewarm - we just couldn't eat it. They gave us £60 off our bill but it didn't make up for a disastrous birthday lunch. I still left a 10% tip which on reflection I shouldn't have done. We should have walked away after the delay and not bothered waiting 90 minutes for that food!

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30. SD

    SeanD

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 December 2013

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Met up with a couple of friends just before Christmas for a casual lunch. The food was good, I had opted for the fish and chips which arrived in a good sized portion. The service was rather slow, however since we weren't really in a rush this wasn't really a problem. I would recommend the restaurant.

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31. F

    Funtoeat

    Surrey

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 19 December 2013

    overall3food3service1ambience3

    Thursday evening, half full. Booked for 7, didn't get mains until 8.30. Too long! Charming waitress, not her fault. Kitchen is inefficient and slow. Food: first courses all v good. Mains: Turkey pie, excellent, chicken pasta with olives and tomatoes - too astringent, needed some demarra sugar to cut the sharpness of the olives and toms. Would go again if they get their kitchen act together. It may be good food, but it's not acceptable to wait almost an hour between courses.

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32. R

    Radish

    Surrey

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 17 December 2013

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    Lovely food, polite staff, good wine but ambience left a lot to be desired. Unless of course you like to eat in area devoid of lighting and stuck in between a busy bar & kitchen door? Shame but we didn't let this spoil our evening. Food was worth waiting for and we were left to ourselves. Would have been nice to have had a full menu to choose from, but Christmas had come early and someone had already consumed all their cheese! Will try again at a quieter time of year,

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33. G

    Gastronought

    New York Area

    319 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    319 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2013

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    The term "gastropub" has been so devalued that it now essentially seems to refer to any pub that serves anything more substantial than a packet of pork scratchings. The Bell Inn is delightfully situated overlooking the Thames and has many elements working in its favour. I particularly liked the DIY Bloody Mary station (though sadly the DIY didn't extend to the vodka), with full marks for the inclusion of horseradish (bafflingly rare these days). So why was it an underwhelming experience? Painfully slow service and mediocre food. A gastropub it may aspire to be but a gastropub it ain't. It's just a pub that serves pub food. Which is fine if you want decent pub food and are not in a hurry. If you want creative cooking, head elsewhere.

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34. B

    Bosher

    London

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    My wife and I have eaten here on a number of occasions. The food has always been good , likewise the service. We will return again.

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35. LM

    LMPPutney

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2013

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The Bell Inn is a lovely pub on the river - great (Sunday lunch) food and buzzy atmosphere. Our waitress was absolutely lovely and couldn't do enough for us. Very child friendly as well. Will be back.

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36. NS

    NicS

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 2013

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    We came for lunch on Saturday with our children. Everything we chose was delicious, especially the slow cooked beef which was outstanding. The kids both enjoyed their meals and service was attentive. A great place that had obviously benefitted from its change in management.

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37. F

    Foodfest

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 November 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We are a local family who have dined here twice. Each time we have loved the vibe of the pub and the excellent service - helpful, quick and unobtrusive. The food is good quality and well presented - excellent bistro standard.

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38. W

    Ward

    London

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 10 October 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The Bell Inn is a very pleasant pub not quite on the Thames in Hampton, just along the river from Hampton Court. The food was well-prepared (and not obviously pre-prepared). Service was casual but not sloppy. Good beer garden in back although shared with the parking. Accessable by bus from Richmond. Also by ferry. Not quite a gastro-pub just a pub with good pub food.

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39. A

    Avers

    London

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 9 October 2013

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    The food was not good tonight. I had the lamb shank,which should fall off the bone, it was so tough and hard, I couldn't prize it off the bone and ended up leaving most of it. I suspect it had been frozen as well. Very disappointed

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40. P

    Pierrec84

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 September 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good food, good portion, good ales. Nice service. What else we need? The food is just simply amazing! We absolutely love it!!

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