Eight Bells Inn — Restaurant in Cotswold District

This is a really nice local pub which also serves some decent food. It’s a building packed with history, and whether you’re sat in the traditional bar area or the restaurant complete with underground priest staircases, there’s plenty to admire and appreciate. The staff are all good and despite many of them being young they’re all knowledgeable, professional and efficient - a credit to the training they must undertake!

As a group of around ten people we’d be asked to pre-select our meal choices beforehand. Each of the starters was very large and impressive. The crab rarebit was particularly enjoyable and I was grateful it was a big portion! The main dishes didn’t quite live up to the same high standard but were nice all the same. The steaks were large although only one sauce was on offer, without any of the traditional options. The lamb was cooked well yet presentation was somewhat below that which the meal had begun with. The desert menu wasn’t quite as extensive as some of the group hoped but those that did order received big portions again and everything was really tasty. Drinks throughout were brought quickly and kept topped up well. The wine list was pretty large and the prices reasonable as well.

If you’re not visiting for a full meal then the bar area is very relaxing. An open fire with very traditional bar makes it a cosy spot and I’m not surprised there were plenty of people late into the evening. The pub is located in a really nice village and everything is in keeping with that setting. I’d highly recommend visiting and it offers good value for a well run and...

Fiona and I stayed at the Eighty Bells for 2 nights 11/12- October 2024. This stay was unusual in that we normally Google reviews as to see the experiences of others.

This visit came about from a conversation while on holiday with one of the owners, Neil. I met Neil Corfu while staying at the RC Hotel. Which is a "special interest" hotel. We share a passion for building/flying RC model aeroplanes. One of a number of conversations centred around how Real Ales should be stored. Too many beers are served cold like Lager!! During this conversation Neil mentioned that he had co-owned a 17C pub/restaurant since 1999.

This was in June, when we returned to Blighty, had a chat with Fiona, and booked for my 70th in October.

It did not disappoint.

As a frequent winner of CAMRA titles the choice of beer and quality was great. The atmosphere of the pub was as a pub should be, busy and buzzing. The bar serves food, which looked good.

The room we had was well equipped, clean, the shower came with instructions, nice touch, so often the right temperature is achieved as if by magic!!

We had dinner in the pub dining room. The food was fab, service outstanding. All the staff were brilliant throughout our stay. To single out one seems a little unfair but the lass who served breakfast on the Sunday was really brilliant, cheerful, nothing was too much. I suspect that the staff turnover is very low? All the staff could do anything asked of them - register guests, check out guests etc. Makes a stay easy.

We cannot recommend it high enough. We will go...

We went on the Paxton circular walk today. Which, it turns out, is not suitable for large dogs who aren't good at climbing. We arrived at the Eight Bells, covered in mud, 3 hours in, and half way, round a 3 hour circuit (going well as you can see). We had noticed the Eight Bells the day before but it was fully booked, and conveniently (and accidently) arrived bang on opening at 12pm. They squeezed us in, great service, polite and kind despite our disgusting appearance and they are dog friendly in the bar area, where they also serve food, even offering our handsome Ralph a water bowl and pat. We are annoying gluten free people and the food was beautiful! They had a really easily to follow allergen menu, and method, that was also on their specials! Amazing concept, really well executed. They also have a lovely wine list and a wall of craft beer serve awards (we avoided the alcohol this time, given the previous 3 hours). Quick friendly service, great food and allergen friendly! The pub itself is beautiful, traditionally decorated, wooden bar, tiled floors, lit fire place, 6 traditional beer pumps, clean olden days toilets with a pull cord and beautiful sink. Really well done and everything a local country pub could be! Empty when we arrived (as it had just opened), it was fully seated within the hour We were lucky to get in. Thank you amazing team, we will...