The Old Bell — Restaurant in South Oxfordshire

I felt I was in a parallel universe where everything was as it should be. My wife and I finished our UK holiday at a very posh hotel in Henley and after eating felt we needed a beer. Found this spectacularly good pub while looking for a Brakspears pub. I drank this beer in my youth and needed to try it out. The low strength standard bitter called "Gravity" was in perfect condition, served at cellar temperature with a lacey head and a lovely hoppy aroma and aftertaste which lingered in the mouth for minutes after you drank it. More importantly, the atmosphere in the pub took me back to the 60s with all the staff friendly as soon as you walked in, and the happy and jovial customers just as welcoming. I was transported back to a time when pubs were full of happy people having a great time. Even though we were only there for a short time we struck up conversations with 3 or 4 customers and thanked the landlady who clearly knew how to look after the beer and her customers. Sigh - I wish the pubs near me flowed the example set by the Old Bell,...

What a cute little find this was 🥰 We’re in Henley for the weekend and last night we popped into The Old Bell for a drink and didn’t leave until 2am! It’s quite an old pub (697 years old! 😳) and so well looked after! The man behind the bar (his partner owns the pub), was such a nice man, very friendly, always going above and beyond to make a good customer experience. The poor love was rushed off his feet all night! The barmaid was so lovely as well, really chatty and friendly! Great atmosphere and nice to beer and snacks too 🥰 Thanks so much for having us, we can’t wait to come back soon. Emma & Mike...

Claire and her team made my friend and I feel extremely welcome. Claire is amazing and couldn't do enough for us. She is extremely warm and friendly and incredibly hard working. She was running a quiz and cooking food, whilst also being a fabulous host. She is wonder woman, she is just missing the Cape. The pub oozes charm and atmosphere. All the locals are lovely and friendly and talk to you. It's like being in the West Country. The food is delicious and plentiful and reasonably priced. We will definitely come...