The Blue Bell — Restaurant in Wakefield

What can be said about the Blue Bell that hasn't already been said in previous reviews?

Almost every time we have been we have had an incredible time. There was only one instance where this wasn't the case, and this was in no way anything to do with the actual establishment, just an unnecessarily loud and obnoxious customer - if your laugh can be heard in another postcode, it's probably time to dial it down.

Now back onto the pub. The drinks are outstanding, every cocktail is made with care and attention, and quality assured before it even lands on your table - or in my case, on one occasion, my shoes. The options for spirits are myriad as long as you're not much of a whiskey drinker. The drinks that are available on tap, range from pub mainstays like Guinness, all the way through to relatively obscure IPAs like Neck Oil.

Service always comes with a smile, and very often a laugh. You are made to feel 100% welcome, and comfortable. The music is never too loud and always offers something for everyone thanks to the range of things they play. So whether you're a pop fan or a jazz maniac, there is gonna be something for you - it just might take a little time.

Now the food. The chefs at Blue Bell understand rule number 1 of dining: You eat with your eyes first.

The meals are quickly prepared, but never so quick as to question the quality. We have had a range of things from here, and every time they have been delicious. We had one occasion where the food wasn't quite up to scratch, and this was addressed and rectified immediately. If you do happen to eat here, and are a big fan of chips, do yourself a favour and grab a portion, because it's not hyperbolic to say they make the best chips around.

Combining, the food, the atmosphere, the drinks and the top-notch service, Blue Bell delivers on every single aspect and is sure to be one of - if not THE - place you go when drinking in Pontefract.

Also special shout-out to Alan, the GM, he is an absolutely wonderful person who makes everyone feel welcome and accepted, also never a dry glass in the place when he's there and you have to love that in a pub.

My one and only gripe about Blue Bell is recently they have had GB "News" on their TVs, I don't think it is fair to be subjected to Russian propaganda channels while we enjoy British hospitality. So I would urge them to turn back to BBC or Sky...

The building looks really good after the refurb, even though half of the floor space has been taken over by the humongous kitchen, which doesn't leave many places to sit if you want to have something to eat on a Saturday afternoon. The "Yorkshire" tapas is a good deal (3 for£11) and the dishes I have tried from that menu have been delicious, I'm just lost on the Yorkshire aspect of the menu, is it Yorkshire tapas because it's being served here? I dont feel like there's anything on the menu that is specifically Yorkshire enough for it to be dubbed Yorkshire tapas. I have tried a garlic bread and a pizza and they were both delicious! I just hope installing a pizza oven was worth losing a quarter of the floor space in the pub.

Now, for the drinks prices. Well. The beers and ciders offered on tap aren't your usual, which makes a nice change but it does mean they are a little more expensive, which wouldnt be so bad if it was a good pint but almost every one I've had has been flat because the glasses are wet or the staff don't know how to pour. After paying so much for a pint, i dont expect to find these issues so easily. Spirits! If you dont mind paying Leeds bar prices for gin and tonic, this is your place! £8.70 for a SINGLE gin and mixer in Pontefract is absolutely outstanding, and I'm unsure of the difference between this gin and the considerably cheaper gin of the same label from around the corner. There is a good selection of gin here but in this day, what bar doesn't stock all the latest artisan gins?

My most favourite part of this pub is the outside seating areas, with one to the front and back, summer time here will be wonderful. Although, maybe I'll just stick to...

I've been to The Blue Bell several times and always enjoyed it. I was super excited to go back and enjoy some tapas with my partner.

It's gone down hill so much. Firstly after we got seated we waited 15 minutes to be served. We ordered our drinks and food and 20 minutes later, nothing. After going to the bar the said they just forgot. Mistakes happen and we got our drinks. Another 20 minutes later we got our food (had to ditch tapas due to a terrible menu choice for tapas, literally chips and prawns). I ordered a side of salad and chips and these didn't come out either. I must say the food was lovely and had no complaints. However if you are vegan, GF, Dairy intolerant then don't bother as there is nothing at all on the menu for you. Maybe chips.

We were not offered more drinks or even a dessert menu. They wouldn't have even noticed if we walked out.

Such a shame as the venue is beautiful but it's gone down hill and run by people who have no idea about the hospitality and...