The Bell Inn

We came to The Bell in Kennett near Newmarket yesterday for a cousins’ reunion and had a lovely time. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and the staff were friendly, attentive and glad to help. The Steak & Ale pie was rich, tasty and cooked just right. The cheese board was especially good, five cheeses, generously served and beautifully presented. It’s honestly one of the best I’ve had. The quality and value were great across the board. We left happy and full, and would gladly return. I’d recommend The Bell, Kennett for good food and a friendly pub atmosphere around Newmarket.

The food turned out to be fantastic, and the young woman who served us was friendly and professional. We did have a rough start, though. At 12.45pm we were told we were very early because it was only 11.45. When we mentioned one extra person, the woman helping us put her head in her hands and said we should ring next time. The table was too small, but I said we didn’t mind squeezing in. She kept complaining, and I told my family I didn’t feel welcome and asked if we should leave. We decided to stay. I then saw the same woman speaking very harshly to the barman in front of customers.

I went to the pub to deliver an order for a guest at their inn. I’d never been there before and didn’t know there was another entrance. The owner loudly berated me for coming in with a Just Eat bag and said I wasn’t allowed in the pub. If they’d politely told me to use the other entrance, I wouldn’t be writing this. Avoid this place!

My friend had the salmon and I ordered the crab and prawn gratin. Both came with new potatoes and proper fresh vegetables, and everything was full of flavor, perfectly cooked and generously portioned. We were really impressed, and the staff were lovely too. For dessert we got the strawberry delight and Belgian waffle. Both were enormous and worth every indulgent bite. We stopped in on a chance for lunch and ended up with a fantastic meal. Treat yourself if you get the opportunity, you won’t be disappointed.