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The Bell Inn
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
riversidehistoricfamily-friendly
About the Vibe
Perched right on the Thames in historic Hampton, The Bell Inn is a gastropub that actually earns its stripes. This multi-award winner has been serving locals since 1557 and they've nailed the balance between traditional pub charm and serious kitchen credentials. Head Chef Druv Raval brings that Indian-British fusion magic to classic comfort dishes, and their roast is apparently the best in town. The atmosphere is genuinely welcoming – think exposed beams, riverside views, and a crowd that includes everyone from families to quiz night regulars. They've got comedy nights, weekly trivia, and even a dog-friendly terrace. It's not pretentious, it's just good food and drink in a setting that feels properly local.
Known For
- •Sunday roast
- •quiz night
- •comedy club upstairs
- •riverside terrace
Best For
Sunday lunchgroup dinnerscasual drinks
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 10, 2026
A Historic Riverside Gem in Hampton
The Bell Inn in Hampton is one of those pubs that feels like it's been part of the community forever, and honestly, it has been since 1557. You walk in and immediately notice the blend of historic character with modern comfort – think exposed beams and a warm, inviting atmosphere that doesn't feel stuffy. The riverside location is a real bonus, especially on nice days when you can sit outside and watch the Thames go by.
The food is where this place really shines. Head Chef Druv Raval has brought some serious creativity to the kitchen, mixing his Indian heritage with classic British pub fare in ways that actually work. The roast is legendary – locals swear by it – and the nachos are a solid choice if you're just grabbing a bite before the quiz. It's not fancy fine dining, but it's consistently good quality with generous portions.
What sets The Bell Inn apart is the sense of community. Whether you're here for Sunday lunch with the family, a Tuesday night quiz, or catching a comedy show upstairs, there's always a buzz. It's dog-friendly, which helps, and the staff genuinely seem to care about making your visit enjoyable. It's become a proper local institution without losing that neighborhood pub feel.
Lire en français
Le Bell Inn à Hampton est l'un de ces pubs qui semble faire partie de la communauté depuis toujours, et honnêtement, c'est le cas depuis 1557. Vous entrez et vous remarquez immédiatement le mélange de caractère historique avec un confort moderne – pensez aux poutres apparentes et à une atmosphère chaleureuse et accueillante qui ne semble pas guindée. L'emplacement au bord de la Tamise est un vrai plus, surtout les beaux jours où vous pouvez vous asseoir dehors et regarder la Tamise couler.
La nourriture est ce qui fait vraiment briller cet établissement. Le chef Druv Raval a apporté une réelle créativité en cuisine, mélangeant son héritage indien avec de la cuisine traditionnelle britannique d'une manière qui fonctionne vraiment. Le rôti est légendaire – les habitants le jurent – et les nachos sont un choix solide si vous voulez juste grignoter avant le quiz. Ce n'est pas de la haute cuisine, mais la qualité est constamment bonne avec des portions généreuses.
Ce qui distingue Le Bell Inn, c'est le sens de la communauté. Que vous soyez là pour le déjeuner du dimanche en famille, un quiz le mardi soir ou pour voir un spectacle de comédie à l'étage, il y a toujours une animation. C'est adapté aux chiens, ce qui aide, et le personnel semble vraiment soucieux de rendre votre visite agréable. C'est devenu une véritable institution locale sans perdre ce sentiment de pub de quartier.