The Bell Inn
Horndon on the Hill, Essex
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The Bell Inn at Horndon on the Hill, Essex, had something of a chequered early history. In 1553, the ground to the rear of the Inn bore witness to the burning at the stake of a local landowner, Thomas Higbed, for heresy! The building’s impressive architecture includes the courtyard (awash in summer with magnificent flowers), balcony and archway entrance. The longevity of the building has clearly had an impact on the proprietors – as the Inn has been in the same family for almost seventy years. John and Christine Vereker are second generation inn-keepers, having taken over from Christine's parents in 1970.
Accommodation has been restored, although whether or not some of those early travellers would now recognise the five magnificent suites is a moot point. They may well recognise the names of the bedrooms though - all famous mistresses in history whose personalities are reflected in the rooms’ lavish and witty decor.
Renowned as a ‘real social centre of village life’, the Bell has a wonderfully welcoming feeling where old and new faces happily sit enjoying the wide selection of well kept real ales and fantastic wines. In the two bars downstairs, one panelled in oak wood with an open fire and the other set on an original flagstone floor, you will note a healthy bias toward several local breweries, and over twenty wines available by the glass that compliment a broad, high quality wine list offering exceptional value. Booking is essential in the excellent a la carte restaurant where the bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere usually spills over into the bar area.
Rates:
Double/twin: from £55.00 - £100.00
Nearest Station/s
Laindon - (10 minutes)
West Hornden - (10 minutes)
Nearest Airport/s
Gatwick - (40 minutes)
Stansted - (40 minutes)