We started along an interesting path, which turned into a fantastic journey. Along the way things became apparent. Like the word ‘apparently’. It crept into conversation and plonked itself, if not centre stage, then just a little to the right.
In the word apparently lies the art of storytelling. It gives you license to embellish, inflate and add your own twist. Hear a story, make it yours, re-tell it, differently, bigger, better, funnier.
The story of The Bell stretches back to around 1560 when it was a rather showy Tudor building. Over the years it was remodelled and extended with additions of bedrooms, kitchen and the assembly room for concerts, weddings and community gatherings. We have smoothed out the rougher edges but preserved the wonderful imperfections that somehow made it perfect. We will add new chapters to The Bell’s story for as long as we are custodians.
Barely a month goes by when we don’t receive an award or accolade. Most recently we were crowned ‘Best Destination Pub’ in The Muddy Stilettos Awards. In the past, we were proudly pronounced Sunday Times Best Pub Hotel. Reviews from the people whose opinion we trust and value, those journalists who experience the best of the best are valuable. But so are yours – on whatever platform you choose to leave them, we appreciate your time.
Shine a light on us.
Our local countryside serves up wonderful produce nurtured by some extraordinary people, like Jeremy here with one of the hens whose eggs we enjoy. The fact that he delivers on his horse, usually bare foot no matter what the time of year, makes him part of our wonderfully eccentric extended family.
Every customer is valued. From Ken (pictured) who you will find most days sitting in the bar, to couples who choose to celebrate their weddings with us. Each and everyone one of our customers adds to our story, layer upon layer of rich human experience.
The Bell is situated in the physical and emotional heart of our community and we’d love to share it with you.
The house at this date contained a hall, parlour and tap room with six chambers above.
It was kept by Henry Pyper and by 1675 by William Slaney. It was owned at this date by Jeffrey Sawkins, having been passed down through his family.
Susannah Slaney carried on here as a tenant for the Lamberhurst Brewery until her death in 1766; she had kept the “Bell” for 49 years.
