Nestled in the charming village of Frampton-on-Severn, reputedly home to the UK’s longest village green, The Bell Inn offers a delightful spot to unwind and savor the beauty of Gloucestershire’s countryside. Just three miles from the M5, the village green stretches invitingly, greeting visitors with its lush expanse, especially captivating on a sunny day.
At the northern tip of the green stands The Bell Inn, one of two pubs anchoring the village ends. This quintessential village pub boasts ample outdoor seating—enough for nearly 200 guests—making it an ideal place to soak up the sun, watch local cricket, or simply enjoy fresh, locally sourced food.
Visiting on a warm July Tuesday, I chose to sit outside, basking in the 29°C heat and idyllic rural ambiance. Despite its location on the main road, the pub radiated a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere—a perfect escape from daily hustle, almost holiday-like in its tranquility.
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At lunchtime, I browsed the menu. Starter options began at around £7, with crusty bread served alongside olives and hummus. Mains, like a hearty steak burger complete with bacon, cheese, fries, onion rings, and coleslaw, started at £19. The pub also serves ‘light bites’ from noon until 5 PM, Monday to Saturday, with granary open sandwiches priced around £9.
The House Club sandwich caught my attention—a generous filling of grilled chicken, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg sandwiched between thick slices of granary farmhouse bread. Priced at £12, I added a small portion of fries for £3.
After ordering at the bar, I settled into the sunshine, watching walkers and cyclists take well-deserved breaks here on this flat, scenic route. When the food arrived, it looked fantastic: vibrant colors from the fresh lettuce, tomato, and golden fried egg, all held together by thick, crusty bread.
However, eating the sandwich proved a challenge. The thick bread and oozy fried egg made biting into it messy, so I switched to knife and fork. Cutting through the sturdy bread and filling was tricky; in the end, I deconstructed the sandwich, enjoying each component separately.
The flavors were fantastic—perfectly grilled chicken, a perfectly cooked fried egg, and crisp lettuce. While a generous portion is a welcome “problem” in any meal, the size somewhat compromised the experience of a neat sandwich bite.
Despite this minor hiccup, The Bell Inn’s warm, friendly atmosphere and idyllic location make it a place I look forward to visiting again. The menu also features tempting options like a warm goat’s cheese salad—definitely on my list for next time. For those seeking a peaceful countryside escape paired with hearty, fresh pub fare, The Bell Inn at Frampton-on-Severn is a charming choice.