The Bell, Reigate - pub details

Hmmm, recently charged £3.20 for a pint of beer which was only 2.8% in strength. The duty on this beer is minimal so why the price hike. I challenged the Landlady and she agreed to reduce the price. Have not been back to check but with GK IPA at £3.10 it is yet another Reigate pub prentending to be in London and charging London prices. The Beehive sells GK IPA at £2.30 if you like IPA which I don't.

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addlened - 14 Jun 2011 12:32

Recently had a tasteful refurbishment - new toilets etc. A friendly/cosy place with good food and beer and, although its a bit small, probably Reigate's best.

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randolf7 - 20 May 2011 12:55

Used to frequent this place during the mid-'00s after it shook off its 'minority' pub reputation but prior to the current incumbent's arrival. It was never destined to be an inspirational pub for cask beer lovers, as they tend towards a preference for quality and variety. Whilst the former could be found, the latter couldn't, for this was (and still is) a Greene King house, and that doesn't look set to alter any time soon.

In the 'old days' (if 2005 can count under such a description) it was always favoured more for its lively Friday night atmosphere and deliberately dated and classically corny 'disco', popularised by the straight and upstanding Uncle Alan, who used to bring along his old collection of mixed 45s and spin them in accordance with requests, and a nice little "what was No 1 on this day in history" feature (happily, 'history' to Alan was anything from 1950 to 1990 but virtually nothing thereafter, so a mixed 25-60 clientele could be found enjoying throwing some shapes - some of them decidedly stiff).

This ended around 3 or 4 years back when it changes hands, and initially I felt the new licensees had blandified the pub considerably, and so I didn't return, especially as nights out in Reigate dwindled proportionate to the number of marriages and children my old mates were accruing. However, a visit on Saturday last demonstrated that whilst it remains an inherently unexciting venue in decor, musical and ale terms, its atmopshere had been resurrected somewhat via a very lively mix of older and younger punters, who seem to have made in back to the Bell in the interim. If this is a genuine reflection of how it normally is - and I should say there was a staff member's 22nd birthday party on so it may well not be - then it is likely down to the pub still just about qualifying as a true local, which besides the Nutley Hall is unheard of now in Reigate centre.

Service was jolly enough and efficient, despite the busy throngs. Beer was very limited with only IPA remaining on, although a recent visit made by a friend did suggest a 'guest' ale was available usually - I assume that means one of GK's bastardised acquisitions like Morland or Ruddles, but better than just their own IPA I suppose. The beer we had was kept well enough at any rate.

Not a classic, and it never will be quite the same without Uncle Al laying down some phat choons in the background. Nevertheless, a civilised and pleasant enough little enclave which can serve as a temporary and welcome respite from the more 'contemporary' bars that operate in this vicinity.

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TWG - 14 Mar 2011 17:54

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