Best food and best hospitality in Faringdon (barring a certain coffee bar nearby). The Google description needs to be updated. This is a fine historic establishment right on the Market Place, and has had its ups and downs, but is currently on a steep upward trajectory under its new youthful management. The bar is classic and has been tastefully refurbished this year. The landlords (George and Drew) without a doubt have the hospitality "gene" and are very hands-on. The rest of the staff appear to have been hand-picked for their cheerful demeanour and attention to detail.
The management strategy is to keep the bar for people who just want a drink in comfortable surroundings. This philosophy works for people who feel awkward taking up a table in what seems more like a restaurant. It also makes it more family friendly as there are other, capacious rooms where the imaginative, high quality food can be enjoyed (with a drink).
My only small small gripe (and I know others disagree) is that I don't feel the decor in the dining areas is as inviting as the bar nor quite up to the standard of the food. It feels a bit like having a Michelin-starred chef in a school refectory.
The thing about the current landlords is that you get the feeling that they listen and this is work in progress that is already 4 star standard in the renovated areas. They have just obtained planning permission (it IS a listed building) to redo the exterior which they inherited looking a bit tired.
On the food front, the range is excellent from soup and crusty bread for a fiver and soup and sarnie (more of a generously filled panino) for a few quid more. This is great value but arrive prepared (i.e. hungry). The "posh" food is sensitively prepared and artistically presented, as you would expect at this level and the priced is right on.
Food was lovely not too much just right. Presentation of food was excellent, friendly staff not too crowded just right.
Popped into the Bell Hotel Faringdon for a coffee and ended up with a magnificent full English breakfast- magic. Good food, the pleasant surroundings of a 17th century coaching inn, several log fires and friendly staff. The Bell is doing friendly too!
After searching the village for somewhere to eat and being turned away 3 times we finally stumbled upon this little gem. We had a fantastic lunch here. The service was attentive and friendly, and the timing was perfect. All our food was cooked perfectly: hot crispy chips, juice burgers and flakey battered fish. Absolutely nothing bad to say about this place! We will definitely be back for dinner.
Such lovely staff and relaxed friendly vibes. The serving folks were so courteous when I asked for directions that I just had to stop and get a pint too! Also loved the quirky, humorous little touches in the decor! e.g. a sign that says "in 1832 on this spot nothing happened" ... XD
We had a lovely meal here.
Felt very safe - they were very c19 conscious and secure.
Good food from a short menu - will have to go back for the ribeye - great beer, well kept 6x (brewery unknown ). Can't think of any negatives. Well done.
Really friendly waiting staff. The team let me and my partner eat here last minute on a Saturday night asn squeezed us in a table. Really friendly and lovely service. Food was also very good and worth it :)
Lovely old pub with some history. Seems Salvador Dali and a few other famous people drank here in the 30s.
My visit was because the town put on a free folk music day with live acts at the Bell. Well kept ale and good staff but given the draw they really should have had more than one person (poor girl!) working the bar.
We arrived at Faringdon wanting to go for a coffee. Nothing. The place is dead, just a Costa in the centre. We went to the Bell and asked if we could have a light meal instead of a Sunday roast. We could. Super staff, lovely food. Really enjoyable. Top marks.
Great place, decent selection of oft changing ale/lager that also has Wadworth classics included. Staff friendly and conversational, decor is great. Look forward to seeing what they do on the outside following the oh so difficult to obtain listed building consent!
Have yet to eat here but have only heard good things. Slightly pricier than your 'bog standard' pub menu but considerably more interesting and friends have told me it is very tasty/worth the price tag.
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