The Bell, Stoke Mandeville crowned top dining pub in Bucks
The Bell, in the picturesque village of Stoke Mandeville, has topped off an amazing first year under new owners by being recognised as County Dining Pub of the Year for Buckinghamshire by the editorial team at The Good Pub Guide 2015.
Landlord James Penlington took on The Bell in December 2012 and has transformed the business into a pub known for consistently good food, warm service, well kept ales and a wide selection of international wines.
James commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition. It has been a lot of hard graft from everyone involved to get The Bell to this point including the fantastic support we have enjoyed from the local Stoke Mandeville community and surrounding villages.
“We set out to make The Bell the sort of place that my family and I would like to come to. Our customers, who have recommended us to friends, family & colleagues, have supported us brilliantly and they really appreciate well-cooked, fresh food in a relaxed and informal environment. That support has put us as No.1 pub on the review site TripAdvisor for Stoke Mandeville. To now get this national award, in our first year in the guide, is hugely rewarding for us and everyone who has been involved since our opening in January 2013.”
The changes that have been made at the pub include; complete internal refurbishment, the clearing and re-planting of the garden, new patio and terrace area, new garden furniture as well a completely revamped kitchen to enable the chefs to deliver food seven days a week.
The Bell’s menu includes many products sourced from local suppliers within Bucks, including eggs, meat, bread and a whole host of vegetables.
The Good Pub Guide is an independent guide which uses consumer reviews coupled with judges feedback to compile the scores before announcing the winner in each County.
The Good Pub Guide is available in local book stores and online from September 4th.