The Bell at Skenfrith

An excellent experience - lovely host / front of house and excellent food - we had lunch and it was one of the best lunches we have had for a long time and all made even more pleasant by Maria who looked after us. Thanks you Chef and Maria for a great Birthday lunch - we will definitely be visiting more often.

Cannot fault, Maria greeted us with a warm welcome, providing treats for Monty our little dog. After being shown to our room, which had everything we needed, including a dog towel we headed for the bar, where Maria was again, super helpful and friendly. She could not do enough for us or Monty, even bringing him a dog bed! We ate in the bar area at dinner because of Monty but he again was given a bed! We are keen foodies and what we had didn’t disappoint, can thoroughly recommend the crab starter! Breakfast again, was plentiful with fabulous, quick and friendly service. If you have a dog and want a gorgeous little find with stunning walks on the doorstep, a warm welcome and great food and accommodation then please book.

Reading the feedback on here from the Bell's customers, it seems that the majority of reviews are from folk who have stayed in the hotel, or dined in the restaurant. Positive overall, but these customers are paying premium prices, and can rightly expect the first class service they receive But what if you just want to pop in for a pint? Myself and my fishing partner have been into the Bell a few times this season for a beer after a day's fly fishing, and the reception has always been friendly, courteous and welcoming. Despite being two soggy individuals, quite obviously not dressed up to the nines, the barmaid's cheerful smile and request to record our day's sport in the hotel's fishing log book put us at ease. Skenfrith seems to be an exceptionally friendly village anyway; local residents that we encounter during the day all say hello and stop to have a chat. The season is now over, but very much looking forward to my next pint of Butty Bach at this delightful hostelry.

Our fourth stay in this little gem of a hotel. Maria and Joseph (and their hard-working and attentive team) have created a wonderful atmosphere here by the banks of the beautiful river Morrow. The welcome is warm, the food spectacular and the rooms clean, cosy and imaginatively decorated. The ideal spot for exploring this lovely region and for anyone considering taking on the 'four castle' walking trails.

The pictures say it all. We visited after some wild swimming in the area. Dogs welcomed at one side of the eating area, that’s fine and good for us. The young lady who took our order , Kath (hope I spelled it correctly) was professional and welcoming. The cauliflower and truffle soup was extraordinarily good. My dish of lamb was one of the best lamb dishes I have had in a long while. My wife was really impressed with the fish dish. Chocolate delice was delicious. All dishes were well presented and moreish. We would have no hesitation in repeating the visit. The chef really knows his trade. Well done.

I'm not one to write reviews but this is an exception. I booked "The Bell" as my previous choice for hotel in the area now does weddings only. The experience far exceeded my expectations and everything was abolutely spot on. I still have a strong afterglow! The food was excellent - not fussy but quality ingredients mixed very skilfully with splendid results. Pride of place must go the two ladies in "front-of-house", notably the Bulgarian-lady. With possibly one exception, I cannot think of a more professional, seamless and "customer-caring" service I have ever had. A lot of up-market hotels try to play at these things, but it does not often seem to work with difficulties behind the scenes. In my view, the reason it worked so well at The Bell is that the "unseen" mangement is top class and reward staff loyalty who are extremely involved in the running of the hotel. Bravo - I look forward to coming back. Richard Gadsby.