The picture-perfect village of Ramsbury, with its quaint cottages, charming high street, and the peaceful River Kennet running through, is a delightful destination in its own right. But the renowned Ramsbury Estate has taken a typical coach inn and transformed it into something magical. This bed and breakfast offers a seamless blend of rustic charm, modern comfort, and a taste of the Ramsbury estate’s finest offerings. Part of a wider ecosystem that includes the brewery behind the famous Ramsbury Gold, farmland and butchers for quality local produce and a distillery for their gin and vodka, The Ramsbury Estate has pooled all of these great things into the perfect place to taste and experience them all – a stay at The Bell.
A short drive down the road brings you to the beating heart of the Ramsbury Estate’s craft production: its brewery, distillery, and oil press. At The Bell, these local treasures take pride of place, with their unique selection of Ramsbury’s beers, spirits, and signature cold-pressed rapeseed oil elevating the dining experience. Guests are also able to book a brewery tour or gin workshop, offering a deeper dive into the estate’s artisanal craftsmanship.
The pub’s interiors feel both historic and refreshingly contemporary, while the attached Café Bella serves as the perfect spot for a laid-back coffee or quick bite. Meanwhile, the coach house accommodations feature inviting touches like soft lighting and plush furnishings as well as allowing for dogs to enjoy the luxury, too – ensuring that even the shortest stay feels like a true retreat.
The pub’s menu, overseen by a skilled culinary team, reflects a keen appreciation for quality ingredients. Highlights include the partridge pakora, where tender game in chapati is balanced by a kick of mango for a bold, flavourful start. The ceviche of John Dory is another standout, with lime, fennel, red onion, and chili providing a perfectly balanced zing. The roasted hake with St. Austell Bay mussel chowder or the delicate grilled brill on the bone served with new potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli are both flawless choices.
For a quintessentially British stay steeped in heritage, flavours, and warmth, The Bell is a must-visit gem in the heart of Ramsbury. With the rest of the Ramsbury Estate within driving distance, and its quality produce making its way onto the breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar menu – the craft drinks and comforting ambiance will have you planning your return before you leave.
