The Bell Inn, Aldworth, is not easy to reach by public transport. However, it remains a popular destination with walkers and cyclists. The Bell Inn was recently awarded West Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023.
On the afternoon of Saturday 29 April 2023, Tim Thomas pioneered a route by bus and bridlepaths in order to join the Branch Social to celebrate the award at the Bell. The first stage is to take a Newbury & District #6 bus from Newbury Wharf to the bus stop at Oakwood House, Coombe Road, near Compton. (The bus continues to West Ilsley having passed Hermitage and Hampstead Norreys en route).
The second stage is to walk a few yards back down the road and then join the bridlepath which is signed near the entrance to New Farm. Follow the uphill bridlepath until it reaches a single track road and continue in the same direction until the road jiunction. Alternative routes are available here but the simplest is to follow another bridlepath until it reaches a road and then follow this road uphill, past St Mary’s Church to reach the Bell Inn.
Aldworth Brewing Co ‘Five Giants’ brewed in an outbuilding behind the pub was one of the cask ales being served. Indigenous Brewery ‘Baldrick’ Mild was also available.
There is an impressive list of draught and bottled ciders at the Bell.
Tim Wale (Tutts Clump Cider proprietor) and his double decker bus had brought a group of people from the Six Bells, Warborough, including Gary and Sam Huntley, for a visit to the Bell. Since moving from Aldermaston Tea Rooms and taking over the pub they have received South Oxfordshire CAMRA Spring 2023 Pub of the Season award.
Members from West Berkshire (including Pat Kyle and Tony Girling pictured), Reading & Mid Berkshire and South Oxfordshire CAMRA branches posed for a photo in the garden of the Bell Inn.