The Bell Inn has been awarded CAMRA National Pub of the Year on two occasions. The Bell is also West Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023.
The beer range often includes beers from Aldworth Brewing Company, a new nano brewery located in an outbuilding behind the pub. Warm rolls with a variety of fillings can be ordered at the bar.
Providing fine weather, we may be able to find a table in the Bell’s garden for this social.
Although 2pm at the Bell is given as the rendezvous for the social, an additional option (NB subject to advance booking – * ) is to join Ullage Editor, Tim Thomas on the Newbury & District #6 bus which departs from Newbury Wharf at 12.30 (this bus also departs at 12.22 from the bus stop outside Newbury railway station). Alighting at the Oakwood House (Coombe Road) stop, before Compton, at 13.02, Tim will lead the way to the pub via bridlepaths and a single track road to arrive shortly before 2pm. This is a 2.5 mile walk with uphill sections.
Several options are available to those returning by foot / bus including – retracing steps to the Oakwood House bus stop and catching either:
c. 15:30 #6 bus arriving Newbury Wharf (via Hampstead Norreys) 15:56
c. 16.45 #6 / 6A bus arriving Newbury Wharf (via Compton, West Ilsley and Donnington) 17.35
N.B. Allowing approx 1 hour for the 2.5 mile walk back would involve leaving the Bell at 14.30 or 15.45 for the above options.
* To book in advance for the bus / hike option please email Tim – editor@westberkscamra.org.uk – by Thursday 26 April giving your phone number and wait for his confirmation or he may make other travel arrangements.
Note that it is also possible to walk from Goring & Streatley station to the Bell Inn via Goring & Streatley Golf Club (avoiding the main road) but this is approx 4.5 miles distance.