The Bell Inn

My first visit to The Bell at Tanworth in Arden Warwickshire was on the Sunday evening of 6th February this year.I dined with a long term friend who had visited before and i was not dissapointed.What a beautifull village the Inn is set in.The Inn overlooking the village green and Beautifull church looked immediately inviting.The traditional looking exterior of the Inn belied the contemporary decor within.Although finding it a little cramped by the bar the room opens out into a nicely decorated and comfortable seating area where a few locals were passing the time reading or chatting as though in their own living room warmed on a cold and blustery night by a glowing log fire.Although we hadnt booked we were shown toa nice table in the restaurant after ordering a large glass of sauvignon blanc and a stella artois from a well stocked bar.Some may think the drinks on the dear side but probably not for a village inn these days.We were presented with the menu and it was nice to see the Sunday roasts available to eight in the evening.Apart from roasts other dishes were available including morrocan lamb with vegetable couscous which almost tempted me but we both plumped for a roasts after our starters of a Tapas and Gravalax Salmon.We didnt have to wait long and my tapas consisting of houmus,egyptian cheese and beautifull pitta bread was nicely presented and very filling,my patners salmon was also nicely presented and very flavoursome,i did have a little nibble.Our mains soon arrived after we finished our starters on nicely marmed plates.I had chosen the loin of pork and my partner roasted chicken supreme,the aroma rising from the well presented dishes was divine.My loin of pork consisted of a substantial five slices accompanied by a beautifull parsnip puree,a fine apple sauce ,seasoning and a crunchy crackling all very good.My partners chicken was also substantial and accompanied by seasoning and the parsnip puree which really was a hit.With our mains came new potatoes and crispy roast potatoes and a side dish of nicely steamed vegetables which we couldnt really do justice too as we were filling up fast.All was accompanied with a fine rich gravy which complimented our dishes well.Conversation centered on the food and we were both well pleased.A few minutes after our mains we decided against desserts as we were really full although we did enjoy their decaffinated coffees and brandies which were served in warmed glasses,a nice touch!
We enjoyed the evening so much we have decided to return midweek to sample there menu then.I am really looking forward to it.The total bill including a service charge was £54 with drinks so i think it was good value for an establishment such as the Bell and would certainly reccomend it to friends.well done the Bell.