In Four Words? What A Fantastic Pub!

The Bell And Bear

Pubs
in/near Emberton, Buckinghamshire,
England South East

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Review added: 08/05/2006 13:04
By: Yerrell1 (£0.00 earned from reviews) Earn £££'s

"After one of our regular camping trips to Emberton Park this weekend, we decided to explore the village of Emberton, which is a five-minute walk away. We were on a mission - We wanted a good night out, and we did not want to go too far. Then, we stumbled across the Bell And Bear. From the outside, it looked like a traditional english pub, full of character, and very welcoming. But that was just the start of it, as we had one of THE BEST pub nights of our lives. Here is my guide to The Bell and Bear

LOCATION
The pub is situated in the small village of Emberton, which is 5 miles from Milton Keynes, and about a mile from Olney. technically in Buckinghamshire, it can easily be confused as being in Bedfordshire or Northamptonshire! From Milton Keynes, follow the A422 towards Bedford, until you see signs for 'Wellingborough' then take that road (A509) until you reach Emberton Village on your left. Travel through the village for a couple of minutes, the Bell and bear on your left.

THE PUB
The pub comprises of two sections. There is the main pub area; A large and nicely decorated area with seating for about 70+ and A Thai restaurant on the other side. You might think it strange that A Thai restaurant would feature in a traditional English inn, but the landlord is married to a wonderful Thai lady, who also happens to be a fantastic cook. 'Defiantly the right thing to do' the landlord told us. Lets talk about the pub first though! It has everything you expect - tables and chairs, Pool Table, jukebox, fruit machine, quiz machine - but the difference with this pub is it has spirit. Im not taking about a ghostly creature or even the drink. I mean friendly spirit - everyone is happy, the locals love chatting to visitors, the landlord and landlady are joyful. It really is an absolute pleasure being around such fantastic people, and really does make a huge difference to your night! In regards to drink, there is an ample selection to chose from. The regulars are all here, from Carling to Jack Daniels, to an ice cold glass of coke. In addition to this, they feature wonderful German and Thai beers. The German Draught cannot be missed! I believe its called Battenburger, but you cannot miss it! Delicious. I mentioned there is a pool table; Infact its a pool area - and its top notch. The walls around the table are wooden panels, and the area around it is well decorated. At 50p a game, its good value too, and a part of our night was spent trying to beat the locals! The Thai Restaurant - what can I say but wow! Although I have not tried the food, I could certainly see and smell it, and boy did it look good. The restaurant area is well decorated and very posh looking - a good number of people came in and out to experience the pleasures, a good sign of its excellence. The menu is varied and different - a lot of things I have never heard of, but would be more than happy to try any day! A visit to the restaurant for my wife and I is an absolute definite next time we visit.

OTHER INFO
There is a good amount of car parking outside of the pub. If you are staying in nearby Milton Keynes, and want to get public transport, a taxi will set you back £10-£15 and a bus around £2. Buses run regularly from the bus stops in Central Milton Keynes. But, and this is a big BUT, why not make a weekend of it and stay in the Emberton Camping Site? Prices are reasonable, and they accept tents or caravans. You will not regret it! I recommend you see my review on Emberton Park, exclusively on youstayuk.

POLICY
Children welcome to dine in the dining area. Dogs are sometimes permitted before 9pm, providing they are quiet and well behaved. Smoking is allowed in the bar area. Make good friends with the people, and your night might just last a little bit longer (That's all I will say on that one!)

OVERALL, TO CLOSE
WOW! one of the best nights I have had in a long time. Both me and my friends now call this 'our not local, local' and it will be a favourite of mine for many years to come, I am sure of that. The atmosphere is electric - if you need a pick me up night out, the bell and bear us a must

Bell & Bear
12 High St
Olney
Buckinghamshire
MK46 5DH

Tel: 01234 711565"

Comments

The pub is a 500 yards from the park and dogs are permitted in the bar and garden areas, although not in the restaurant. The pub is no longer a Thai as it was bought by the previous landlord's son and has now returned to being an English restaurant and ale house. http://bellandbear.net

Hi can you tell me how close it is to Emberton park (walking) and is it suitable to take dogs on a nice day/eve to sit in the garden?

The food here is absolutely superb and Basil the landlord an absolute gem. Excellent real ale and some fun locals. 10/10

I can only add to the comments as a newcomer to this fantastic village.Mine host is a star and I have sampled the food many times and have thought it would shame an expensive London eatery.I am often in for a takeaway and the landlord slows the service down for me so I can appreciate the IPA or one of his varied guest beers before I go on my way !

Just an update really. My wife and I have been a couple of times since writing this review, and the pub just gets better all the time. We had a chance to try the Thai food, and it was amazing - outstanding quality. I have been to a few Thai resturants and this rules the roost.