Thought I'd write a review as it's my first time visiting the bluebell and boy we was not disappointed the beef perfect roast potatoes probably the best IV ever had and the gravy to die for for starters I had the pate what was the start of a great evening finished off with a lovely cheese board definitely will be returning great work guys even the chef came out to see us great work chef keep up the hard work
695royp
Was very disappointed with the length of time we had to wait 1hr 15 mins 10th Dec Food was only just hot but the beef was very good we sat where we could see into the kitchen and our food was left under the lights for over 15mins before bringing out to us it was also quite cold in there
K6098WCkevinb
Just a fabulous place. The team are super friendly, the food was great, with a chef who goes over and above to make sure everything is just right (especially with gluten-free options) and the room we stayed in overnight was cosy, warm and spotlessly clean.
FiftyFifty5050
We stayed for a couple of nights, mid week, in November, having stayed here before, a few years back and having pleasant memories of the pub. It is more competitively priced than accommodation in nearby Stamford, yet only minutes away by car. We were pleased to be accommodated in the same room, the old Blacksmiths, with a vaulted ceiling, large, comfortable bed, hanging space, a wall-mounted TV and an unusual wall-cupboard with table underneath, containing coffee, tea etc and fresh cake, replenished daily. Unusual in a room, there was a good selection of magazines and books for us to browse, including books by and about John Clare, who is connected to the village. The en-suite shower room, with heated towel rail, complimentary toiletries and bathrobes had plenty of hot water. The rooms are set to the back of the pub, accessible without having to go through the pub and away from any possible noise. We ate supper on one night, served in a characterful room with welcoming log fire. The bar stocks an impressive selection of gin! We had a Soup of the Day and the Pie of the Day, but didn't find a dessert that appealed. The food was well presented, the pastry a little heavy and a meal that proved a little disappointing, but tastes differ and other diners seemed to be tucking in. Breakfast is served in a small side room. Perfectly acceptable but we both felt that things were very much being portion controlled, some of the smallest sausages we have come across and only just enough fruit juice on each table to provide a small glass each. This is understandable when there are only four rooms available and not all of them are necessarily occupied on any one night. On the second morning, my other half asked if he could have a variation of the Full English, increasing one ingredient, whilst not having four of the others, but was told that this accommodation couldn't be made which was a little disappointing. In summary, whilst the accommodation was the same, we felt that, overall, our experience was not as good as our last stay.
Pete C
We visited the Blue Bell at Helpston on Sunday 26 November 2023 for lunch at 13:15. We made a reservation for four. The service was poor, the staff lost our order and they took over an hour to inform us that the lamb I had ordered was no longer available, when the food arrived it was warm but not hot. We complained to the staff but were not offered any compensation of any kind. When we spoke with the owner he was rude and abusive. I will not be returning. The Chef caught up with us in the garden and asked what had happened and I explained the sorry tale to him and pointed out that the owner had made no attempt to diffuse the issue or to offer compensation of any kind. He said he would speak to the owner and try to arrange some compensation and come back to me by Monday. I have not heard from him! Food adequate, Service Non-existent! Value for money appalling. I will not be returning to be abused by the owner again.
Z4194ICtonyr
Had the seasonal Christmas menu the between the 4 of us we had all 3 starters couldn’t fault any of them full of taste, texture and flavour as were the mains. Very generous portions we shared 1 pudding. Excellent value and so good we’ve booked again ??
Stephanie M
Great fish and chips for lunch on my mother's birthday. They went above and beyond to make it speacial for her with Happy Birthday balloons. We will definitely go back.
Caroline O
We met friends who were staying here for Sunday lunch which was first class. All the meats were tender and delicious too. Chef came to check we were enjoying our meal and have a chat which was great. Not the cheapest Sunday lunch around but the best and we will be back.
Alison C
What a lovely pub in the middle of a tranquil village. Greeted with a smile from the super friendly staff, and idol chit chat from the punters , which made us feel at ease straight away. Seated straight away and drinks served. The staff couldn’t do enough for you. Even the chef came out and sat down with us to make sure we were happy with the food. Which I might add was superb from presentation to taste. ? recommend. We will definitely be visiting again real soon. Thank you to all the staff for such an enjoyable evening.
Pat C
A fantastic venue for our family Sunday lunch. The food and service was first rate and the chef was outstanding ensuring we were all happy with our meals. Can’t rate the place highly enough. Thoroughly recommend.
Sadly sandwiches not up to the standard that we have had before. Last time we were here we had rustic cheesy garlic bread and thick chips that were amazing Time before amazing ciacattas and chips. Today sandwich was so thick that I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to bite it and the crusts were so hard I couldn't eat them! 1 slice of very thin ham like shop bought that you just couldn't taste especially in a sandwich of this size. Thank goodness the chips are still great.
AndySquash
Staying at the Bluebell for a night and had a really enjoyable evening meal. Minor issue with one of the main meals, but the chef came out immediately, and rectified the issue completely to our satisfaction. Both main meals were of the highest quality, really well presented, great portion size and tasted very good. We decided to share a cheeseboard and that was as impressive a cheeseboard as we have ever come across - 4 great cheeses, loads of accomplishments and enough for 4 people. The Chef came out after we had finished and we had a great chat. Excellent service and attention to detail Would happily recommend to anyone
Mareddor
My wife and I stayed overnight here. The pub itself is pleasant, and our (twin) room was simple, but clean, tidy and well equipped (had a small fridge which was very handy). Only small quibble would be that the mattress on one of the beds was rather "tired". Opting for the inclusive breakfast was a smart move as it was excellent and very good value. My wife had smoked salmon (!), for which the chef personally asked her how she wanted it served, and my full English was top notch. The service in both the bar and at breakfast was friendly and helpful. All in all, I would definitely recommend it and, as a bonus, if you are into English poets, John Clare's house is right next door!
belindaf977
Delicious Sunday roast today, the Lamb was very very tasty, compliments to Ross the chef, roast potatoes cooked with a good amount of crispness and flavoursome too, plenty of vegetables, gravy and portion size was perfect, a proper tasty dinner.
Y2066CUjc
Just had Sunday lunch at the Bluebell and it was excellent ? . Service was good and the food was very good. Look forward to going again in the near future. Thanks Chef ?? be seeing you soon.
Thought I'd write a review as it's my first time visiting the bluebell and boy we was not disappointed the beef perfect roast potatoes probably the best IV ever had and the gravy to die for for starters I had the pate what was the start of a great evening finished off with a lovely cheese board definitely will be returning great work guys even the chef came out to see us great work chef keep up the hard work
Was very disappointed with the length of time we had to wait 1hr 15 mins 10th Dec Food was only just hot but the beef was very good we sat where we could see into the kitchen and our food was left under the lights for over 15mins before bringing out to us it was also quite cold in there
Just a fabulous place. The team are super friendly, the food was great, with a chef who goes over and above to make sure everything is just right (especially with gluten-free options) and the room we stayed in overnight was cosy, warm and spotlessly clean.
We stayed for a couple of nights, mid week, in November, having stayed here before, a few years back and having pleasant memories of the pub. It is more competitively priced than accommodation in nearby Stamford, yet only minutes away by car. We were pleased to be accommodated in the same room, the old Blacksmiths, with a vaulted ceiling, large, comfortable bed, hanging space, a wall-mounted TV and an unusual wall-cupboard with table underneath, containing coffee, tea etc and fresh cake, replenished daily. Unusual in a room, there was a good selection of magazines and books for us to browse, including books by and about John Clare, who is connected to the village. The en-suite shower room, with heated towel rail, complimentary toiletries and bathrobes had plenty of hot water. The rooms are set to the back of the pub, accessible without having to go through the pub and away from any possible noise. We ate supper on one night, served in a characterful room with welcoming log fire. The bar stocks an impressive selection of gin! We had a Soup of the Day and the Pie of the Day, but didn't find a dessert that appealed. The food was well presented, the pastry a little heavy and a meal that proved a little disappointing, but tastes differ and other diners seemed to be tucking in. Breakfast is served in a small side room. Perfectly acceptable but we both felt that things were very much being portion controlled, some of the smallest sausages we have come across and only just enough fruit juice on each table to provide a small glass each. This is understandable when there are only four rooms available and not all of them are necessarily occupied on any one night. On the second morning, my other half asked if he could have a variation of the Full English, increasing one ingredient, whilst not having four of the others, but was told that this accommodation couldn't be made which was a little disappointing. In summary, whilst the accommodation was the same, we felt that, overall, our experience was not as good as our last stay.
We visited the Blue Bell at Helpston on Sunday 26 November 2023 for lunch at 13:15. We made a reservation for four. The service was poor, the staff lost our order and they took over an hour to inform us that the lamb I had ordered was no longer available, when the food arrived it was warm but not hot. We complained to the staff but were not offered any compensation of any kind. When we spoke with the owner he was rude and abusive. I will not be returning. The Chef caught up with us in the garden and asked what had happened and I explained the sorry tale to him and pointed out that the owner had made no attempt to diffuse the issue or to offer compensation of any kind. He said he would speak to the owner and try to arrange some compensation and come back to me by Monday. I have not heard from him! Food adequate, Service Non-existent! Value for money appalling. I will not be returning to be abused by the owner again.
Had the seasonal Christmas menu the between the 4 of us we had all 3 starters couldn’t fault any of them full of taste, texture and flavour as were the mains. Very generous portions we shared 1 pudding. Excellent value and so good we’ve booked again ??
Great fish and chips for lunch on my mother's birthday. They went above and beyond to make it speacial for her with Happy Birthday balloons. We will definitely go back.
We met friends who were staying here for Sunday lunch which was first class. All the meats were tender and delicious too. Chef came to check we were enjoying our meal and have a chat which was great. Not the cheapest Sunday lunch around but the best and we will be back.
What a lovely pub in the middle of a tranquil village. Greeted with a smile from the super friendly staff, and idol chit chat from the punters , which made us feel at ease straight away. Seated straight away and drinks served. The staff couldn’t do enough for you. Even the chef came out and sat down with us to make sure we were happy with the food. Which I might add was superb from presentation to taste. ? recommend. We will definitely be visiting again real soon. Thank you to all the staff for such an enjoyable evening.
A fantastic venue for our family Sunday lunch. The food and service was first rate and the chef was outstanding ensuring we were all happy with our meals. Can’t rate the place highly enough. Thoroughly recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
Sadly sandwiches not up to the standard that we have had before. Last time we were here we had rustic cheesy garlic bread and thick chips that were amazing Time before amazing ciacattas and chips. Today sandwich was so thick that I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to bite it and the crusts were so hard I couldn't eat them! 1 slice of very thin ham like shop bought that you just couldn't taste especially in a sandwich of this size. Thank goodness the chips are still great.
Staying at the Bluebell for a night and had a really enjoyable evening meal. Minor issue with one of the main meals, but the chef came out immediately, and rectified the issue completely to our satisfaction. Both main meals were of the highest quality, really well presented, great portion size and tasted very good. We decided to share a cheeseboard and that was as impressive a cheeseboard as we have ever come across - 4 great cheeses, loads of accomplishments and enough for 4 people. The Chef came out after we had finished and we had a great chat. Excellent service and attention to detail Would happily recommend to anyone
My wife and I stayed overnight here. The pub itself is pleasant, and our (twin) room was simple, but clean, tidy and well equipped (had a small fridge which was very handy). Only small quibble would be that the mattress on one of the beds was rather "tired". Opting for the inclusive breakfast was a smart move as it was excellent and very good value. My wife had smoked salmon (!), for which the chef personally asked her how she wanted it served, and my full English was top notch. The service in both the bar and at breakfast was friendly and helpful. All in all, I would definitely recommend it and, as a bonus, if you are into English poets, John Clare's house is right next door!
Delicious Sunday roast today, the Lamb was very very tasty, compliments to Ross the chef, roast potatoes cooked with a good amount of crispness and flavoursome too, plenty of vegetables, gravy and portion size was perfect, a proper tasty dinner.
Just had Sunday lunch at the Bluebell and it was excellent ? . Service was good and the food was very good. Look forward to going again in the near future. Thanks Chef ?? be seeing you soon.