We were traveling through and stumbled across this lovely pub. Beautifully and stylishly furnished without being themed and naff. Staff friendly, service prompt. We just had burgers but they were excellent! If you’re in the area I would definitely recommend it. They have rooms to stay too. We might consider coming back for dinner and staying over.
doodie1975
Honestly, I booked this restaurant on whim, just because we happened to be staying near by. I can’t rate this restaurant high enough! The food was in my experience, exceptional and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. When we enquired about rooms, Memo the Manager, showed us around all the rooms and we will definitely be booking to stay there. They are beautiful and clean and made to an exceptionally high standard. Can’t wait until our next visit!!
dawn w
Visited on steak night (Wednesday? with my daughter and her Dad. We werent told when we arrived nor when we sat down that there were no rump steaks. Then when we ordered our food we were told no rump steaks so we ordered a different steak then the waitress came back and said there wasnt any of that steak either! Anyway we ordered the only steak they had. Our steaks arrived but no chips for about 5mins after our steaks. Steaks were chewy and mine was full of water clearly frozen. Had to send my daughters steak back as it wasnt cooked enough and they just flashed it then returned it on the same plate and it was so tough on the outside she couldnt even cut it and raw inside. The waitress was so miserable and abrupt and made out like we were an inconvienience. Also there were flies eveywhere all over us. Avoid this place unless you have no taste and a jaw like a lioness
clairehC2674RK
We visited with our elderly parents for Sunday lunch, having waited a while to find a Sunday that wasn't already fully booked. Because of this and the great food we have had beforehand, we had high expectations. The choice was limited to 2 types of meat (chicken or beef). One of our party has a garlic allergy and that meant no roast potatoes, gravy or shared vegetables, all of which had garlic in so no roast option for them. The roasts were at best average - the chicken was lovely, the beef ranged from pink to hard chewy bits. 3 potatoes, a dessert size bowl of cauliflower cheese and same or half cauliflower and half carrots to share between 3, a lovely Yorkshire and gravy. We didn't have children but I heard a young family asking about a children's portion of roast and was told there wasn't one. Was it average - yes. Was it amazing, no. Or arguably worth the £19.50? I'm not sure it was. All in all, a nice average meal that felt overpriced but also very disappointing considering the reputation and usual standard of the Five Bells. I don't think I would go back for Sunday lunch
prill62
The harissa king prawns were delicious. I also had the fish and chips which was very fresh and tasty. The pizza was great and the lemon pavlova huge! However, despite having booked when we arrived it was as if they weren’t expecting us and had to ‘go and find somewhere to put us’ leave us standing at the bar whilst they sorted it out. My mother is nearer 90 than 80 and standing is problematic so we found her a chair to sit on. The food was very good and the decor of the place is great but the service just felt a bit disorganised and chaotic
richardgL8623UE
Previously sacked twice from the Hospitality Sector as a young adult, I appreciate how challenging the job is. Indeed I’d respectfully suggest that there are more bad servers these days, than there are good. Anyway we’ve visited the Five Bells at irregular intervals for more than 35 years, and it’s never failed to impress. The food was delicious, although the Cod and Chips might have fed 5000!. The ambience and decor are excellent and have significantly improved over the years. The star of the night however was Sam, whose personable nature, attentiveness, and excellent service were a credit to the Five Bells. Since he professed to own 7 private jets, I’m guessing he’s working part time! Thank you.
Chloe W
Lovely food, great atmosphere, staff were all really nice. Great for a family meal, was made to feel welcome. Beautiful interior and the outside garden was lovely to enjoy a drink in after our meal. Would definitely recommend
keiths36
Not often you go to a restaurant and there is not pork, lamb, duck on the menu. There was braised beef or chicken , steak was £34 which is expensive. I found the menu was very limited and therefore choosing my meal difficult. Food was ok but just ok. Would probably not go back
tigerjilly2016
The very best fish and chips either of us had ever had. Succulent fish, wonderful batter and chips crispy crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Lovely staff and surroundings to boot. Fab!
tashalloyd96
Service was friendly and pretty quick which is great. The food was yummy, although in comparison to previous visits the menu wasn't as 'wow'. But like i say, our meals were still tasty and thoroughly enjoyed. We shared bread and oil to start with olives and then for main i had the battered cod which was cooked to perfection and my partner had a pizza which he enjoyed. We wouldn't rush back but still enjoyed our meal and would recommend.
A real disappoint from kitchen with the Risotto, which very bland & watery. Also with a price of £20 was extremely bad value. A great setting & local for us, but they cannot just rely on that.
Eric S
We were so impressed by the food, service and organization at the 5 Bells in Brabourne. Highly Recommended for anyone looking for the best food in the Wye Area. Our walking group stopped for lunch in August. We had more than 20 people which changed like the weather and grew constantly in the week before. The staff were patient with the changes and were even able to seat us all together. The menu was great quality and creatively presented. The pub itself was decorated beautifully, surrounded by views of the Downs and the drink selection was excellent featuring several of my favourite local beers. All of us were impressed and we will definitely be back again next year.
Gary W
Normally this pub is fine, but we had a disappointing meal on this occasion. Considering it was steak night, the steaks served were small and tough, the beer had a decidedly metallic flavour and we had to send the sponge dessert back as was dry and barely warm. This is not a cheap place to eat and definitely needs to improve quality to justify the price
Julie R
At last! A great country pub, warm welcome, great tasting quality food AND - "not a problem at all, we can offer gluten free and often adapt other options for you" was the reply when I explained I'm a Celiac! This was like music to my ears and they did not disappoint ... full Sunday roast with GF yorkshires AND cauliflower cheese - thankyou!
693tobiase
Beautiful pub located in a pretty village, but within easy reach of the M20 and anyone travelling to Folkestone (Channel Tunnel). Gorgeous rooms, friendly staff and a wonderfully appointed large bar and dining area, serving an excellent menu of food options. Only disappointment was breakfast not served until 8am which is a problem for any early departure. A breakfast hamper was provided, but it was not quite the same as a proper cooked breakfast. Lovely stop over as part of our travels and would highly recommend.
We were traveling through and stumbled across this lovely pub. Beautifully and stylishly furnished without being themed and naff. Staff friendly, service prompt. We just had burgers but they were excellent! If you’re in the area I would definitely recommend it. They have rooms to stay too. We might consider coming back for dinner and staying over.
Honestly, I booked this restaurant on whim, just because we happened to be staying near by. I can’t rate this restaurant high enough! The food was in my experience, exceptional and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. When we enquired about rooms, Memo the Manager, showed us around all the rooms and we will definitely be booking to stay there. They are beautiful and clean and made to an exceptionally high standard. Can’t wait until our next visit!!
Visited on steak night (Wednesday? with my daughter and her Dad. We werent told when we arrived nor when we sat down that there were no rump steaks. Then when we ordered our food we were told no rump steaks so we ordered a different steak then the waitress came back and said there wasnt any of that steak either! Anyway we ordered the only steak they had. Our steaks arrived but no chips for about 5mins after our steaks. Steaks were chewy and mine was full of water clearly frozen. Had to send my daughters steak back as it wasnt cooked enough and they just flashed it then returned it on the same plate and it was so tough on the outside she couldnt even cut it and raw inside. The waitress was so miserable and abrupt and made out like we were an inconvienience. Also there were flies eveywhere all over us. Avoid this place unless you have no taste and a jaw like a lioness
We visited with our elderly parents for Sunday lunch, having waited a while to find a Sunday that wasn't already fully booked. Because of this and the great food we have had beforehand, we had high expectations. The choice was limited to 2 types of meat (chicken or beef). One of our party has a garlic allergy and that meant no roast potatoes, gravy or shared vegetables, all of which had garlic in so no roast option for them. The roasts were at best average - the chicken was lovely, the beef ranged from pink to hard chewy bits. 3 potatoes, a dessert size bowl of cauliflower cheese and same or half cauliflower and half carrots to share between 3, a lovely Yorkshire and gravy. We didn't have children but I heard a young family asking about a children's portion of roast and was told there wasn't one. Was it average - yes. Was it amazing, no. Or arguably worth the £19.50? I'm not sure it was. All in all, a nice average meal that felt overpriced but also very disappointing considering the reputation and usual standard of the Five Bells. I don't think I would go back for Sunday lunch
The harissa king prawns were delicious. I also had the fish and chips which was very fresh and tasty. The pizza was great and the lemon pavlova huge! However, despite having booked when we arrived it was as if they weren’t expecting us and had to ‘go and find somewhere to put us’ leave us standing at the bar whilst they sorted it out. My mother is nearer 90 than 80 and standing is problematic so we found her a chair to sit on. The food was very good and the decor of the place is great but the service just felt a bit disorganised and chaotic
Previously sacked twice from the Hospitality Sector as a young adult, I appreciate how challenging the job is. Indeed I’d respectfully suggest that there are more bad servers these days, than there are good. Anyway we’ve visited the Five Bells at irregular intervals for more than 35 years, and it’s never failed to impress. The food was delicious, although the Cod and Chips might have fed 5000!. The ambience and decor are excellent and have significantly improved over the years. The star of the night however was Sam, whose personable nature, attentiveness, and excellent service were a credit to the Five Bells. Since he professed to own 7 private jets, I’m guessing he’s working part time! Thank you.
Lovely food, great atmosphere, staff were all really nice. Great for a family meal, was made to feel welcome. Beautiful interior and the outside garden was lovely to enjoy a drink in after our meal. Would definitely recommend
Not often you go to a restaurant and there is not pork, lamb, duck on the menu. There was braised beef or chicken , steak was £34 which is expensive. I found the menu was very limited and therefore choosing my meal difficult. Food was ok but just ok. Would probably not go back
The very best fish and chips either of us had ever had. Succulent fish, wonderful batter and chips crispy crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Lovely staff and surroundings to boot. Fab!
Service was friendly and pretty quick which is great. The food was yummy, although in comparison to previous visits the menu wasn't as 'wow'. But like i say, our meals were still tasty and thoroughly enjoyed. We shared bread and oil to start with olives and then for main i had the battered cod which was cooked to perfection and my partner had a pizza which he enjoyed. We wouldn't rush back but still enjoyed our meal and would recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
A real disappoint from kitchen with the Risotto, which very bland & watery. Also with a price of £20 was extremely bad value. A great setting & local for us, but they cannot just rely on that.
We were so impressed by the food, service and organization at the 5 Bells in Brabourne. Highly Recommended for anyone looking for the best food in the Wye Area. Our walking group stopped for lunch in August. We had more than 20 people which changed like the weather and grew constantly in the week before. The staff were patient with the changes and were even able to seat us all together. The menu was great quality and creatively presented. The pub itself was decorated beautifully, surrounded by views of the Downs and the drink selection was excellent featuring several of my favourite local beers. All of us were impressed and we will definitely be back again next year.
Normally this pub is fine, but we had a disappointing meal on this occasion. Considering it was steak night, the steaks served were small and tough, the beer had a decidedly metallic flavour and we had to send the sponge dessert back as was dry and barely warm. This is not a cheap place to eat and definitely needs to improve quality to justify the price
At last! A great country pub, warm welcome, great tasting quality food AND - "not a problem at all, we can offer gluten free and often adapt other options for you" was the reply when I explained I'm a Celiac! This was like music to my ears and they did not disappoint ... full Sunday roast with GF yorkshires AND cauliflower cheese - thankyou!
Beautiful pub located in a pretty village, but within easy reach of the M20 and anyone travelling to Folkestone (Channel Tunnel). Gorgeous rooms, friendly staff and a wonderfully appointed large bar and dining area, serving an excellent menu of food options. Only disappointment was breakfast not served until 8am which is a problem for any early departure. A breakfast hamper was provided, but it was not quite the same as a proper cooked breakfast. Lovely stop over as part of our travels and would highly recommend.