Enjoy Celebrity Radio’s Exclusive The Bell At Skenfrith Review Rooms & Restaurant Monmouth……
Celebrity Radio always loves to find a UK gem and The Bell at Skenfrith is certainly one of them.
Located almost equidistant between Hereford, Abergavenny and closest to Monmouth (roughly 20 minutes from all) – this is a quality property offering exceptional service, rooms and dinner.
The Bell has 11 rooms (mine was certainly 5* standard), a gorgeous restaurant with walks and views that offer a total escape and tranquillity.
(Double click all images to enlarge)…..
Enjoy Celebrity Radio’s Video Review of the food & rooms @ The Bell Skenfrith….
This property is a glorious oasis. Located just over the Welsh boarder, you are surrounded by calm, gorgeous countryside and most importantly no annoyances like phone signal – phew!
Despite The Bell’s discreet location, this historic building offers exceptionally modern, fresh, clean and spacious rooms.
Of course they offer free Wifi – that would be step too far for any 2014 traveller.
The Bell is a former 17th century welsh coaching inn and has become one of Wales’ renowned boutique hotels.
The building was completely restored in 2001. Carefully and thoughtfully decorated, the polished flagstone floors, oak beams and antique furniture, coupled with comfy sofas and chairs, give The Bell a hugely relaxing and easy atmosphere.
Sitting outside The Bell was a total joy in the Monmouthshire sunshine overlooking the river, and beautifully kept Bell gardens.
On arrival I was given several options for local walks from 1h to 3h – it would be an absolute injustice if you didn’t take them up on this life affirming offer.
The views are breath-taking.
The Bell really has mastered the synergy of 2014 hospitality and standards with traditional values, warmth and pride of a forgotten age….
What I loved about The Bell is that there is no cutting corners at any point during stay.
There’s fresh flowers everywhere (grown on-site), Such a lovely touch. There’s homemade biscuits in the room, Nobel Isle shampoo in-room – all little touches that make the stay so memorable.
This type of property should be the barometer for the big brand hotels. I genuinely felt from house keeping to the general manager that everyone wanted me to have the best experience possible and would be devastated if I didn’t. You don’t get that at Premier Inn!
That is what sets apart the good from the great and memorable…..
I stayed in room 11 – a fabulous standard room on two levels with an enormous bathroom upstairs.
This rooms feels decadent & indulgent yet comfortable, homely and welcoming.
The Bell offers all of the amenities you’d could possibly require. Wifi, TV, tea, coffee, water, endless plugs (essential in 2014) and a bathroom with a wonderful bath, separate show and double sink area.
Bravo on the shower – fabulous! No bending down, burning yourself or waiting for the trickle to turn into a downpour. This may seem obviously but so rare sadly.
The rooms at the The Bell would not be suitable for disabled visitors as there are stairs to all rooms.
The Bell has many unique qualities, most importantly of all is their incredible vegetable garden located behind the Inn.
This enormous veg garden / allotment is tenderly cared for by the team at The Bell offering the epitome of ‘local’, ‘organic’, ‘fresh’ & ‘seasonal’ ingredients that so claim to boast. There’s no denying the authenticity of The Bell’s food!
Breakfast at The Bell as you would expect is a wonderful dining experience.
If it’s fit to sit outside I can’t imagine a more glorious way to start your day.
I highly recommend the haddock with welsh rarebit but I’m sure the Full English is the ‘big seller’…..
The restaurant ran by head chef Marc Montgomery offers a very accessible menu with exceptional quality.
He’s incredibly blessed to have most of his ingredients grown on-site in the back garden, his meat is sourced moments down the road. What a thrill for a chef!
Herefordshire is renowned for it’s incredible produce and this should make Marc’s job a no-brainer!
My expectations were high and I wasn’t disappointed. There’s a lunch menu including sharing platters & sandwiches and a full evening and Sunday Lunch menu.
He delivers…..
I joined Chef Marc for Sunday lunch. I was incredibly impressed by the presentation, quality of food and flavours.
To begin I loved the beetroot carpaccio, pant y gawn goat’s cheese candied walnuts – an utter delight. Packed with flavour and spectacularly colourful and appetisiing.
Next I sampled the twice baked three cheese soufflé with mushroom cream and garden salad. This is a complicated dish that can be so easily ruined….especially on a busy Sunday service. It was delicious.
I highly recommend the cheeky ‘Pass The Joint’ for 2 or more. Genius idea for up to 12 people at £12.95 each to share a Sunday lunch.
So, to my Sunday Roast….
I was recommended the local pork – roast lion with roast potatoes, root vegetables, crispy crackling and apple sauce. This really was cooked to perfection.
So tender, so flavoursome, so moreish and the veg (picked outside this morning) were divine.
I couldn’t resist requesting a slice of the ‘long horn of beef’.
Again, reared just up the road (where much of the meat is sent to Michelin Star restaurants in London), this was some of the best beef I’ve ever tasted. Couldn’t have been better cooked…
Don’t miss dessert – really wonderful Chocolate mousse!
The restaurant and rooms at the The Bell offer exceptional value. A true joy and I can’t wait to visit again.
The Bell at Skenfrith really is a gem in Monmouthshire.
Review by Alex Belfield for Celebrity Radio recorded 3rd of August 2014
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