A welcoming village pub combining well-regarded Nepalese food, generous portions and friendly service at accessible prices, with occasional booking and dessert shortcomings.
The Blue Bell Pub and Gurkha delivers strong food quality and attentive service that consistently earn praise from diners seeking authentic Nepalese curry in a welcoming village setting. Good execution across flavour, freshness, and generous portions, paired with friendly staff and reasonable pricing, makes this a reliable neighbourhood destination. What keeps it from the very top tier is modest ambiance appeal and occasional consistency dips in sides like naan.
The Blue Bell is an appealing rural pub with a second act: behind the traditional exterior and old-fashioned bar is a well-regarded Nepalese kitchen. Reviews describe open fires, beams, a cosy welcome and staff who are unusually cheerful and attentive; one diner summed up the appeal as a proper English pub paired with excellent Asian food. The cooking leans flavourful and recognisably Nepalese rather than generic pub fare, with Gurkha Rifle curry, momos, dal, naan and regional dishes drawing the strongest praise. Portions are generous and the pricing feels remarkably approachable, making this a worthwhile drive for curry fans as well as a dependable local. Service is usually prompt, though one diner found repeated table check-ins distracting and another encountered a frustrating booking process. Families are welcome, and a group of seven adults and two teenagers reported a successful lunch with prompt service and generous food. The food should suit adventurous children and teens who enjoy curry, rice, naan or dumplings, but there is no confirmed children's menu and the current menu was not supplied. Parents of very conservative eaters should check options before travelling.
Area vibe: Riverside market town known for festivals, antiques and a relaxed small‑town feel
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with good evening comfort but limited late-night services
What's nearby: Near River Severn, town centre shops, pubs, anchorage for walkers and festival sites
The Gurkha Rifle curry, momos, and garlic naan are the clearest bets, with several other Nepalese mains worth exploring.
This is a cosy rural pub with prompt service and dog-friendly seating, but booking availability and dessert choice may require some caution.
Behind its traditional pub exterior, the restaurant offers a cosy open-fire setting paired with lively, recognisably Nepalese cooking.