The Bell Inn, Stilton, Cambridgeshire

Building and Atmosphere: The hotel is housed in a charming and characterful building, often described as beautiful and full of charm, providing a cozy and relaxing environment for guests.

Although it’s our local we haven’t eaten at The Bell for a long while because we had a disappointing Sunday lunch. We ordered a full English and Eggs Benedict, a pot of tea and something like an orange and passion fruit J2O. I couldn’t remember the brand at the time. (Frobishers). I can’t prove I didn’t get a bottle of Frobishers, but it tasted just like carton orange juice and I wasn’t served it in the bottle which is how it is normally served. I’m confident it wasn’t Frobishers, but thats what I was charged for. When we were served breakfast it was obvious that they had been sat under the hot plate for a significant time. The butter portion on the full English had no integrity, it was just liquid. The Eggs Benedict was particularly unpleasant. I wouldn’t have served that mess to a guest, I’d have had it recooked. It was so visually unappealing - see the photos. The Hollandaise on the eggs was curdled, the Hollandaise in the pan had a thick skin, like school custard. The overpowering taste was lemon, that’s all I could taste. The bacon was fine. The muffin had the chewy texture of rubber, and so did the eggs. I’m not pregnant, I’m not a salmonella risk, I like a runny yolk. If I’d have thrown the yolk it would have bounced around the bar and had someone’s eye out! No one came to ask how our breakfast was. I’m guessing they didn’t want to deal with the answer. I could have cooked much better at home and had fresh orange juice. Based on our experience I couldn’t recommend The Bell.

We had a lovely 3 night stay from the 22nd June,in an upgraded room. Everything was spotless and really comfortable. Staff went the extra mile to make our stay special,nothing was too much trouble. Nice bar and lounge area,excellent choice of drinks. Breakfast was fine and restaurant in the evening for dinner did not disappoint. Adjacent to the A1 there was plenty of scope for days out. We would like to thank ALL the staff for a really nice few days. Thanks again Anita & Richard Norwich