Not the one Basil Fawlty put up!

You know immediately when you walk into a restaurant for the first time that you are either going to enjoy the experience, or you will have to make a speedy exit before a waiter grabs you. It is usually the ambiance coupled with the decor and most important the people in the restaurant. Well the Bell in Alresford certainly ticked all those boxes, busy but not too crowded, and the customers all looked happy, not something you see often in these difficult times.

I ordered a glass of Billy Billy, an Australian Shiraz, not over priced at £4.95 a glass, and decided to try the lunchtime Fixed Price Menu of two courses for £10.00.

The smoked salmon and dill quiche with watercress garnish was full of flavour and I followed that by the coq au vin with braised rice, also excellent, and good value for money.

For a lunchtime get together with friends, an evening party or just a pint of beer at the bar and catch up with the news, this has to be put on your list.

12 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AT    Tel: 01962 732429