Bell

An interesting pub – find it if you can (directions later)! It’s basically an appendage to a row of cottages and an old photograph shows it to be a rebuilding of an alehouse in the same position. This was done about 1955 and not much has changed since apart from creating on opening between the two rooms: public bar right and ‘better room’ left which has cosy, low area projecting backwards to the old cottages. It is further embellished with a pretty vine-leaf cornice and plaster emblems above the panelling showing the emblems of the UK countries plus a fleur-de-lys. Many features seem original: dimpled glass in the windows, counters, fireplaces, and bar-backs with illuminated 'Charrington’s Ales' signage in both rooms. As for the nickname, various explanations are offered, the most plausible being that the local stable boys who frequented it were known as ‘rats’. And to get there, turn off the track north of the village pond, then take the right-hand fork and just keep going up the track.