From its earliest days in the 15th Century when the village was a centre for trade, The Bell served as a coaching inn, as can well be seen from the courtyard and the archway with its gallery above. Stage coaches would carry farmers to and from the corn markets at Aldgate, as well as other travellers to and from the metropolis, and to the boats at Tilbury which crossed the Thames. The pub has a long history of accolades such as "Food Pub of the Year 2003" as recorded in the Morning Advertiser.

Stuart Fay is our new Professional Member and we enjoyed a really good lunch there in Spring this year - the canapes and vin d’honneur and the sunshine made it a very memorable occasion!