Reputed to be the oldest licensed house in the country, basing its claim on a licence granted in 1042 by Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor. Her statue can be found in a niche in the outside wall. Built from local ironstone, inside is three connected lounge bars, with a large fireplace separating two of them. A fine selection of fruit wines are available. Run by the longest serving licensee in the county since 1969. The kitchen is independent from the pub and supplies two restaurant areas under the highly rated Bells Kitchen
Historic Interest
Recorded in 1042 as Tingdene Hostelrie, a monastic hospice for travellers. The current Listed main Inn was built in 1598, stone farm barns within the site suggest farm use, and in 1872 the Mackworth – Dolben family carried out a Victorian Gothic adaptation of the main façade. Current owner/landlord has been there 48 years as at 2017.
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 3 regular beers.
Bell Inn, Finedon