Nothing quite beats the charm of an unashamedly old-fashioned family pub, boasting oak beams, a huge Elizabethan fireplace and 500-year-old history, and that’s just what you can expect from The Bell in Ingatestone. New visitors will experience the friendliest of welcomes, while the oodles of returning locals feel right at home. Steve the landlord earned a coveted Cask Marque for the excellence of his cask ales. His wife Linda makes all the specials, using the freshest local produce. The most delicious crumble-topped home-grown rhubarb, a tender, flavoursome lamb shank in red wine and rosemary sauce, and steak and ale pie graced our table and all were top-notch. Look out for the sensational bangers, which are made to a secret recipe and seasoned with Spitfire beer. The pub hosts many events, including regular live music nights on Saturdays. The recent beer and music festival culminated in a fly past of the RAF’s Red Arrows, a Spitfire and even Sally B – the last British B17 bomber from WW2.