Harwich – The New Bell Inn (Good Beer Guide)

From the perspective of visiting Harwich to go to all the Good Beer Guide listed pubs, choosing a Tuesday wasn’t ideal as that meant that 50% of the two pubs in the book were shut. This was all clearly advertised so I wasn’t surprised, but I suspect that I would have very much liked this pub from the reviews. They apparently usually have a mild on, as well as four or so real ales. The food prices are firmly towards the lower end of the scale, but the quality seems high, with reviews marking on the community feel of the pub.

The pub is the oldest one surviving in Harwich having been established in something like 1743 and there’s more information about its history at http://www.harwichpubtrail.co.uk/newbell.html.

Some not entirely cheery history on a plaque above the door which commemorates William Bamford, a weaver from Coggeshall, who was burnt at the stake in 1555. This location was chosen as the pub sits on the area that was once the punishment area in the Tudor period.