It’s only an hour away from Bristol and has plenty of walking routes
The Bell has been named one of the best posh hotels to stay in the UK(Image: Rob Besant)
A picturesque village within easy reach of Bristol is home to one of the best ‘posh pubs’ in the UK.
The Bell at Skenfrith in Monmouthshire earned a spot on The Times’ latest roundup of ‘the UK’s best posh pubs to stay in’, where it was praised for its exceptional accommodation and ale.
It could make the ideal spot for a swanky lunch after a pretty walk around the area – although it does specify a smart-casual dress code for its restaurant. The bar area has a more relaxed atmosphere, where well-behaved dogs are also welcome as well as in the garden terrace.
The 17th-century coaching inn found itself in good company on the list, with other top-tier pubs from Aberdeenshire, Cumbria, and Devon, reports Wales Online.
Described as “more boutique hotel than bar”, it was recommended as an upmarket base from which to explore the Monmouthshire countryside or for fishing on the River Monnow.
It is not the pub’s first national accolade, as it was recently recognised as having one of the best beer gardens in the UK by TimeOut magazine and was also named in 2022 as ‘Welsh Inn of the Year’ by the Good Hotel Guide.
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Its award-winning restaurant is led by head chef Joseph Colman who regularly changes the menu, but current dishes listed for lunch include pan-roasted lamb cutlet (£29.95) and honey roast pork tenderloin (£27.95).
Anyone staying in one of its 11 “individually designed” en suite bedrooms will have plenty of walking routes to choose from, with six recommended by the pub itself as they offer views of “the most beautiful Monmouthshire countryside”.
The small riverside village that is also home to Skenfrith Castle. The castle remains, which date back to the early 13th century, now belong to the National Trust and are free to visit.
One recent visitor wrote in a Google review: “Part of the ‘three castles’ the only one without a moat to cross. Free entry. Adjacent church has an original dovecote at the top of the church tower. The Bell, across the road, is a very pleasant dog friendly pub.”
The Welsh Government’s historic environment service, which now manages the site, notes that Skenfrith was chosen due to its strategic spot along the River Monnow overlooking a key route between Wales and England.
Skenfrith is located six miles north west of Monmouth and 12 miles north east of Abergavenny, taking just over an hour to drive to from Bristol if the traffic is clear.