"In the approach to Christmas, at the time of goodwill to all men, I feel hesitant writing this review. We 've had meals at The Bell before, probably on three occasions, and they have been fine with good service. This time we met friends here and had driven a long way through driving rain and were hungry! The restaurant was full, and so was the waiting area. I think the other half of the room was being used for a meeting or conference maybe, so perhaps the restaurant floor area where we normally sit was reduced. We were greeted reasonably and shown to our table and sat down, We were presented with the Festive menu. We preferred to order from the main menu. After about 15 minutes, we had to ask for these from behind the bar. Our drinks came pretty quickly our waitress was courteous and friendly, and our food order was taken. After over an hour, and noting that other tables who arrived well after we did were served before us, we enquired as to whether we had been forgotten. We had to go and find someone to ask. After 20 minutes more, our food did arrive. The bream, liver and fish and chips were OK. But I don 't think the chef knows how to cook the basics, unless a work experience person or the like was given responsibility. Mashed potato was cold and getting solid. Saute potatoes were few and far between, overcooked, small and cold. The salad was a dozen olives thrown onto a couple of lettuce leaves. The waitress offered to have the mash replaced, but we didn 't have another hour to spare. The waitress was full of apologies, but said she had asked about the delay from the kitchen. The food isn 't cheap here, so quality ought to have been reasonabe, not partly sub standard or unenjoyable. We apologised to our friends for recommending this venue. Although the bill was adjusted, we 'll probably try somewhere else next time. Shame, because we love the area and the decor."
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