Review of The Bell Hotel, Saxmundham 4*

We were blown away by everything at the Bell. We came on a special Amazon Local deal and I ought to say not expecting a huge amount for so very little money. How wrong could we have been. From the minute we walked in, we could tell this was going to be a happy discovery. From things like the hall and stair carpet, a plain red carpet which obviously would show ever speck. Not a bit of it! This then made me look at the pictures, which were thoughtfully chosen and not the usual job-lot you see so often in hotels. The room was large and well appointed with two good quality pillows each; high quality bedlinen and towels. Nothing seemed skimped. On the first night we went into the bar for a drink before dinner. It was during the World Cup and naturally the television was on for the football, no one was watching it. As the bar emptied I asked Cameron if he could turn the television down a little. He not only did, but retuned it to a music station, which I think showed a lot of thought and empathy. We happily played cards without sport in the background. The food was very good, with plenty of choice and obviously someone with a very deft hand in the kitchen. Interesting food flavours and combinations, not your usual standard pub/hotel grub. The breakfasts were a joy with lots of brilliant ideas i. E. Making your own toast from 'real' bread you cut yourself to your required thickness. Sliced white plastic bread has no place here! Home preserved fruit in jars to choose from for your cereal, I'm just sorry I didn't get to try them. Next time and there will be a next time. The full English brekkie looked a treat, I chose the wonderful smoked haddock (not dyed smoked, but the real mccoy) with a poached egg and thoroughly enjoyed it. Egg, bacon and tomato for me on the last morning, Cameron every helpful, l asking 'How may rashers? ' as I had chosen not to have the full monty! A super find, one we can highly recommend. Thank you to all at the Bell.