The story of the Bell stretches back to 1560 when it was a rather showy Tudor building. Over the years, it was remodelled and extended to cope with weddings and community gatherings. When owners Roz, Miles and Richard found The Bell, the public house was crying out for a little tender loving care. So, they have smoothed out the rougher edges but preserved the wonderful imperfections that somehow make it perfect. Apparently Rudyard Kipling wrote the Smuggler's Song from The Bell ... "If they call you 'pretty maid,' and chuck you 'neath the chin. Don't you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one's been!"
Now a home-from-home in the vibrant East Sussex village of Ticehurst, the Bell offers something for everybody. They celebrate local produce such as knobbly potatoes in the restaurant, serve local brews in the pub and offer a touch of luxury in their 7 bed and breakfast rooms.
The Bell belongs to the community, with staff from local villages and a kitchen full of local produce, be it beef from Coopers Farm in Stonegate or apple juice grown in orchards yards from the back door. The owners of The Bell have pledged to help these and other businesses grow their customer base by hosting food and craft fairs. From artists and willow weavers, to silversmiths and knitters with a few sausages and cup cakes thrown in for good measure, their fairs are events for the community by the community.
Located in Ticehurst, in the heart of the Sussex Weald, they encourage guests to explore and enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty. In each bedroom an iPad provides a link to local events. Guests are also offered maps of the High Weald and information on local walks. Whether sailing or windsurfing on Bewl Water, riding in Bedgebury Forest, walking through ancient woodland and happening upon Roman slag heaps, the aim is to provide the back story for guests to enjoy these delights to the full. The Bell's connection with Kipling is well-documented. The rooms are named after a line from one of his poems, so of course guests are encouraged to explore Batemans and the many other National Trust and English Heritage properties in the near vicinity.
The Bell have recently signed up to Our Land, a website that promotes businesses based in protected landscapes who have pledged to care for their local landscape and promote what is special about it.
Enquire about booking a room at The Bell