Lovely pub with great staff and a good atmosphere. We ordered the steak and ale pie and sirloin, amongst other things - the pie was great. However, the steak was a little bland. Overall, it was a really different experience for a South African visiting the UK 👏😄

On our last full day visiting England, my husband and I popped into The Old Bell for a late lunch. I ordered the Mushroom & Ale Pie, while my husband went for the Cumberland Sausage & Mash. After ordering sausages and potatoes over the course of our entire week trip, he declared these the best of them all! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope we'll be able to go back some day.

The Old Bell in Harpenden is a reel gem.Excellent service. Excellent food. It makes a refreshing change to find old fashioned service has not died. The young lady who served us was friendly and very helpful. The meals all arrived together and were piping hot unlike most establishments. Two of us ordered steaks which were done exactly as we liked.My wife ordered the cod and my friend order the gammon and egg. He commented it was a nice change to get a runny egg. As I have already said excellent food.We will be going again.

Not being from Harpenden, I found myself in town while my fiancée was at Spire for surgery. Wanting to make the most of the time, I decided to find a comfortable spot to enjoy a nice meal. I’ve never actually eaten out alone due to anxiety, but I decided to take a chance—and I’m so glad I did. After a quick search, this pub stood out, especially being just a few minutes' drive from the hospital. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed. The place has a really lovely atmosphere, with easy, free parking available for guests—such a bonus! As soon as I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who were friendly, chatty, and immediately put me at ease. I was seated right away and served promptly. I started with a Coke, which was perfectly chilled and refreshing, and the staff took my order as soon as I was ready—no pressure, just great timing. I can’t speak highly enough of the service. The entire team was incredibly polite and attentive. A special mention goes to the general manager, Mike, who truly went above and beyond. It was refreshing to see a GM actively engaging with customers—checking in, chatting, and ensuring everything was just right. Jacqueline was also fantastic, equally welcoming and attentive. Their genuine care really made the experience feel special. Now, the food—absolutely incredible. I had the pork belly, which was cooked to perfection: melt-in-your-mouth tender, paired with creamy mash and delicious cabbage. Every bite was packed with flavor. For dessert, I went with the chocolate brownie and clotted cream ice cream—pure indulgence without being too rich. Just the right balance. The prices were more than fair for the quality of the food, service, and overall experience. It felt worth every penny. I also noticed they have outdoor seating for warmer days, which adds even more charm. All in all, my experience here was outstanding. For anyone looking for a relaxing, high-quality meal or even just a peaceful drink, I would highly recommend this place. A hidden gem with a heartwarming atmosphere—I'll definitely be back!