The Bell & Cross pub in Clent wins Pub of the Year 2010
The Good Pub Guide heaps praise on The Bell & Cross. It says: “Everything at this charming place makes sure you come away feeling you’ve had a really special time; super food, staff with a can-do attitude, a delightful interior and pretty garden.”
The pub is commended for its “strong sense of individuality and must-come-again appeal”.
The Narbetts, who also run The Chequers at Cutnall Green, near Droitwich, have turned the 19th century inn into a bustling modern dining space while retaining the character of the property and its focus as a community pub.
The pub, run together with business partner Paul Mohan, has four distinct, cosy dining rooms and an atmospheric snug bar with a log fire crackling away in the winter. It is renowned for its food and quality beers such as Kinver Edge, Enville and Wye Valley HPA.
Mr Narbett was appointed England football chef in 1989 and will mark 21 years in the job next March. He has served under nine managers, starting with Sir Bobby Robson in 1989. He did not cook under Terry Venables, as the team was based at home throughout the Euro 96 period, and he only took over responsibility for domestic games after Wembley closed in 2000.
Although he has worked at some of the country’s top restaurants, including Le Gavroche and The Dorchester, his menus for the England team are based on simple classic dishes such as fish, pasta and chicken with fresh fruit and yoghurts for puddings.
Lunch and dinners at the Bell & Cross are a more elaborate affair with stunning Sunday roasts and traditional English puddings.
