The Olde Bell

Reputed to be the oldest inn in England, The Olde Bell offers locally sourced fare, stylish lodgings and large private celebrations where guests and patrons can rediscover the pleasures of the traditional inn. The first in the family of Dhillon Group’s stylish modern coaching inns, combining great service, thoughtful design, robust food, relaxed surroundings and rambling meadow gardens. With parts of the original building dating back to 1135, the inn creeks with heritage and history, palpable today in the black wooden beams, inglenook fireplaces and crooked, sloping oak floorboards. Loved by Hollywood royalty and political icons, Mae West, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Errol Flynn were among the many guests who stayed at the inn, along with Winston Churchill and former US president, Dwight D Eisenhower. Nowadays Dustin Hoffman, Erdem Moralioglu and Grace Woodward are seen dining in the restaurant or relaxing by the roaring fire.

The Olde Bell functions as a village in itself, the main inn for the communal activities of eating and drinking, where locals and overnight guests meet and the auxiliary buildings for private parties and weddings. Connected by a ramble of traditional and modern buildings, The Olde Bell’s village-like feel has made it a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. The Tithe Barn and Malt House are licensed to hold civil ceremonies. The Tithe Barn is a beamed 16th Century Tudor barn which can seat opulent celebrations for up to 140 friends and family with a private bar and its own secluded courtyard for summer drinks. Meanwhile, the Malt House, a Victorian building located adjacent to the main inn, is available for exclusive hire for very special occasions and includes a dining room and bar, music room complete with grand piano, private walled garden, personal chef and 14 bedrooms. The flexibility in rooms allows for big sit down dinners, rooms for dancing and areas to spill into.

The Olde Bell’s seasonally inspired menu of traditional and modern British classics is the culinary brainchild of The Olde Bell’s distinguished kitchen triumvirate, executive chef and author, Warren Geraghty, head chef, Andrew West-Letford and pastry chef, Jason Farr. The Olde Bell has earned itself a reputation as a foodie retreat with menus that are in keeping with the inn’s essential character, inventive and unfussy. Local suppliers are used for fish and meat and all bread is baked fresh on the premises. In line with his passion for wild food and foraging, Warren has implemented plans to maximise The Olde Bell’s commitment to local produce and nature dictated dining with The Olde Bell’s kitchen garden now producing 30% of The Olde Bell’s herb, fruit and veg.

While many historical features of the inn remain unchanged, Isle Crawford (designer and creative director) adopted the restrained-chic aesthetic that she used to revitalise Babington House. Much of the furniture, tableware and textiles were specially commissioned pieces by local suppliers such as Ercol in nearby High Wycombe. Bedrooms are spread between the main inn and a collection of barns and outbuildings. The bedrooms mix the old with the new, retaining the simple, pared back feel to the communal areas. Comfortable modern beds covered with woven wool Welsh blankets sit atop traditional reed rugs. Additional room features include a rustic oak trestle, an Anglepoise lamp and a chair upholstered in Windsor suiting. Bathrooms are fitted with drench showers in the doubles and elegant roll top baths (as well as showers) in the suites.

Among the The Olde Bell’s many unique selling points is its close, 40 minute proximity to London. Meanwhile, Heathrow airport is a mere 15 minute drive. Located in a genteel, Thames-side village in Berkshire, Hurley itself boasts countless attractions, among them a picturesque, riverside walk and the historic towns of Henley and Marlow. Many rambling trails and nearby outdoor pursuits will satisfy those with a yearning to explore the British countryside at its best.

Event Types

Civil Weddings, Civil Partnership Weddings, Wedding Reception.