The Smarden Bell in Ashford

Decided to stop here for dinner after the airshow (fri) and although we didn't book the waitress was kind enough to fit us in. We sat in the beautiful garden on lovely garden furniture. The food was very good quality with nice little touches. Very generous portions and good value for money. Both waitresses were friendly and checked we we're happy with our food. Plenty of parking too. Will definitely be back.

Nice pub, inside and out. We found the bar staff very friendly, especially Courtney. It is mainly frequented by regulars, so it can be a bit intimidating when you first walk in the very small bar. The food we had was very good and the restaurant is large with a lot of room, but still cosy. The kitchen usually closes around 7pm and hours can be a bit hit and miss. The biggest downside was they frequently run out of bitter and it can take a week to get it back.

Unfortunately, our experience was as described by other reviewers - While the pub has a lovely beer garden, the staff were not friendly in the least. We were hoping for a late lunch, and the place was not busy in the slightest, however we were told that food would be delayed, despite others around us being served in a timely manner. We did not feel welcome there by the staff, and we left for Chequer's just down the road, which was far more welcoming to us.

Lovely pub. Met up with a friend for dinner there and food was excellent as was the service. quaint surroundings and felt like a 'proper' pub. Will stop by again when I next visit the area

Absolutely fantastic!! Made to feel really welcome. All staff very freindly polite and attentive.Food and drinks were spot on!Really looking forwards to coming back!!

Avoid. Extremely rude landlady. We had a reservation booked weeks in advance and we’re looking forward to enjoying dinner with friends whilst on holiday. Being from out of town, we couldn’t have been treated worse! It is clear this is only for locals. If you are looking for food and drinks whilst enjoying a holiday then avoid as this will cause extreme disappointment! Landlady could not of been ruder, bluntly stating that the kitchen was closed even though we booked for food and came at our reservation for 6:00pm. Booked for 12 and we’re shown to 7 seats. Rudely asked for dinks before we even had all our party walked through the door. We were told to go back to London!! Do not waste your time. Having traveled and enjoyed eating at establishments worldwide I have never been treated this way. We decided to politely leave, as it is not worth replying to such injustice and a close minded attitude from the landlady and staff. Couldn’t stress this enough. Avoid at all costs.

Very rude staff who could not have been more disinterested in our business. 12 lads heading back to our cottage for a takeaway. Exotic dancer being sent to the pub - hope the locals appreciate it 👍

What a lovely looking pub from the outside. But a frosty reception inside. Booked well in advance to ensure our group could be accommodated, only for it to be clear from stepping inside that we weren’t welcome. By far the worst experience at any pub I’ve visited

Terrible staff, if you go here you will be in for a night full of disappointment. Closed the kitchen even though we booked a table especially for food and we only found out when we arrived. We booked by phone so it was strange. The landlady really didn't want our money and all but shut the door in our face when we turned up.

We always feel very welcome at The Bell. Our food and drink has always been very good. When the weather is nice we sit outside in the beautifully laid out seating areas in the garden. Many tables are sheltered from rain so you don't have to rush inside if a bit of a shower comes along. Not that we don't mind going inside. It's very comfortable and nice inside as well. One of our most favourite pubs in Kent. The service has always been outstanding.