Five Bells, West Chiltington

This popular village pub can be found to the south of the old village centre. Although the present building dates only from 1935, there is thought to have once been an old smugglers' inn on the site or thereabouts. Mine hosts Bill & Joan – Bill himself comes from a line of publicans and was born in the Queen’s Head at nearby Barns Green - have been at this fine free house since 1983, initially as King & Barnes tenants before purchasing the freehold and then adding the conservatory and five dog friendly letting rooms. The ever changing ales include mild, old in winter and a selection of bitters from far and wide with the likes of Bass, Timothy Taylor, West Berkshire and LocAles popular. The Cider is from Hereford. A short menu of excellent freshly prepared pub food is available (not Sunday evenings). Good roast dinners on Sundays. The long cosy bar features a copper bar top and a large copper hooded open fire. Branch country pub of the year many times. Both PotY and Country PotY 2024. NOTE: Pub may close earlier on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings if very quiet.