THE PUB & RESTAURANT
The Bell Inn is a beautiful country inn located in a peaceful countryside village setting.
Call us to book your rooms directly for the best rate.
Visiting us
We have ample on-site free parking and an outside patio area with children’s playground and sandpit. We are also proud to be able to offer a dog friendly bar area and accommodation, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends along. We have a handy new dog cleaning station to clean those muddy paws when you return from your countryside walk and some treats to keep them entertained whilst you enjoy a well-deserved drink by the open fire. We are situated in the picturesque village of Rickinghall which is but a minute's drive off the A143 between Bury St. Edmunds and Diss.
We aim to source all of our ingredients from local suppliers and support local and independent business as best we can. Call us for more information or to book a table on 01379 898 445. We strongly recommend booking if you are looking to eat with us to avoid any disappointment.
What Makes Us Special
We have 8 newly refurbished ensuite rooms, making our historic inn one of the most visually pleasing country pubs with accommodation in Norfolk. You’ll love what we have done with our rooms, whether you are a returning guest or staying with us for the very first time.
You will find a cosy bar area and a la carte restaurant with snugs and an open fire during winter, along with a bar snug and games machines. If you are planning a special occasion, then you will be pleased to know that we also have a function room that is perfect for private dining, parties, buffets and business meetings. With something for everyone, it’s easy to see why ours is one of the top country pubs Norfolk has.
The Bell Inn and its team have been shortlisted in the Velvet magazines ‘Pub of the year’ awards 2023 with the final taking place at the End of June, so watch this space.
Nominated for Norfolk Food and Drink awards 2023 - Chef of the Year and Pub of the Year
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We had planned for a meal on the Broads but the beautiful unexpected weather had meant many riverside restaurants were fully booked. So we headed back to the area we... read more had rented a cottage and tried the Bell Inn which I had passed by the previous day (going to the co op!) Very welcoming lady took the booking on the phone and we arrived within the hour. We were a bit early so sat on a table outside for a drink first. Before we could even decide if we needed to order inside at the bar, a friendly chap appeared at the table ready to take our order straight away! Well the food was delicious - butternut squash soup a must! But we wanted to compliment the 3 servers (two chaps and one lady who we assumed was the manageress). Not only were they serving inside and out, taking drinks and food to tables they were also checking in guests to the hotel rooms at the pub. A very well run establishment - friendly helpful staff and tasty food served to a high quality to boot. 
Michelle H
24th September 2021 Great Food, splendid atmosphere, service was good. Friday night - live music lots of happy people enjoying this lovely local pub.
Love the restaurant for a quiet meal for... read more however the bar is buzzing.
Thank you Andie and team, we enjoyed our night out, we will be back! 
thistleygreen
18th December 2021
So we go here for breakfast on the occasional weekend, dinner with friends and Sunday lunch is really good too!
Well priced, excellent food and friendly service make... read more this a winner.
Recommended. 
robinb851
5th January 2022 - We stopped off here on the way to Lowestoft for lunch. What a gem of a place. Not only was the food delicious (best fish I’ve had for a long... read more time). But the service was welcoming, efficient and really first rate. The lady who served us was so helpful and we got served really quickly along a relaxed atmosphere. I don’t usually do reviews but I felt in this case that The Bell Inn deserves a fabulous mention. Thanks so much.
C1965YRsandrac
4th September 2021
Friendly service - We stayed here for one night after my parents treated us to a voucher for bed, breakfast and evening meal. Having seen the price of the rooms I would have... read more been disappointed if I had paid that amount!
Room was spotless, but small, and directly above the kitchen - chef clearly likes to shout! No bath, which was a shame, but a good shower which sadly ran cold every couple of minutes. Bed very squashy.
Evening meal was ok; I think I just made the wrong choice in the falafel burger. Husband’s pork belly looked beautiful, but sadly no crackling. Desserts were huge and tasty.
Breakfast was disappointing - small selection of cereals, no fruits, yoghurts or pastries. Full English was very small, just one rasher of bacon, one sausage, one mushroom, 1/2 tomato, baked beans and one deep fried hash brown.
Staff however are very friendly :) 
Louwilson1
23rd January 2023 My brother's 40th celebration. - I dont think I've ever been to a venue which was catering for more than about 6 people per table where someone hasn't winged about something being cold, too small,... read more too long a wait etc. This was CERTAINLY the exception to the rule, especially as the pub itself catered for close to 100 people this particular evening. We had "The Snug" upstairs which was a private room for about 18 of us.
The food and service was second to none all evening and I can not thank the staff enough for giving my brother a special evening to remember. Jordan and her staff bent over backwards to accommodate us at quite short notice and was more than happy to help us out with a few late requests.
I would recommend this pub to anyone wanting a relaxed and value- for- money meal. 
Loves-food-2022
27th December 2022 - Love this place. I'll be back! - A warm welcome awaits you! The friendly staff are happy to help. The rooms are spacious, warm, spotlessly clean and inviting. There is no area that disappoints, the beer is... read more well kept and the food is amazing.
The short rib of beef was melt in the mouth, a good sized, well priced portion of food. Not to mention the dessert, if their genius of a Greek chef has made her famous orange filo pie, make sure to leave some room, not to be missed! 
483nlc
1st December 2022 Ate in the Bell two days in a row with two sets of friends. Both times the service was friendly, polite and efficient. The food was great, hot, plentiful and... read more tasty. Very reasonable prices too. 
Sharre J
12th December 2021 Private Function Review - We recently held a celebratory meal (for 18) in The Snug, with the set Christmas menu, on one of their busiest nights of the season.
It was perfect! <br... read more /> The food was delicious, immaculately presented, and served by the friendliest most attentive staff.
Definitely recommending The Bell Inn for a welcoming atmosphere, and a great meal.
Thank you so much! Xx 
lucywD36AO
27th December 2022