The Blue Bell Inn, Kip Hill, Stanley (From Durham Times)

The Blue Bell Inn, Kip Hill, Stanley

1:54pm Friday 15th January 2010

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Pub living up to a great reputation.

IT WAS through subsiding but not insubstantial snowdrifts that the future Mrs Tallentire and I sifted and skidded to reach the Blue Bell Inn on an icy Monday night in mid-January.

Our destination had been first recommended to me by a gentleman who has from time to time featured elsewhere in these pages – John Heslop, leader of Durham’s Freemen. I may not be a free man in the sense the apprenticed tradesmen of this city would understand it, but with 158 days still to go to the wedding, best at least enjoy some wriggle room, thought I.

The Blue Bell Inn also came recommended by a so-called rival publication, which shall remain nameless here except to say it is published weekly on a Sunday and apparently promises to cover all news topics under the sun.

As if those kind words were not enough, my distinguished news editor also voiced approval, revealing, as I suggested it as my likely evening destination, that the Blue Bell had been on his hitlist for future reviews.

So, could it live up to its reputation?

In short, comfortably – with chips and veg to spare.

The Blue Bell’s interior is large and relatively open, with a lounge area to the left as one enters, the bar in the left far corner and two seating areas, one atop a few steps, to the right.

The décor is traditional pub, with sturdy wooden tables and a welcoming feel.

But the most notable welcome is that from the staff.

Pint pullers, managers and table waiters alike exude a cheeky friendliness which one cannot help but warm to.

Having noticed my fiancé and I sneak a quick kiss as we entered, a man – apparently the co-owner – refers to us as “the love buds” throughout, yearns for such a show of affection for himself and debates aloud whether we need the table next to the electric heater chosen for us, as we may already be hot enough. Good fun stuff.

We take the table after all – through the raised seating area and just into the conservatory.

It is quiet – business hit by the weather – but a few parties are daring an evening out; and they are much rewarded for doing so.

To open, Sarah and I share button mushrooms, sautéed in garlic and served with a warm baguette and soft butter (£4.50). They are strong – as I type the aroma is still on my fingers – but tasty and squelch perfectly in the mouth.

For main, my vegetarian partner had a choice of three options, plumping for the chick pea, sweet potato and spinach curry, served with rice, optional chips and naan bread (£7.50). The flavours were subtle rather than overly spicy and a great success, she reported.

Nearly but not quite tempted by the specials board and/or the pizza selection, I opted for the sirloin steak, which came with chips, onion rings, mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts and cauliflower (£12.95). It was excellent – only the size of the portion defeating me.

It was particularly nice to note that a medium-well steak was indeed cooked medium-well – not the variation on raw and bleeding offered in some restaurants.

As we allowed our dinners to settle and studied the dessert board, my attention turned to the background music. A mix of Motown, skiffle and early rock ‘n’ roll, the playlist could have been drawn up with me in mind. Well done, Mr DJ.

To close, we shared a raspberry pavlova (£3.25), which went down exceedingly well, and coffees (£1.60 each).

There is also a strong wine menu, including three or four reds and whites available by the glass, and the chef is able to adapt many dishes listed for those requiring a glutenfree alternative.

High praise is a difficult thing to live up to, but the hill-top Blue Bell Inn deserves every word.

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