Best food and best hospitality in Faringdon (barring a certain coffee bar nearby). The Google description needs to be updated. This is a fine historic establishment right on the Market Place, and has had its ups and downs, but is currently on a steep upward trajectory under its new youthful management. The bar is classic and has been tastefully refurbished this year. The landlords (George and Drew) without a doubt have the hospitality "gene" and are very hands-on. The rest of the staff appear to have been hand-picked for their cheerful demeanour and attention to detail. The management strategy is to keep the bar for people who just want a drink in comfortable surroundings. This philosophy works for people who feel awkward taking up a table in what seems more like a restaurant. It also makes it more family friendly as there are other, capacious rooms where the imaginative, high quality food can be enjoyed (with a drink). My only small small gripe (and I know others disagree) is that I don't feel the decor in the dining areas is as inviting as the bar nor quite up to the standard of the food. It feels a bit like having a Michelin-starred chef in a school refectory. The thing about the current landlords is that you get the feeling that they listen and this is work in progress that is already 4 star standard in the renovated areas. They have just obtained planning permission (it IS a listed building) to redo the exterior which they inherited looking a bit tired. On the food front, the range is excellent from soup and crusty bread for a fiver and soup and sarnie (more of a generously filled panino) for a few quid more. This is great value but arrive prepared (i.e. hungry). The "posh" food is sensitively prepared and artistically presented, as you would expect at this level and the priced is right on.

Popped into the Bell Hotel Faringdon for a coffee and ended up with a magnificent full English breakfast- magic. Good food, the pleasant surroundings of a 17th century coaching inn, several log fires and friendly staff. The Bell is doing friendly too!