Entrance
The central passageway used to lead to the stables, at the back of the buildings before the Snack bar was built. The flagstones are still original and carefully preserved. At the entranceway to the right, you can see evidence of holes, which were used, as leprosy windows, where it is believed customers wanting to enter for a drink had to show their hands to have their fingers counted before they were allowed to enter.
Lizzies Bar
The Elizabethan bar was one of the two original rooms that made-up the Bell Inn before its extension in the 1920’s. The original timbers can still be seen today. One of the main focal points in the Elizabethan Bar is a large feature stained glass window to the left of the bar, behind the seating area. During the restoration work undertaken by Hardys & Hansons in 2002, the original wooden floor was uncovered. You can see evidence on the floor to the right of the bar to show where the original bar was located.
Tudor Bar
The Tudor Bar has been in situ since the inn was built in 1437, and the basic crown-posts and cross members are still very much on view today. Originally called ‘The Long Room’, it was renamed The Tudor Bar by the Jackson family, due to the date when this part of the Inn was built. Much of the pubs, and indeed the city’s history adorn the walls in the form of old photographs and historical pieces.
One of the most interesting historical artefacts’ in the Tudor Bar is a piece of the original wallpaper that has been preserved, and can still be seen on the wall.
The Snack Bar
Originally an outdoor courtyard with two wells used for brewing, The Snack Bar was added onto the building in 1928 by Robert Jackson.
It was further extended in the 90’s to accommodate a stage area on which live music is now performed.
In 1957 Jackson started a tradition (first Wednesday in November), namely the Presentation of the Presidents Tankard - an engraved silver tankard is presented to the President of the Nottingham University Student’s Union. The plaque of previous presidents can be seen hanging in the snack bar.
Today, the Snack Bar is used for live music and is a popular bar among students and older generations alike.
Opening times of the Bell Inn are as follows:
Sunday 11 am - 11.00 pm
Monday to Tuesday 10 am - 11.00 pm
Wednesday to Thursday 10 am - 11.30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am - midnight
