IT was a multi-reason family Sunday lunch out – my sister and family were up, it was a bank holiday weekend and it was near-enough my birthday.
We wanted somewhere not far out of the way and opted for The Blue Bell Hotel at Belford. It had advertised a two-course lunch for £8.95 and a three-course lunch for £9.95.
My mum, dad and I had been before – for my birthday last year – so we had told everyone it was good. Out reputations were therefore at stake.
We all plumped for the three courses each – a hungry family! There was a children's meal for the under 12s (two courses for £5.95) but seven-year-old Marcus went for the normal helping.
After all there would certainly be a couple of people to help him out if he needed it!
Between us we chose all the starters – soup of the day, Scotch broth; prawn cocktail, North Atlantic prawns marinated in a marie-rose sauce on a bed of salad leaves with brown bread and butter; and honey melon with fruit coulis.
I have tasted better soup – too much barley for my liking – but my dad and sister said it was lovely.
The prawn cocktail and melon went down very well with other members of the party.
We also decided to go for a variety of main courses.
All dishes were beautifully presented and we were asked if we wanted our gravy on the food or separate – a nice touch.
My pan-fried fillet of pork with crushed new potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, fresh rosemary and jus was delicious.
My only criticism was the vegetables – broccoli and cauliflower – were a little hard but I appreciate a lot of people like them like that.
The roast silverside of beef placed on creamy mash with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, roast leg of Cheviot lamb served with minted mash with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, and pan-fried chicken supreme served with tomato, olives and cooked in a caper sauce were all enjoyed by the family.
The vegetarian option, which we didn't try, was tomato tagliatelle, fresh pasta in a rich tomato and parmesan sauce.
For me the dessert was the best bit. I chose home-made apple crumble with ice cream which was absolutely gorgeous. My dad went for the same thing but with custard which he said was equally as good.
My sister had the more healthier option of fresh fruit salad, which she said was lovely, and my mum enjoyed the home-made fruit cheesecake served with a tangy fruit coulis.
Three members of the party went for helpings of Doddington ice cream and it was clean sundae glasses all round.
Marcus is a great fan and I'm sure it's one of his highlights of visiting north Northumberland.
Raspberry cranachan was also on the menu.
Coffee and mints were on offer for £2.35 but we declined as we were too full.
The total bill for seven full three-course meals and drinks was £80.90, which was excellent value. We would definitely go again.
The Blue Bell Hotel serves a range of other menus.
STAR RATINGS (out of five)
Quality of food: 4
Choice: 5
Vegetarian choice: 4
Value for money: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Children catered for: 4
Disabled access: 4
Overall experience: 4
Verdict: Tasty, well-presented food and great value.
Contact details: The Blue Bell Hotel, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7NE. Tel: 01668 213543, website:
www.bluebellhotel.com