The Blue Bell Inn near Pontefract is somewhere we have visited countless times over the last few decades. This might mean our review is slightly biased, but for a very good reason. It’s a cosy country pub that consistently serves one of the best Sunday Roasts in West Yorkshire as well as a variety of British staples.
Located on the Great North Road in Wentbridge, just a short drive from Pontefract town centre, the spot has earned itself quite the reputation among locals. You’ll feel like one too, especially with such friendly and welcoming staff, who always go the extra mile to find you a table, even on their busiest days.
For our most recent visit, we dropped in for Sunday lunch. Whether you’re looking for a catch-up with the family or a much-needed post-walk pint of local ale, this is exactly where you want to be.
This article contains opinions that are entirely our own. We have not been financially compensated by the restaurants on this list.
Overview of The Blue Bell Inn
Address: Great North Road, Wentbridge, Pontefract, WF8 3JP
Best For: Family meals, Sunday lunch, celebrations, wood-fired pizzas
Top Tip: Always make a booking over the phone or online at least a week in advance. It is always super busy, particularly on weekends.
The Vibe and Atmosphere
We’ve seen the venue change owners and encounter several revamps throughout the years, but the core charm has always remained the same. As you step through the door, you instantly get that classic Yorkshire pub feel.
The interior features exposed wooden beams, carpeted floors, and an expansive glass display across the bar area. The main dining room features large wooden tables and comfy booths with cushions to settle into.
The Blue Bell has also introduced a modern twist with Blue Smoke Pizza, a contemporary pizza bar located upstairs. With its LED signs and glossy furniture, it easily rivals large pizza chains. While we are yet to try these pizzas ourselves, it’s right at the top of our list. We’ll update this guide with a full review as soon as we do.
During the summer months, there’s an outside seating area to the side of the main pub. There’s also an outdoor terrace area just outside Blue Smoke Pizza. It’s the ideal spot to grab a cold pint of Moretti or enjoy a wood-fired pizza outdoors with the family.
Accessibility Note: There are only a few steps to get in and out of the main restaurant. This makes it accessible for disabled guests or those who struggle with walking. There is a flight of stairs to get to Blue Smoke Pizza. However, you can also access the entrance from the car park on the hill around the corner. From here, you can walk directly through the garden to the dining area, where there are no steps. Just phone them up in advance so they can find you a table closest to the door or with additional space around it.
What We Ordered at The Blue Bell Inn
The menu at the Blue Bell Inn caters to every dietary preference and has remained relatively the same across the years. But why fix something that isn’t broken? It never takes us long to order here. We highly recommend choosing from their ‘Blue Bell Classics’ section or the ‘Famous Blue Bell Sizzlers’, which are served with literal trails of smoke (which is quite impressive).
Blue Bell Signature Sunday Carvery
Like any true Northerner, it would be criminal not to order a Sunday roast. Especially when the quality of the carvery here is so good. You choose from regular or small and you’re handed a token to take to the serving station.
The selection of meats on our visit included chicken, pork, and roast beef, all hand carved fresh by the chef. From there, you’re free to pile your plate high with as many roast potatoes, stuffing, cabbage, mash, peas, and more. And don’t forget to ladle as much gravy as you would ever want onto the plate (or ask for an extra gravy boat on the side like we always do).
If you want a Yorkshire pudding (which you should), you’ll need to order this separately. The same applies to any pigs in blankets. You’ll also find all the classic accompaniments like mint and apple sauce available at the side on the serving table.
There’s not much to say other than it’s a true Yorkshire Sunday dinner that fills you up for the evening. The mash is buttery and smooth, the meats cooked to perfection, and the gravy nice and thick. You won’t be surprised to find out this is why the Blue Bell Inn is constantly fully booked.
Steak & Ale Pie with Seasonal Vegetables & Chips
Another one of our absolute favourite dishes is the Steak & Ale Pie. It features a rich, slow-cooked beef and ale stew topped with a light puff pastry. We’d highly recommend getting the chips as your chosen side, which are homemade and cooked fresh. There’s also the option of mashed potato and new potatoes.
The vegetables that accompany the dish can differ. You can usually expect garden peas, kale, and carrots, and maybe some cabbage if you’re lucky. Alongside your feast, you’ll always get a small gravy boat to drench everything to your liking.
Overall, it feels like a healthy dish but satisfying enough to ensure you don’t need any dinner when you get home. We’d usually get desserts or a liqueur coffee for afters but this time we didn’t have enough room left.
Local Beers and Wine Selection
To wash your food down, the bar offers a range of proper beers and craft ales, from the likes of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord to Black Sheep Best Bitter. We went for a pint of Birra Moretti this time, which always does the trick in the heat, and a glass of the Sauvignon Blanc. The ultimate pairing for a Sunday carvery.
While you can order directly from the bar, table service is usually available if you manage to catch one of the floor staff from your booth.
The Blue Bell Inn Final Verdict
Food Quality (4.5/5) – Everything is made fresh and portion sizes are generous. If you’re craving proper Yorkshire comfort food like a Sunday Roast, Steak Pie, or Fish & Chips, this is the place to go in West Yorkshire.
Service (5/5) – You truly cannot fault the staff here; they’re attentive, friendly, and almost make you feel like family. Service is always quick, and they always do their best to handle any special requests, whether it be a last-minute table or an extra gravy boat.
Atmosphere (5/5) – It’s a cosy and beautifully decorated venue that has always retained its charm over the years. It reminds you of home, and has a lively vibe to it for celebrations and family get-togethers.
Value for Money (4/5) – While some of the dishes lean toward premium pub pricing, we don’t mind paying for food that is high quality and freshly prepared. Supporting local, independent venues like this is always worth it to us.