About us

The Ongar Bell FrontPerfectly located in the picturesque market town of Ongar, our converted 18th century coaching inn is the only way to experience Essex in comfort and style.

Whether you are in town for business, seeking the perfect weekend getaway with family and friends, or looking for a unique venue to celebrate that special occasion, The Ongar Bell has everything you need to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay.

As a fully-trained West End chef, Keith has always dreamed of running his own establishment, and we originally bought the property with the intention of opening a restaurant. However, being in our early 50’s, we also wanted time to relax and enjoy life, and soon realised that operating a full-time restaurant would demand too much of our time. So we decided to try something different…

The Ongar Bell LoungeBy opening up our charming old inn for rental, guests can enjoy all the comforts of home with the optional luxury of a hospitality service tailored to their personal needs. We can create and serve a bespoke menu for you and your guests, freeing you from the fuss of the kitchen during your stay, and leaving you with more time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this beautiful property.

With 6 individually-styled bedrooms, there’s space for up to 12 guests, but with so much on offer we’re certain that you won’t be spending much time in your room. At the heart of The Ongar Bell is an opulent lounge bar where you are the landlord/landlady, making it the ideal place to host the ultimate lock-in or relax over a casual drink after work. The lounge bar also boasts a snooker table, darts, games consoles and an impressive 63″ plasma TV with Sky HD – perfect for watching the latest movies or catching up on sports games.

The Ongar Bell Gold BedroomOn the first floor, a spacious living room with a vaulted ceiling and wood burning stove awaits, while the adjacent dining room offers a stylish setting in which to host your own dinner party – there’s even a dumb waiter to send food up directly from the kitchen.

The Ongar Bell has been lovingly restored and tastefully modernised to provide our guests with a home-from-home in the heart of Essex. You can find detailed information about the property and hire options or make a reservation here on the website, but please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions – we’re always happy to help!

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to The Ongar Bell soon.

Yvonne & Keith