The Bluebell at Helpston

“Hail, humble Helpstone! Where thy valleys spread,” wrote poet John Clare in 1819.

The Bluebell at Helpston is a delightful pub with rooms right next door to John Clare Cottage & Garden – the former home of the celebrated 19th-century countryside poet.

This place really sums up what a good rural pub is all about! The decor is tasteful with a country feel and the staff are friendly and welcoming. The food uses fresh and local ingredients and is simple, tasty, of ample proportions and excellent value.

On our visit, we opted for the ‘Lunch for Less’ Menu priced at a reasonable £12. It was delicious – pheasant breast with mash and red cabbage followed by a tasty apple crumble with proper custard served in a jug on the side. We washed this down with a pint of ‘Poet’s Choice’, named in honour of the Peasant’s Poet himself.

With a good selection of local ales, a shelf full of malts and a great collection of gins, The Bluebell is a great place for a drink, lunch, dinner – or even breakfast if you chose to stay over and walk the delightful countryside.

Photos: The Bluebell

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