The Eight Bells in Old Hatfield is a charming pub dating back the 17th Century. An important staging post on the Great North Road, it was originally named The Five Bells. But when the number of bells at St Etheldreda Church increased from five to eight, the name of the pub changed with it!
Apparently Dick Turpin was a regular visitor, and Charles Dickens was known to visit regularly too and use it as a good place for his writing. It’s suggested that “a small public house” that Bill Sykes visits in Oliver Twist was almost certainly the Eight Bells!
These days, it’s a a characterful place with a warm interior with little nooks and crannies, timber beams and two crackling fireplaces. There’s no fruit machines or pool tables taking up space, but there is a dartboard if you’re in a competitive mood! Plus regular live music nights featuring local artists. They also have a lovely cheeseboard offering – served in a waxed truckle alongside sourdough crackers, real butter and chutney. Cheese include vintage cheddar, charcoal and smoked Red Leicester.
And, as it’s owned by Farr Brew, you can expect a very well-stocked back bar, a rounded wine list, and of course some excellent cask ales on draught.
This is a wonderful, historic pub in a lovely part of Hatfield, and well worth a visit.
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