The Bell at Skenfrith

Business Details

Luxury Boutique Hotel & Restaurant in Skenfrith

Established as a 17th-century Welsh Coaching Inn, The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith has been meticulously restored to become one of Wales's most celebrated boutique hotels and restaurants. Since its revival in 2001, the property has combined historical charm with modern comforts, featuring oak beams, antique furnishings, and contemporary amenities. Our 11 individually designed bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, reflect a dedication to detail and guest comfort. The award-winning restaurant showcases seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, complemented by an acclaimed wine list. Surrounded by Monmouthshire's unspoiled countryside, we offer guided walks, a tranquil garden terrace, and a pet-friendly ethos.

With decades of collective experience in hospitality, our team ensures a warm, personalised stay. Our commitment to quality is evident in our accolades, including recognition from Cond Nast Johansens and the Wales National Tourism Awards. We prioritise sustainability through local sourcing and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. Whether for a romantic break, special celebration, or exploration of the region, The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith provides an unforgettable experience rooted in tradition and excellence.

Services

Boutique Hotel Accommodation Award-Winning Restaurant Private Dining Room Hire Wedding Venue Services Guided Local Walks Pet-Friendly Stays Wine Cellar & Tastings Room Service Event Planning Garden Terrace Dining

Highlights and features

We offer 17th-century heritage with modern comforts in a scenic Welsh setting.
Our award-winning restaurant features seasonal menus crafted by skilled chefs.
Pet-friendly environment with dedicated spaces for well-behaved dogs.
Award-winning wine list curated to complement our locally sourced cuisine.
Personalised service for weddings and events in a private dining room.

What people say

Super comfy bed Delicious breakfast Friendly staff Beautiful location Relaxing stay

Website

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Services

Boutique Hotel Accommodation

Our 11 individually designed bedrooms combine historical charm with modern comforts, featuring en-suite bathrooms and Noble Isle toiletries. Each room offers a unique blend of antique furnishings and contemporary amenities. Guests enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts or room-only rates for a relaxed stay.

Award-Winning Restaurant

The restaurant serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes crafted by our head chef, Joseph Colman. Menus change regularly to reflect the best produce, with options for dietary requirements. The space features a smart/casual dress code and a private dining room for events.

Private Dining Room Hire

Our Wine Room accommodates 12-40 guests for weddings, celebrations, or corporate events. Bespoke menus and dedicated staff ensure a tailored experience. The venue combines historic charm with modern facilities for intimate gatherings.

Guided Local Walks

Six circular walks around Skenfrith offer scenic countryside routes, some crossing into England. Maps are available for guests to explore the River Monnow and surrounding landscapes at their leisure.

Pet-Friendly Stays

Well-behaved dogs are permitted in designated areas, including the front restaurant and garden terrace. The hotel's riverside location provides ample space for pets to enjoy outdoor activities alongside their owners.

People

Sarah Hudson

Owner

Sarah acquired The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith in 2015, updating its interiors while preserving historical elements. Her vision focuses on blending comfort with heritage, ensuring guests experience Monmouthshire's natural beauty through thoughtful hospitality.

Oliver Vaughan

Co-Founder

Oliver co-restored The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith in 2001, revitalising the 17th-century structure. His efforts established the hotel's reputation for combining traditional architecture with modern amenities, laying the foundation for its award-winning status.

Boo Vaughan

Co-Founder

Boo partnered with Oliver Vaughan to restore The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith, focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere. Their combined efforts transformed the property into a boutique destination, celebrated for its attention to detail and guest experience.

Joseph Colman

Head Chef

Joseph leads the kitchen with a focus on seasonal Welsh produce, crafting menus that have earned the restaurant multiple awards. His expertise ensures dishes reflect local flavours while catering to diverse dietary needs.

Maria

Wedding Coordinator

Maria specialises in organising weddings and events, offering personalised support to couples. Her knowledge of local vendors and attention to detail ensure seamless celebrations tailored to individual preferences.

Questions

What are your restaurant opening hours?

We serve lunch 12:00–14:30 and dinner 18:30–20:30 Wednesday to Saturday, and lunch 12:00–15:00 on Sundays.

Are pets allowed at The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in designated areas, including the front restaurant and garden terrace.

Can I book a wedding at The Bell at Skenfrith at Skenfrith?

Yes, our private dining room and gardens host weddings for 12–40 guests, with bespoke menus and planning support.

Do you offer guided walks?

Yes, six circular walks around Skenfrith are available, with maps for exploring the River Monnow and countryside.

How do I make a reservation?

Book directly via email or phone for best rates. A deposit is required for groups of four or more.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available for guests on-site.

Reviews (4)

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Tim Cooper

May 30, 2022 Report

We went to the Bell for dinner as we were close and in Skenfrith for the day. Booked via mail with Maria which was great. Food was lovely and portions well sized, but a little on the expensive side. Overall lovely place. Would have given 4 stars, but we felt a little rushed as the courses came very close to each other. We had some nibbles to start and before we had got half way through our starters were called. Then again straight after this our mains. Again lovely food, but perhaps ask if we are ready for next course or give more of a gap.

Daniel

May 12, 2022 Report

Set across a quiet road from the Monnow River in pretty countryside this well furnished 11 bedroom, hotel restaurant is a delight. Our small group stayed for 3 nights and dined in each night. The rooms are well appointed, clean and comfortable. Extra touches like fresh milk, real coffee and home made biscuits in the rooms suggest a thoughtfulness that extends throughout the hotel. Food is of a high standard and the staff (special mention to Maria and Kat and the lady at breakfast) are efficient and pleasant. Breakfast is only served from 9am which is late for me but you can always walk down to the church, castle and river to help build up your appetite.

Borja Sampedro

May 05, 2022 Report

We spent a weekend there for a friend's wedding. The place is really nice in a fantastic location, and our room was incredible. It's pricey though, so be prepared. We had dinner and were really surprised. From our personal point of view, the quality of the food does not justify those prices. In fact, we wouldn't eat there again. It's not worth it. Finally, and although we understand they're short of staff, the service is quite frankly not very welcoming or at the level you expect from a place like that, and it's the main reason we give it 3 stars: The reception is normally empty.

Difficult to find anyone there. You ask for a cab and they tell you to check it online. They come to ask if we're ready to order during breakfast, we say we need more time and the woman looks at the ceiling and turns around without saying anything (That was awkward). Overall, a very good place to stay, but we'd say that if you want to charge that money you need to offer a bit more.

Julia

Apr 14, 2022 Report

Had dinner here. Warm welcome and atmosphere, excellent service and good menu. The portions were generous and well presented. Fillet steak was splendid. Only small criticism is that the fish dishes were a little overcooked and the dauphinoise potatoes were undercooked. If you like chocolate, the delice was heavenly!