Bell at Skenfrith

The story

Bell at Skenfrith: Michelin-Recommended Dining in Monmouthshire

The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouth

On the banks of the River Monnow, with views of Skenfrith Castle and a medieval church, the Bell at Skenfrith is a former 17th-century coaching inn that has earned a place in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland for 2025 and 2026. It is also a winner of the Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence as Best Small and Exclusive Property in 2022, described by the guide as a “cosy out-of-the-way Monmouthshire inn with big appeal.”

The kitchen is led by head chef Joseph Colman, who trained at Pembrokeshire Catering College and competed in culinary competitions across the UK before earning a Rosette at Lamphey Court Hotel. At the Bell, he draws on a kitchen garden just steps from the door, supplying fresh salad, vegetables and fruits. Combined with produce from a network of local suppliers, this allows him to build menus that change regularly with the seasons. All food is cooked fresh on site, including bread and biscuits.

The restaurant’s approach is rooted in classic cuisine – dishes that respect tradition while making use of the best ingredients Monmouthshire has to offer. Colman cites Michel Roux and Marco Pierre White as influences, and his cooking reflects that balance of classical technique and modern sensibility. Diners can choose from a set lunch menu or the full dinner offering, with the option of al fresco dining on the garden terrace when the weather cooperates.

The wine cellar has won the Condé Nast Johansens Taittinger Award multiple times, with a strong selection of fine wines, Champagne, vintage Cognac and Brandy. The team is happy to help match a bottle to the seasonal dishes on the menu.

The Bell also offers accommodation, a riverside terrace, and a welcoming bar with an open fire. Pets are welcome throughout. The inn is currently closed following severe flooding in November 2025, but the team is working towards reopening and posting updates on their website.

For those seeking a genuine taste of Welsh hospitality and refined classic cuisine in a historic setting, the Bell at Skenfrith remains a destination worth watching.