The Bell has long been part of the fabric of Walthamstow, and experienced hospitality professionals Steve Field and Alex Ortse are now giving the much-loved pub a new lease of life.

With more than 40 years of hospitality experience between them, the pair have set out to restore The Bell’s role as a welcoming community pub, serving freshly prepared seasonal food, quality drinks and a warm welcome for local residents, families and four-legged guests alike.

The Pub Show caught up with Steve to discuss taking on The Bell, the changes made so far and the team’s plans to introduce ten new bedrooms.

How did you first become aware of the The Bell, why did the pub and the area appeal to you?

I've known The Bell for many years as a local resident, its appeal is its history, location, size and the hub of the community it used to be.
 
How did you and Alex first meet, and what led to you taking on The Bell together?

We've been friends and work colleagues for many years. I'd been looking for another site for some time before the Bell came on the market.
 
What changes have you made to the look and feel of the pub since taking it over?

We've stripped out all the old screens, promotional guff and made distinct areas available. It's now back to being a proper pub, as most of the locals tell us.

 
What changes have you made to the food and drinks offering?

The food is now freshly made in house by myself and team, seasonal changes and decent food without being fussy, we are not a gastro pub, just a pub. The beers are still similar as we are still tied but the wine offering is hugely different and proving very popular.
 
The Bell was previously focussed largely on sports, what changes have you made to bring more broad appeal for the community?

We still show sports, just dont have the TVs on unless it's requested.
 
I believe you have aspirations to bring back hotel rooms to the pub, can you tell me any more about that?

We are in the process now of redoing the rooms, the area is in need of more of this style accomodation and is already generating a lot of interest. We should end up with 10 rooms, three being family-style rooms with two rooms joined to provide for families or groups of friends that want to share.
 
What has feedback been like so far from the Walthamstow community?

100% positive, everyone loves having their pub back which is what we set out to do, bring The Bell back!
 
What do you love about working in the pub industry?

I've been a professional chef all my life with a background in 5* hotels, fine dining and as group exec running high end gastro pubs and restaurant groups across London so it's always been a part of life, making customers feel welcome, serve a great offer and make a place that people want to spend time in.

Find out more at thebellwalthamstow.co.uk.