Meet The Team at the Bell, Stratford-upon-Avon
A great pub isn’t just about the beers and pies - it’s about the people who bring it all to life. At the Bell, our team isn’t just here to pull the perfect pint (though they do that brilliantly); they’re here to make every visit feel like home.
Step inside and you’ll find a team brimming with local knowledge, from the best Greene King ale to pair with your Sunday roast to the quirkiest Shakespearean trivia. Want to put names to faces and find out which team member can recommend the best local tipple? We spoke to the bubbly assistant manager, Monika, and the passionate kitchen manager, Elaine, to tell us what makes the Bell pub so unique!
Meet our Assistant Manager
"My name's Monika, and I’m the assistant manager here. I’ve been with Greene King for over four years now, and I’ve worked at the Duke of Cambridge before, but I’ve got to say, this pub is much better.
The best part about working here is definitely the customers. I love getting to know our locals and building personal relationships with them. It’s so rewarding to have those bonds with people who come in regularly. We rely a lot on our locals and they’re always so supportive, creating this warm, welcoming atmosphere – it’s like a second home to many of them (and us). The Bell is such a beautiful pub with plenty of history. You can visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage just around the corner, or take a walk into town to see some of the iconic Shakespeare spots. The pub itself is so cosy and we've got loads of Shakespearean pieces that make it different than any other place around.
I’d say my favourite part of the day is chatting with the people and having a laugh. It’s so relaxed here – definitely not like a high-pressure restaurant vibe. I think the mix of locals and tourists adds something extra, too. It’s always interesting meeting people from different places and hearing their stories.
Although, when the tourists come in, they do love a fish & chips - they can't get enough of it. But I guess it's a UK staple. For me, my favourite dish right now is the Signature Barbecue Burger – it’s the ultimate comfort food with juicy beef, BBQ pulled pork, oozy beer cheese sauce, and some crispy onion rings. You can’t go wrong with it.
When it comes to drinks, I’m a fan of a Sauvignon Blanc with soda or an apple spritz. But if I’m having wine without the soda, things can get a bit dangerous!
We’ve got some great events here too – our quiz night every Monday is super popular, always fully booked, and we also do tock n roll bingo at the end of every month. It’s a blast, and you definitely want to book in advance for these.
On my days off, I like to stick to Green King pubs, so you’ll often find me at the Windmill or the Garrick in town, and then maybe the Pen and Parchment, or the Dirty Duck to round off the night.
We’re also very dog-friendly here. We have a hydration station for dogs outside, a doggie menu with treats, and even blankets for them to snuggle up in. We love having them around, and they’re more than welcome to sit anywhere in the pub! Families are always welcome too. We’ve got a kids’ menu, colouring sheets, and loads of indoor and outdoor games like giant Jenga and Connect 4 to keep the little ones entertained.
Why is this pub so special? It’s all about the team. We’re a small group, but we’re like family.
Book your table at The Bell