Had my little wedding reception here in December 2023. Excellent venue with fabulous staff and really good food. The atmosphere was great and nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. Food was great and plentiful and Laura of the Bluebell had decorated the room for me. Everyone really enjoyed and stated it was such a brilliant atmosphere and praised the staff because of the extra miles taken. Just would like to say a big THANK YOU to all at the Bluebell in Pontefract.
Petrien22
Poor food, unfriendly service, appalling management attitude...AVOID!!!
If anyone is considering a trip to this place then I advise you to reconsider and keep driving. From the moment we walked in the service was terrible. Met by a rude waitress who clearly didn't want to be there let alone serve our party with any form of manners. We were eventually seated after a lengthy wait for a pre-booked table. The overall food quality was substandard at best given the prices. the quality of ale served was inconsistent with the occasional merky looking fluid that will literally begin to separate leaving a large amount of sediment at the bottom of the glass.
Please be aware of the management if you feel a complaint is in order. After complaining to the waitress I felt the quality of the food and drink should be brought to their attention as I'm sure any good restaurant owner would appreciate the feedback. Kerry Merrill, one of the managers/owners was more than happy to stand and dispute my feedback with an aggressive, condescending, augmentative manner. Jamie Merrill, the other manager/owner, couldn't even muster the enthusiasm to stand from his seat to offer any form of apology or explanation. The nail in the coffin came after showing them the merky pint of ale only to be out right told that I must have put something in it to make it look in such away and in no way shape or form could it be simply a bad pint. I was even more shocked that I was threatened with the police if the party was to leave without payment due to the appalling service. They both seriously lack good management traits with zero customer service skills. They handled my complaint with complete incompetence with the occasional use of bad language thrown in to add to there quality service.
After clearly getting no where with either of them and receiving no form of apology our party cleared the bill and left disgusted...a spoilt birthday meal!
AVOID!!!
Grandmabet
A fantastic Sunday Carvery. A choice of a small or regular plate. We opted for the regular, thinking small would be too small and the regular was huge - tender pork with crackly crackling, a large variety of veg and all served with humour and good will. Unbelievable.
Pontelad
July 2008 - 2 visits in as many weeks - Some time ago The Bluebell was serving consistently good quality meals with excellent service. Change of staff (owners?) resulted in some forgettable meals but The Bluebell can now be recommended with confidence once again!
Super location in Wentbridge, excellent atmosphere, quality and attentive service - and food to savour!
A very varied menu along with a number of tasty specials, a good bar for discerning drinkers.
Booking is advisable since 'the word' has clearly got round!
Trevor Guest
First class food with excellent service. We have never been disappointed with either the food, drinks or staff. Keep it up and you will see us again most Wednesdays.
(I recommend that even during the week a reservation is made)
Mj
Under new management and rejuvenated! Visited the pub for the 3rd time in as many weeks. Tuesday's and Friday's is Thai night, though English food is still available. The new chef has certainly put the Blue Bell back on the map and you are wise to pre-book a table to avoid disappointment on an evening. The food is exceptional value for money also. This is a great pub and a beautiful village location and is once again enjoying the ambiance of a full house. This has to be one of the best pubs around the Pontefract area now for eating. Try it for yourself, you will not be disappointed.
Carl
Charming village location, with great motorway access. Typical country pub, quiet mid-week.
