THE Bell at Skenfrith, one of the Borders' most famous watering holes is now under new management.

William and Janet Hutchings, the husband and wife team responsible for establishing The Bell’s consistently good reputation worldwide, have handed over the ropes to John van Niekerk and Nori Tegyei.

Janet says, “We are very sad to be leaving The Bell. It has been an incredible place to run since it was restored and re-opened back in 1999 – the last century! However, our lives are going in a different direction and we need more flexibility now that William’s job involves much travelling to Switzerland. We wish John and Nori continued success with The Bell and hope that they will be as happy as William and I have been.”

During Janet and William’s tenure, The Bell has won many awards including: Best Place To Stay and Best Place To Eat in Wales, many of the AA’s Wine and Pub Awards for Wales and UK, Michelin Pub of the Year 2007 and most recently, the Best Pub to Eat in the 2013 Wales National Tourism Awards.

John and Nori are looking forward to the challenge and know that their previous experience of working in the hospitality sector, most recently in the Cotswolds, will stand them in good stead. John says, “Together with our new Head Chef Damian Hanlon, Nori and I want to maintain the ethos and reputation that The Bell has established for its good, seasonal food, much of it from the fantastic kitchen garden, and to provide a lovely relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for our guests. We have introduced some small changes such as more bar snacks, the full works afternoon teas and a lovely guest sitting room."

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