Bell Foundry, Loughborough

Fairly large and well-maintained Craft Union outlet in a fairly attractive Brewer’s Tudor building. Pool room to the right, horse racing on telly, decent rear garden. Chatty Welsh barman. Two dead ale pumps, though a Pride clip was turned so maybe it does occasionally make an appearance? Though given the review below which says the same thing, maybe it’s some sort of unusual decoration. Guinness it was. I didn’t mind the place and the late morning local drinkers were in good spirits. 4.5

The two hand pumps in the centre of the bar counter are out of use, despite a reversed London Pride pump clip still attached to one. The server was categorical that there is never any cask beer on, but I have no information about how long they have worked here. My half of John Smiths Smooth was tolerable (sorry Alan) and just £1.40 for a half. There are a few nice features here, like the raised area near the pool table with cast iron balustrade, and a photo of a bell that had been founded in Loughborough being delivered to York Minster. Interesting to hear Duran Duran on the sound system, even more interesting to be able to recognise the song and name the band.

Bell Foundry is a prominent Craft Union pub that seemed to have a constant smoking patrol guarding the entrance during a recent bank holiday Monday late afternoon visit. The entrance opens onto a carpeted walkway that passes an old beaten up shell banquette to the left and some high tables under a television that was airing muted Sky Sports football up the right. At the rear is access to a beer garden that I didn’t investigate, but I was confused why people were constantly smoking in the entrance when there is facility to puff away at the rear. To the right of the entrance is a raised area with a pool table where the local Loughborough yoof, who were stinking of stale puff, had gathered. The busy bar area is located to the left of the entrance where a serving counter across the rear supports standard and premium keg alongside Neck Oil and two hand pumps, one of which was in use drawing a decent London Pride. The television in the bar area was airing muted horse racing while some very slow background music was playing. To the left of the bar is a small split level seating area that was empty. The service was polite, but there are better pubs in the area so I don’t plan on returning.