Pub goers commented on the great atmosphere and staff as well as its excellent ale.

One pub goer Fiona Cummings said "The Bell is my favourite pub in the world! I love the mix of customers, one minute you are talking to an 18 year old and the next a 60 year old! The landlord is very easy going and great fun. The bar staff are friendly and helpful and there's just a great atmosphere in there. Wonderful place!"

It was the way that you were made to feel welcome that also made people happy as plenty of people said it had real character. One comment we liked was from Alan Cartwright who said "Great atmosphere, only dropped in for a quick drink and stayed all night."

Guy Gibson is the Landlord and was thrilled that his pub was voted number one, he is clearly proud of his pub and staff and it clearly showed when we visited.

Guy has been the landlord now for 8 years, but is just one of the many landlords since it become a pub in 1813, converted from a fish shop! A history of the pub is displayed on the wall in the small front room that was once a kitchen – now you can sit where the stove once sat! The roof had various sports equipment, but the main bar area is where the roof really catches you eye. Filled with old vinyl records and instruments including a guitar, trumpet and didgeridoo – it was so quirky and different!

This pub simply has a homely and friendly feel to it and when we went to deliver Guy his award, he was setting up a drum kit. “I like to play the drums myself “he explained, but he usually leaves the music to the many local bands that perform. He likes to give more unique and undiscovered singers and bands a chance to perform and is happy for bands or artists to perform their own material.

Guy mentioned ‘Shebangg’ as one of his favourites, the female-fronted four-piece band are regular visitors to the Bell and Talbot, Bridgnorth. They are broadly described as power pop, melodic rock, but also encompasses elements of many other styles, from blues and folk, through to soul and the harder edge of rock.

The live music from local bands also goes down well and had plenty of positive comments from our voters.

Janine Harley said “Great music, great beer, great welcome” while Spencer Smith commented “I've never been in a pub and felt more welcome. The landlord is a top bloke, great live bands and the beer's top notch.”

This traditional pub also has a conservatory that feels like your outside, but far warmer. This had deceived some customers who had gone in there and lit a cigarette only to be ushered out into the outside smoking area – look out for the great mural too while you're out there!

The smiling barmaid greeted customers with a smile and a fine selection of ales were on tap including those from Shrewsbury based Salopian Brewery – Shropshire Gold was being served when we visited. Other ales included ‘Hobsons - Twisted Spire’ and ‘Bathams - Best Bitter’. Guy explained it wasn’t just older customers that enjoyed the real ales but all ages, especially the ladies.

We left our shropshirelive.com award, which we are sure is now displayed with pride for all to see, but we will be checking as we will defiantly be dropping in again when next on a night out in beautiful Bridgnorth.

This is just as a pub should be - congratulations to everyone a The Bell and Talbot you should be very proud.

To find out what bands are performing at The Bell and Talbot then visit www.31days.co.uk

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