The Bell and Bear
More Than Just a Pub
We’re not just a pub – we’re the story of a village that refused to lose its local.
Nestled in the heart of Emberton, Buckinghamshire, The Bell & Bear is an award-winning, community-owned pub built on passion, resilience, and a proper love for bringing people together.
Since being saved from closure in 2019, the village and our team have poured heart and soul into creating something more than just a place to drink. We’ve built a warm, welcoming space where stories are shared, friendships are made, and memories are created.
What started as a fight to save our pub has grown into something truly special. Today, The Bell & Bear stands as a thriving hub of village life – shaped by hard work, community spirit, and the incredible support of those around us.
Whether you’re here for a perfectly poured local ale, fresh flavours from our food trucks, or to soak up the atmosphere at one of our events, you’ll always be made to feel like a local.
Our Story
A Community Comes Together
In 2019, our doors closed. Like many pubs across the country, we were caught up in the growing challenges facing the industry. But when news broke that the pub was up for sale, the response from the community was immediate – and overwhelming.
A public meeting was called. It was standing room only. From that moment, it was clear: people didn’t just want a pub… they wanted their pub back.
Over 80 local investors came together, contributing money, time, and energy to bring The Bell & Bear back to life. What started as an idea quickly became a mission – to restore the pub as a true community asset.
After months of hard work and determination, the doors reopened on 10th December 2021.
That moment wasn’t just about pulling pints again. It was about restoring something far more important – a place to gather, to connect, and to belong.
Today, The Bell & Bear remains proudly community-owned, driven by the same spirit that brought it back.
Leading The Way
Award-Winning. Community-Driven.
From day one, the support from our customers has been incredible – and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
We’re proud to have received recognition from CAMRA for the work that’s gone into reviving The Bell & Bear. Highlights include:
- Winner 2026 Pub of the Year – Real Ale – Milton Keynes & North Bucks
- Winner 2026 Pub of the Year – Cider – Milton Keynes & North Bucks
- Winner 2026 Regional Pub of the Year – Real Ale – Buckinghamshire
- Winner 2026 Regional Pub of the Year – Cider – Buckinghamshire
- Runner-Up 2026 Regional Pub of the Year – Real Ale – East Central
- Runner-Up 2025 Pub of the Year – Real Ale – Milton Keynes & North Bucks
- 2025 Phoenix Award, recognising our successful revival
The first pub in the region to win both Real Ale and Cider Pub of the Year in the same year.
We’re also proud to be pioneers.
The Bell & Bear was the first venue in the Milton Keynes area to be licensed for external food vendors, helping lead a new, more flexible model for modern pubs.
Summer Festival
Emberton’s Biggest Weekend
We’re not just known for great drinks and a warm welcome – we’re also home to the Bell & Bear Summer Festival.
A highlight of the local calendar, our festival brings together live music, incredible food, and the very best of community spirit for a weekend to remember.
Family-friendly, lively, and full of energy – it’s everything The Bell & Bear is about, just on a bigger scale.
Our Food
Local Flavours, Done Differently
When we reopened, we chose to do things differently.
Instead of a traditional pub kitchen, we opened our doors to a rotating line-up of food trucks – bringing a huge variety of flavours and keeping things fresh, exciting, and ever-changing.
From classic fish and chips and wood-fired pizza to bold global flavours, our monthly schedule offers something for everyone.
Home of The Village Kitchen
In 2026, thanks to demand from our community, we took things a step further.
Working with one of our most popular vendors, we launched The Village Kitchen – a more consistent dining experience inside the pub.
Now serving regular Sunday lunches and themed menus, The Village Kitchen delivers high-quality food, great value, and another reason to make The Bell & Bear your go-to spot.
