In an era where Instagrammable restaurants are all the rage, The Bell, a new British-inspired pub and restaurant located at 3125 Esplanade Ave., is more focused on serving good food in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. From Andrew Bell and his business partners, Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz, The Bell is a step away from the typical New Orleans fare locals might be accustomed to, instead introducing food from the other side of the pond to the local palate.
British-born Bell previously made a name for himself in professional soccer, having run a team in Charleston, South Carolina. The Bell is his first venture into the restaurant world.
“While living in Charleston, I became good friends with Tim and Brooks and we had spoken for many years about wanting to do something together and potentially opening a British pub-style restaurant,” Bell says. “A few years back we came close to opening a restaurant on Broad St. but pivoted when this spot became available.”
The Bell opened last November, serving British comfort food, including Shrimp and Fish Curry, Steak and Chips, and a Crispy Fish Sandwich.
When developing the menu, Bell and his team didn’t just aim to offer a take on traditional pub items. They also wanted to create a menu that reflected their personal experiences and the local flavors of New Orleans, incorporating the best of local seafood and produce.
One dish, Fishmonger’s Pie, is a British classic made with shrimp, potato, peas, carrots, parsnips, and cheddar. Typically found on English menus, it’s a take on a Shepherd’s Pie with local Gulf shrimp and puppy drum in place of ground lamb.
“My mom visited from England last March and she ate the Fishmonger’s Pie three days in a row,” Bell says proudly.
Other menu highlights include Chilled Pea Soup with shallots and herbs; Fried Oyster Loaf with Colman’s mustard, slaw, and fries; Roasted Chicken Thighs with parsnip puree and scallion; Smoke Steelhead Trout dip with fried saltines; and Scotch Egg with Patton’s hot sausage and Colman’s Mustard Gribiche.
The beverage program was designed with a classic feel, incorporating trends toward high-quality yet straightforward cocktails. One classic with a twist is the frozen gin and tonic, along with Moscow Mules, Pimm’s Cups, Negronis, and Martinis. The Bell also offers a quality beer selection that includes, of course, Guinness, a British pub staple.
Bell says, “Guinness is one of my favorite pints and we’ve made it an emphasis to show the staff how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness.”
Soon, The Bell will be offering private dining opportunities with the restaurant’s back and side patios available for those interested in hosting an event.
The Bell is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
