Most striking when entering The Bell is the comparative peace and tranquillity from the busy Forest Road, mere steps from the front door.

This wonderfully enhances the growing urge to set aside one’s worries and let the relaxation commence, and The Bell is a great spot to do so.

Boutique and exotic beers lie in wait in abundance. The Dragon’s Fire ale was not so much fiery as warming and moreish.

Vintage decor and leather and velvet couches lend a comfortable feel to the large room, which has many different nooks parties can perch in for privacy.

The recently opened kitchen is experimenting with an evolving menu but the scotch egg and piccalilli looked fantastic.

Having only opened in November under current management the attentiveness and endeavour of staff give the pub the feel of a loved child being carefully nurtured and strengthened before being sent forth into the world.

This keenness to maximise drinkers’ enjoyment was perhaps best evidenced by staff being only too happy to put on a Stone Roses album for two visitors attending their concert later that day.

If the managers keep it up Walthamstow has a real gem on its hands.