ON A crisp autumnal day there is nothing better than sitting next to a fireplace in a pub with a pint in hand watching the world go by.
Now that autumn is officially here, it's fair to say that most of us are swapping our beer garden afternoons for cosy pub grub next to an open fire.
And after being drenched by the rain I was relieved to see the open fire when I arrived at The Bell Inn in Lower Broadheath on Martley Road.
The bubbly landlord, Ian Davies chuckled and said: "I wasn't going to set up the fire yet, but I caved, it's cold today."
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By the early afternoon, the pub was full-to-overflowing with diners who all had a sense of relief on their faces at the sight of the cosy fire.
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The pub also doubles up as an inn with five residential rooms upstairs.
Mr Davies and his wife Lyndsey bought the pub 14 years ago and have since then become popular landlords of the village pub.
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The couple are also excited to celebrate their 14th anniversary at the pub next week.
Mr Davies, age 50, said he's always worked in hospitality and built up a stellar CV on managing other pubs before he took the ultimate plunge of buying his own in 2008.
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Mrs Davies, who runs the pub alongside her husband, used to be a teacher before becoming a landlady.
Christmas at The Bell Inn
Everyone knows transitioning weather means Christmas is just around the corner and this year, the owners are planning a magical Christmas experience for the community of Lower Broadheath and further afield.
Mr Davies said: "We're a village community pub. Christmas lights are our way of giving back to the community.
"Our Christmas lights have been mentioned on the radio and we always get fantastic feedback every year, people love it.
"Some people leave us donations so we donate them to Broadheath Primary School.
Mr Davies described the pub as magical during Christmas time.
But we don't have to take his word for it, pictures show the venue covered with fairy lights and around 30 Christmas trees are put up around the pub.
"We do Christmas quizzes too.
"On Christmas Eve we set up a Christmas grotto and snow machines for the children.
"Kids also get a free present.
"We do this at no charge because the community has always supported us and as a village pub, we want to give something back."
Despite the soaring energy prices, Mr Davies said he will take the extra cost of putting up the Christmas lights 'on the chin.'
He said: "We have put Christmas lights up for the past 14 years and will take the extra cost on the chin.
"I might have a shock when I look at the bill in January.
"But the thought of not doing it because of the electric, we'll just have to save a few quid in January.
"If you move to a village, you have to part-take in the community, you cannot choose when you do it.
"You have to do it all the time."
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