There are times when a business meeting calls for something more relaxed than a boardroom yet more polished than a standard pub table. My recent visit to The Bell at Ramsbury was exactly that — an informal get-together with a few business partners over drinks and supper, chosen for its reputation and setting rather than ceremony.

From the moment I walked in, the tone felt right. The interior blends exposed brickwork, solid wooden beams and soft, ambient lighting in a way that feels authentic rather than staged. The red leather banquette seating, plaid-backed upholstery and sturdy wooden tables create a space that is both comfortable and quietly professional. It’s the kind of environment where conversation flows naturally, without distraction.

Food That Delivers

The menu leans confidently into well-executed British classics, and what I appreciated most was its clarity. No unnecessary complication — just good ingredients handled properly.

The burger was a standout. A thick, juicy beef patty layered with melted cheese, sharp pickles and fresh tomato, all contained within a glossy seeded bun and neatly skewered. It arrived with golden, crisp chips served in a small metal bucket. It was generous without being excessive, indulgent but balanced — exactly what you want when you’re combining business with a relaxed meal.

I also opted for the cheeseboard, which felt thoughtfully assembled rather than routine. A creamy brie, a mature hard cheese and a well-balanced blue provided contrast in flavour and texture. The crackers were crisp, the chutney rich and slightly sweet, and fresh red grapes cut through the richness perfectly. It worked well as both a shared course and a conversation companion.

Dessert was simple but elegant — a poached pear presented upright in a light syrup, paired with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream set on a crumble base. It was refined without being fussy, and a fitting way to close the meal.

A Setting That Encourages Conversation

What makes The Bell particularly effective for business meetings is its layout. The dining area feels open yet private enough for discussion. After eating, I moved into the lounge space — leather Chesterfield-style sofas, a central fireplace, shelves of books and framed portraits creating a setting that feels more like a private sitting room than a commercial venue.

It’s a space that invites you to stay. Conversations continue without interruption, and there’s no sense of being hurried along.

Service That Understands the Room

Service throughout the evening was attentive, calm and efficient. Drinks were refreshed seamlessly, courses arrived at a comfortable pace, and the staff struck the right balance between presence and discretion — something I value highly in a business setting.

Final Thoughts

The Bell at Ramsbury succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t rely on trends or theatrics. Instead, it offers warmth, substance and consistency — all delivered in a setting that feels genuine.

For me, it proved to be an excellent choice for meeting business partners: relaxed but professional, hearty yet considered, welcoming without being overbearing. If you’re looking for a countryside venue that allows both conversation and quality to take centre stage, The Bell delivers with quiet confidence.

Work dinners can be deceptively hard to get right. With a large group, you’re not just relying on the kitchen — you’re relying on pacing, coordination, and a team that can stay calm when the room is busy.

My recent dinner at Miller & Carter Reading was exactly the kind of organised, reliable evening a work gathering needs. It was lively, slightly polished, and — most importantly — it ran smoothly from start to finish.

The space has that modern, uniformed Miller & Carter feel: dark tables, low lighting, and leather-style booth seating that leans smart without feeling stiff. Warm red table lamps add a soft glow across the room and help give the dining area a more settled atmosphere, even when it’s busy.

We were seated in a booth, which worked well for a group dinner — conversation stayed contained and it felt like we had our own “zone” within the restaurant. The only real downside was that, once everyone was seated, the booth felt a little cramped. The restaurant itself is spacious and clearly set up for bigger parties, but the seating can feel tight depending on numbers.

The noise level was on the louder side, and it stayed busy — but in a good way. It felt energetic rather than chaotic, and you could still talk comfortably across the table.

Food That Delivers

I started with halloumi fries and chipotle chilli jam. They were properly crisp, with that soft, salty centre you want from halloumi, and the jam added a gentle smoky heat that played well without taking over.

For my starter, I went for the baked cheddar mushrooms (V) — mushrooms in a creamy Cheddar cheese and spinach sauce, served with toasted breads. It was rich in the best way: warming, well-balanced, and ideal for sharing if you’re eating as a group. The toasted bread did its job without feeling like an afterthought.

For the main, I ordered the 16oz ribeye, cooked medium, with peppercorn sauce. The steak arrived tender and full of flavour, with that signature char that Miller & Carter tends to do well. It was exactly what I hoped for from a ribeye — satisfying, juicy, and cooked as ordered.

On the side, I had sweet potato fries and the onion loaf. The fries were a solid match for the peppercorn sauce, and the onion loaf added that familiar, crowd-pleasing element that suits group dining — easy to share, easy to enjoy.

I had cider with the meal, though I can’t recall the brand. We skipped dessert, largely because the mains felt more than generous enough.

A Room That Handles Groups

What stood out most was how controlled the evening felt. With a large party, it’s easy for service to become uneven — drinks forgotten, starters delayed, mains landing at random. That didn’t happen here.

Drinks and starters came out quickly and smoothly, and the pacing between courses stayed comfortable all evening. Even with a busy room, nothing felt rushed or chaotic.

No single staff member stood out — not because the service wasn’t good, but because it was consistently attentive across the board. Everyone did what they needed to do, and for a work dinner, that reliability is exactly what you want.

We were there for around two hours, and the whole experience felt well-timed.

Final Thoughts

Miller & Carter Reading is a strong option when you want steak, structure, and a dining room that can cope with a lively crowd. The ribeye was tender, the starters were satisfying, and the service was well-paced and efficient — even with a big group.

If you’re booking for a work gathering, a celebration, or even a date night where you want something dependable, it’s a safe choice — with the small caveat that booth seating can feel a little cramped once numbers climb.

This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.

A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist

Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.

Highlights include:

• Starters:

  • Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter

  • Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta

• Mains:

  • The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash

  • Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon

  • 21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce

  • Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour

  • Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option

• Desserts:

  • The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce

  • Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish

  • Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic

Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey

To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.

Don’t Miss the Grand Finale

Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:

“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.

Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience

Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy

*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.

Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection