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About Us
The Bell on Mulnestrete is a public house and dining room in the heart of Congleton, Cheshire. Set within an 18th century building on Mill Street, it has long been part of the town's story, welcoming generations of locals and visitors alike.
Originally known as The Lion & Bell, the building began life as a coaching house, providing food, drink and rest for travellers passing through Congleton. Like many historic buildings, it has evolved with the town itself. Over the years it has served many different purposes, including, rather unusually, housing a mortuary at the rear of the property. In more recent decades it became known as The Music Box before later operating as The Piano Bar.
Following its closure in early 2020, the building stood empty for several years. Left neglected and falling into disrepair, what had once been one of Congleton's landmark pubs faced an uncertain future.
Restoration Begins
That changed when family-run Hewitt Hospitality took on the challenge of restoring the property. Working alongside local tradesmen, craftspeople and suppliers, the team carefully renovated the building from top to bottom, preserving its historic character while creating a welcoming destination for modern hospitality. The whole journey was documented on the pubs Instagram account. After an extensive restoration, The Bell on Mulnestrete reopened its doors in May 2026, beginning the next chapter in the building's long history.
Past and Present
The name itself pays tribute to both the building and the town. Mulnestrete, pronounced , is the historic name for Mill Street, recorded in medieval records dating back to 1386 and uncovered during historical research carried out as part of the planning process. It also honours the building’s original identity as The Lion & Bell, ensuring that both its location and its heritage remain at the heart of its future.
Today, The Bell on Mulnestrete brings together everything that has always made a great British pub. A welcoming public house, a destination dining room, a spacious beer garden and boutique hotel accommodation, all under one historic roof. While much has changed over the centuries, our aim remains simple: to create a place where great food, quality drinks, warm hospitality and the local community come together.
View the Tour
Take a look around The Bell on Mulnestrete with our interactive 360° virtual tour. Step inside and explore the fully restored spaces, then use the before and after slider to reveal what the building looked like when it was derelict compared to today. The tour was created by Prickly Peach Films to capture the building's transformation.
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