Hooch & Pickles Night at The Bell Raises £300 for Charity

A festive evening at The Bell Inn in Aldworth culminated in a successful fundraising event, raising over £300 for cancer charities. The pub, celebrated for its CAMRA award-winning status, hosted its annual Hooch & Pickle night on December 9, 2023. The event attracted a lively crowd of regular patrons eager to showcase their culinary creativity through a variety of preserved goods.

Guests arrived with an impressive array of homemade products, including jams, pâtés, onions, eggs, and beetroot. If it could be preserved or pickled, it was likely on display. Alongside these delights, the evening featured the highly anticipated “hooch,” a term used to describe the homemade spirits brought by participants. More than 50 entries reflected this year’s bountiful harvest, showcasing local produce.

Among the standout contributions, Daisy Woods claimed victory with her quince gin, while Sarah Greenham impressed attendees with her delicious homemade pâté. Another memorable entry came from local farmer Alan Franklin, whose humorous take on a “homemade” item—hay—sparked conversation and laughter among guests.

The event not only provided an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a night of good food and drink but also served a greater purpose by supporting cancer charities. The funds raised will contribute to vital services and research aimed at combating the disease.

Looking ahead, The Bell Inn is set to host its next festive event featuring the Aldworth Mummers on December 13, 2023. The exact time for this performance is yet to be confirmed, but it promises to be another highlight for the local community.

As the success of the Hooch & Pickle night demonstrates, The Bell Inn continues to be a cherished hub for local gatherings, combining culinary creativity with a spirit of charity.