Bell Foundry — Historic Site in Leicester

John Taylor's Bell Foundry is a Grade II listed former iron foundry established in 1890, set within Victorian industrial architecture on Swan Street in Loughborough. It remains the UK’s only working bell foundry, operating with historic machinery used for crafting and tuning bells. The venue hosts live demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship throughout the year and operates without advance booking. Evening events during major sports matches draw high crowd density, especially when HD screenings are underway. Inside, visitors can enjoy pub classics and seasonal dishes paired with a wide selection of craft beers. You can find it just outside the city, a short drive from central Loughborough.

About The Venue

John Taylor's Bell Foundry is a Grade II listed former iron foundry established in 1890, built in Victorian industrial style with exposed brick and steel beams. It remains the UK’s only working bell foundry, preserving historic machinery used for crafting and tuning bells. The venue offers live demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship annually. Inside, lighting is dim to reflect old factory interiors, creating a high-energy atmosphere during events. Noise levels are elevated due to crowds and ongoing operations, contributing to an active sensory profile shaped by its industrial heritage. This space blends historical character with modern use, maintaining its original architecture while hosting regular live activities.

Typical Experiences

John Taylor's Bell Foundry hosts social evenings centered around live sports screenings, weekly quizzes, beer pong on Wednesdays, and group events during major tournaments. The venue operates without advance booking but experiences high crowd density in the evening, particularly during HD broadcasts of football matches. Visitors can enjoy pub classics and seasonal dishes with a range of craft beers available. It is worth the walk for locals seeking an energetic night out or a quiet afternoon. You can find it just outside the city, a short drive from central Loughborough.

Notable Features

  • Industrial Gothic architecture from a former iron foundry
  • HD sports screenings for every match live
  • Regular live events including quiz, bingo and beer pong
  • Working bell foundry with historical machinery
  • Victorian factory complex housing traditional craftsmanship
  • Live demonstrations of bell-making and tuning processes
  • Exposed brick and steel beams
  • Extensive beer selection
  • High-energy evening atmosphere

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.