The Black Bear
Quick info
About The Black Bear
On High Street in Whitchurch, The Black Bear occupies a half-timbered, 17th-century building housing a traditional pub. Inside, bench seating lines the bar, and the menu runs to hearty British staples including roast beef, roast pork, and fish and chips, with a small size available on the latter. A local ale is poured alongside other beers. The rear garden offers plenty of extra seating, making it a spot for outdoor dining beyond the indoor bar, and dogs are welcome throughout. An upstairs function room is available and has been used for hosted events, giving groups a separate space to book. Free Wi-Fi is available for those settling in. The pub opens daily, and reservations are recommended given the demand for tables in this centuries-old setting.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree of charge street parking · Paid street parking · Somewhat difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityDoes not have assistive hearing loop
Menu & Prices
15 dishes- Station Bitter
- Jpa
- Homemade Soup
- Prawn And Marie Rose Sauce
- Caramelised Onion And Cheddar Melt
- Honey Roast Ham
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, rear beer garden, roast beef and roast pork and upstairs function room.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, rear beer garden, roast beef and roast pork and upstairs function room.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers consistently point to the fish and chips as a standout, with one describing the batter as thin and not greasy, alongside roast dinners like roast beef and roast pork praised as excellent. The beer garden comes up repeatedly, described as surprising and immaculately kept, with several mentioning sunflowers and plenty of seating on sunny days. Ales and cocktails also draw notice, with one visit stretching from a single glass of wine into a three course meal and a bottle of bubbles. Staff are called friendly and accommodating across multiple visits, including for a family wake held in the upstairs function room and for a solo diner who felt comfortable eating lunch alone. One reviewer notes the bartenders let them finish drinks past closing rather than rushing them out. No recurring complaints appear among these reviews. Visitors describe returning again and again, several saying they will definitely go back.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers consistently point to the fish and chips as a standout, with one describing the batter as thin and not greasy, alongside roast dinners like roast beef and roast pork praised as excellent. The beer garden comes up repeatedly, described as surprising and immaculately kept, with several mentioning sunflowers and plenty of seating on sunny days. Ales and cocktails also draw notice, with one visit stretching from a single glass of wine into a three course meal and a bottle of bubbles. Staff are called friendly and accommodating across multiple visits, including for a family wake held in the upstairs function room and for a solo diner who felt comfortable eating lunch alone. One reviewer notes the bartenders let them finish drinks past closing rather than rushing them out. No recurring complaints appear among these reviews. Visitors describe returning again and again, several saying they will definitely go back.
Featured reviews
- Baz M
“"If Carlsberg did pubs......" Stumbled on this beautiful pub whilst we diverted into Whitchurch to grab some food. Cosy inside, fantastic beer garden and the food, staff and atmosphere was great. Well worth a visit. You won't be disappointed.”
- Saana Teather
“On Thursday 21st of May The Black bear hosted our family in their upstairs function room for a wake. It was beautifully laid out and the staff were very accommodating and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The food was fantastic and …”
- Bryson
“Brilliant pub the bartenders were so chill they didn't refuse to serve us when it was a few minutes away from closing. And they didn't kick us out at 11pm when it was closed they let us finish our drinks. Wouldn't recommend enough! Cool atmosphere in there definitely coming down again!”
- Louise Shah
“I called in for an early lunch on my own. My husband was golfing nearby. I'm not used to going in pubs on my own, but I felt very comfortable. The pub had a cosy atmosphere and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The food was excellent. I'd definitely recommend the Black Bear.”
- Wyn Jones
“A warm welcome from all the staff. Food was fantastic and would highly recommend it to family and friends if they were in the area. Will definitely return. Also had outside seating area with lovely garden. …”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Half-timbered, 17th-century pub with cosy bar and beer garden, for hearty, traditional British food.”
- Has great beer selection
- Has great wine list
- Popular for good for solo dining
Amenities
- Has Wi-Fi
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Serves dine-in
Show more amenities
- Serves food at bar
- Casual
- Serves beer
- Serves food
- Has free water refills
- Serves spirits
- Offerings· 3
- Serves alcohol
- Serves cocktails
- Serves wine
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Atmosphere· 3
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Accessibility· 1
- Does not have assistive hearing loop
- Parking· 2
- Paid street parking
- Somewhat difficult to find a space
- Dining options· 2
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Highlights· 2
- Has great beer selection
- Has great wine list
- Popular for· 1
- Good for solo dining
Location
Bars near The Black Bear
- The Bhurtpore Inn4.77925.4 mi away£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
real ale selection, post-refurb decor, curries
- The Crown4.62089.5 mi away£10–20ReservationsGood for kids
sunday roast, steak night deal, dog friendly pub
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Black BearReservations | 4.61,006 | — | £20–30 | fish and chips, rear beer garden, roast beef and roast pork |
| The Bhurtpore InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.7792 | 5.4 mi away | £20–30 | real ale selection, post-refurb decor, curries |
| The CrownReservations · Good for kids | 4.6208 | 9.5 mi away | £10–20 | sunday roast, steak night deal, dog friendly pub |
The 2 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
More to explore in Whitchurch
Places in Whitchurch
See all places in Whitchurch