Bear

Pub Details

Address
High Street
Crickhowell
Wales
NP8 1BW
Telephone
(01873) 810408
Opening Times
Weekdays
11 - 3, 6 - 11
Sundays
12 - 3, 7 - 10.30

Location

Good Pub Guide Recommended

Civilised, interesting inn with splendid, old-fashioned bar area warmed by a log fire, good and sensibly priced food, comfortable bedrooms This well established and rather fine old inn is a particularly appealing place to stay. Older bedrooms have antiques while some of the refurbished ones are in a country style, some with jacuzzis and four-poster beds, and breakfast is excellent. Reception rooms, hosted by patient yet efficient staff, have a thoroughly convivial atmosphere and are comfortably furnished. The heavily beamed lounge has fresh flowers on tables, lots of little plush-seated bentwood armchairs and handsome cushioned antique settles, and a window seat looking down on the market square. Up by the great roaring log fire, a big sofa and leather easy chairs are on rugs on oak parquet flooring. Other good antiques include a fine oak dresser filled with pewter mugs and brassware, a longcase clock and interesting prints. Brains Rev James, Rhymney Bitter Wadworths IPA and a guest such as Wickwar Severn Bore are on handpump, as well as 40 malt whiskies, vintage and late-bottled ports, unusual wines (with several by the glass); disabled lavatories. There's a small garden.

Licensee information

Licensee name
Judy Hindmarsh
Free house

Good Pub Guide Food

Enjoyable bar food from a changing menu (with sandwiches and baguettes) might include crayfish tail and scallop salad with thyme dressing, shredded duck with chilli sauce and parmesan shavings, salmon fishcake with wholegrain mustard, braised welsh lamb shank, liver and bacon with onions and mash, roast chicken breast with mushroom, black peppercorn and marsala cream, and local steaks; booking is advised

Good Pub Information

Dogs allowed in: Dogs Bar, Dogs Bedrooms

Rating

  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
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Rating: 3/5 (267 votes cast)

Reader Comments

Scrimble

Saturday 31 December 2011 6:01:44 pm

The Bear has long had a good reputation - go there and you'll see why.

I found the owners very helpful, polite & accomodating. Rooms were v good, the place full of atmosphere - esp the lovely bar area. Food was fine but feel could be improved a little. Parking can be a little tight but there is a spacious town car park 2mins away.

My advice: stay here for a lovely break. Do yourself a favour and also enjoy Crickhowell (great little town), the lovely countryside all around, and pop into the great little pubs in nearby Llangenny (Dragons Head) and Llanbedr (Red Lion).

michaelmellers@hotmail.com

Tuesday 29 June 2010 5:47:00 pm

Stayed recently, in one of the jacuzzi rooms - clean, spacious, comfy bed and nice period fittings. Outstanding food is served in the restaurant and breakfast is first rate. Good choice of local ales (Rev James and Rhymney) on the bar. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly/chatty staff and locals - dogs welcome. Sheltered garden at the rear. Busy at weekends, so book ahead. Would recommend, and will revisit. Village excellent for a stroll and lots of local walks.

GLewis

Saturday 24 January 2009 10:19:14 pm

Large menu with good choice of food. Of the puddings, I can recommend the Chocoholics Anonymous and the Strawberry Pavlova (if available). The food is good value for money but it can get very busy.
If celebrating a special occasion, I can recommend the nearby Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn - the food is more interesting and of a higher standard, but it is more expensive.
Parking at The Bear is at the back of the hotel but it can get very busy.

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