The Bear, Oxford

Another pub new to me in Oxford that has made the 2011 Good Beer Guide. Basically Fullers and a couple of guests all well served. Said to be the oldest pub in Oxford, and has a collection of ties round the walls in frames, many of them looking years old. Wood panelled rooms and low ceilings. Enjoyed the Shotover Scholar and Fullers Gales HSB.

I went in here with a group of 10 people and we would have nearly filled the place up on our own. I should have taken my crash helmet to avoid the low beams in the ceiling! It was overly busy, so after waiting a while to get served at the tiny bar we went and sat on the long benches around the back of the pub. Fortunately it was a sunny afternoon and it was very enjoyable, even if it did feel like you weren't actually at a pub, more sitting in a pedestrian zone in a shopping centre. Due to it being very busy I never really got to have a look around, maybe next time.