The White Bear, Whitchurch

I had a pre-impression that this hidden alleyway pub was going to be old an dark inside. To my surprise. it was light and modern with decent refurbishment in a slightly rustic style. I sat in the small room opposite the bar and enjoyed a good value meal served promptly. There were three Real Ales from Sharpe's plus two guest ales.

An attractive black and white timbered building set in a small courtyard at the bottom of the High Street. Inside the pub meanders around with various interconnecting areas culminating in a dog-leg around to a dedicated dining area at the back. Split level, a side area by the bar has ramped access to the seating opposite. Beamed ceiling, some panelling, leaded windows, the décor includes the usual B&W photographs of the area but also old film and theatre posters, I spotted a shelf of whisky boxes and also one containing assorted books, bizarrely including a Postman Pat annual. Newspapers in a rack. There was a reference to a pool table but I couldn't see any sign of it unless it is outside in the advertised large beer garden. Various fireplaces contain log/coal burning stoves so probably cosy in winter. Beers were Brain's Rev James, Pedigree, Sharp's Atlantic and Plassey New World Pale, one pump being unclipped. Food served clearly with the area at the rear set but this had probably stopped by around 3 on a Thursday and I didn't see a menu. Quite a nice pub in an interesting setting although I reckon the latest spruce up may have covered up some of the history of the place, worth a quick one anyway.