White Bear Hotel, Ripon

A small Theakstons hotel butting up to the Black Sheep brewery, sited in a sort of courtyard of buildings, some of which contained the letting rooms, with a variety of outdoor tables across the frontage. The lounge and dining room extends off to the left, with a smaller public bar to the right, all traditionally and tidily furnished. we had intended to eat here but were told they weren't taking any further food customers, despite the place being half empty, so a quick drink and move on. The beers seemed to be all their own, and I have to say the XB was nowhere near as good as in the brewery. The place generally looked quite nice though.

Not much changes in the White Bear, only a little décor but the deal with Heineken seems to have changed so the Deuchars has gone and it’s back to all Theakstons beers on the bar. Four pulls in the tap room, Best, Lightfoot, Old Peculiar and today XB but I think that pump has the seasonal beers on. The kegs probably come from Heineken except the Mild, Pale and the well liked Barista Stout.

Official site of White Bear Hotel - www.whitebearmasham.co.uk

Official site of White Bear Hotel - www.whitebearmasham.co.uk

This had me confused. I am here looking for the black sheep brewery and after an 8 mile walk in the rain, was thinking I was too wet to go for a drink. I chanced my arm and said I wouldn't sit down as I was too soaked but as the place was empty - they allowed me to dry off in front of the fire. I have never been so grateful. So I looked to the bar and saw everything was Theakstons. I though they had all fallen out - yet this is very much in Black Sheep territory. I loved the pint of best and the attitude of the staff, who could have refused me service but instead, went out their way to make my comfortable. Lovely.

This fine building has been well described by OB below. Having not read his review before visiting the pub I was surprised to see Caledonian Deuchars IPA among the Theakstons beers on the bar. I went for the Old Peculier, which seemed to be more redolent of licorice than usual. The public bar or tap room to the right on entering is a pleasant place for a beer, though it was very quiet and I was the only customer at lunchtime on an October Tuesday.