The Bear Inn, Taunton

A traditional looking, whitewashed pub in this small village, it was presumably a coaching inn in a former life going on the arched passageway to the side. Internally it forms a U-shape around the bar counter and the main bar area at the front is quite attractive with traditional black beams on the ceiling, green patterned carpet on the floor, a brick chimney breast at one end and an unusual bar counter with inset brick panels, as well as some tiling up above. A number of portrait photographs were up on the wall, and a selection of old tankards on a shelf. To the left was an area more geared up for dining with pale green paintwork on the walls and plenty of old black and white photographs of the locale. To the right it was a little more contemporary perhaps, with some khaki green wood panelling on the lower part of the walls, floral patterned wallpaper above, sanded wooden boards on the wall and a couple of disused and bricked up fireplaces. A bunch of sweary blokes at the end of the bar were largely blocking access to this part of the pub however. The menu offered a decent looking selection of dishes, with both a main menu and a number of specials chalked up on a board above the fireplace. Ultimately though it was all quite disappointing, with my Chicken Tikka curry was quite a small portion and tasted like something straight out of a packet and bunged in the microwave. Across the table, ham, eggs and chips fared little better, although it was a generous portion, the ham was gristly and both the eggs and the chips overcooked. Beers on tap were Dartmoor IPA, Black Bear Bitter and Hanlon’s Devon Born Ale, whilst a further pump appeared to have run out and a fifth was unused. Ciders meanwhile were Sheppy’s 200 along with four from Thatcher’s – Gold, Burnt Orange, Cloudy Lemon and Apple & Blackcurrant.

An excellent traditional small town inn with a lot of emphasis on its ales. Originally a coaching inn, it still offers B and B. There is an on-site micro brewery, Black Bear, at the rear of the pub. There is a single main bar at the front, U-shaped and carpeted, mainly laid to table, and we were delighted to see a separate children’s room at the rear, while dogs were allowed in the bar. The open fireplace and décor made it feel homely, while a modern coffee machine mounted on an antique sideboard was a nice touch and somehow looked right. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the locals welcoming. There was a TV screen in the bar but this was switched off, which promoted conviviality. Food was mainly freshly cooked dishes from a specials board, and they offer breakfast to non-residents all morning. Cask ales on were Black Bear Bitter, Langport Bitter from Fine Tuned, Otter Bitter and King Mango. Keg choices were Black Bear Pilsner, Greene King Icebreaker, Carlsberg, Guinness, Hazy Days and Sheppey’s 200. On the 2024 CAMRA Ale |Trail, and well worth the journey to get here.

Again Graham, a great pub but not 10. 8.

Official site of the Bear Inn, contains real ale list - www.thebearwiveliscombe.co.uk

Official site of the Bear Inn, contains real ale list - www.thebearwiveliscombe.co.uk

Just won C.A.M.R.A Somerset branch pub of the year. And deservedly so! .Good pub grub and real ales from Cotliegh Bry and Exmoor Ales two of Somersets out standing breweries.