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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Helen Iwanczuk
Submitted on Monday, 17th July 2023
With picture contributions to 952 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (24 more images)
Detail Pages
Ye Olde Black Bear, Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury
GL20 5BJ
Served areas
Reviews of Ye Olde Black Bear (Average Rating: 8½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Ye Olde Black Bear
The Black Bear is indeed in the Good Beer Guide 2025. There were eight hand pumps doubled, but with two beers "coming Friday". Thursday is the first day of the Tewkesbury beer festival, so maybe these are extras for the three days. My halves of Old Hooky and the house bitter from Uley were both very good (average of 3.75/5) and £4.20 between them. I could mention the background music, but instead let's praise good beers well kept and sold at a reasonable price. Definitely worth a visit.
On 6th February 2025
- rating: 8
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Ian Mapp left this review about Ye Olde Black Bear
Absolutely exceeded my expectations on reopening. Glosters oldest pub, according to the sign that I have noticed for several years, as it was all closed up. A history from 1308 (branded on the pint glasses), a field hospital after the war of the roses battle, Shakespeare played here. Secret tunnels to the abbey. Ghosts aplenty.
All of this can take with a pinch of salt. They have completed a modern makeover, retaining all features and adding a superb covered terrace that overlooks the Avon. With heating on, it was like being inside when you are outside, and if inclined, you could smoke there. For the time being.
I expected a poor choice of expensive kegs, but no - about half a dozen hand pulls. I've always been a fan of the Uley brewery and there is a Ole Bear house beer here - a classic bitter that was in perfect condition.
And get this - £4 a pint.
Very, very impressed. New GBG comes out in a couple of weeks. If i was a betting man, and assuming this has been open 12 months, I would say its nailed on to be in there.
On 23rd September 2024
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1563 recommendations about 1543 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Ye Olde Black Bear
A splendid old pub, opened out and refurbished slightly, but still retaining an alehouse feel despite its size. Numerous seating areas of various sizes, so not feeling crowded despite there being a good number of customers in on a Thursday evening. If I counted correctly, there were six different real ales on plus Old Rosie cider from a total of 15 handpumps, but I opted for the 'house' bitter from Uley (£4.00) which proved a great choice. One oddity I noted as I left is that there are separate cellar hatches on different sides of the building for cask and keg beers.
On 21st January 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8679 recommendations about 8678 pubs]
View more reviews of Ye Olde Black Bear (10)
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- Facebook page of Ye Olde Black Bear - en-gb.facebook.com
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Ye Olde Black Bear - whatpub.com
- Historic Pub Interiors - pubheritage.camra.org.uk
Cheltenham Spa, 8.71 miles, 2 hr 48 min walk (show)
Gloucester, 10.81 miles, 3 hr 28 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Beer Festivals : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- CAMRA Discount : No - Discount withdrawn - last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Car Park : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Live Music : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Micropub : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Pinball : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Pool Table : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Real Cider : No last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
- WiFi : Yes last updated 24 January 2024 by ROB Camra
