The Bear and Swan, Bristol

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Bear and Swan

A traditional looking, stone built pub in the heart of this pleasant village, it’s had a bit of a makeover since my previous visit and also seems to have lost it’s car park with a bunch of apartments where it used to be. There is however a back entrance in to a car park that seems to be shared with the nearby Pelican.

Internally it’s been opened out in to one good sized room with a large wood panelled bar counter facing the front. Décor wise it’s quite traditional but somehow seems to feel a bit more contemporary than might be expected. There is much exposed stone walling, rough wooden boards on the floor and a massive stone fireplace off to one side with a large basket next to it ready for a supply of logs. Some padded bench seating was situated in the large bay window and elsewhere there were conventional tables and chairs. The left hand half of the pub is perhaps intended more for dining, but décor wise it’s all broadly similar. A plasma screen was stuck up in the corner, but fortunately this was not in use on our visit.

The menu offered a decent enough selection of dishes, both traditional pub grub choices as well as a few more adventurous options. Nonetheless, prices were a bit above your normal pub offerings, with even the cheapest dishes coining at around £13. We went for a fish & chips and a salmon risotto, both of which were ok, but not outstanding and not worth the price charged.

Beers on tap were London Pride, Butcombe and Gem. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Cornish Orchards. A decent enough pub overall and I’d happily return for a drink, but wouldn’t bother with the food again unless they adjust their pricing.

On 18^th August 2017 - rating: 7
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