The Grizzly Bear, Worthing

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Pub SignMan left this review about The Grizzly Bear

If there's one thing Worthing has got plenty of, it's micropubs, so I was surprised to stumble across this relatively new addition to the scene, which is located just around the corner from West Worthing station and a few doors down from another micropub. It was no surprise on entering, to discover a bare boarded shop conversion with an awning and some small front windows, which made for a darker interior, lit by fairy lights strung across the ceiling and candles on each table, which created quite a cosy ambiance, even during daylight hours. There's a row of tables and chairs down the left side of the room and a long, deep banquette to the right with chairs and backless benches in support. Wood panelled walls have been painted in a very dark shade which helps enhance the cosy feel, and there's a nice fireplace to the left although it doesn't look like it gets much action. A large neon pub sign illuminates one wall and there are some fancy lamps elsewhere, but otherwise the wall space is fairly bare. The servery is to the rear and is a little unusual thanks to a decorative tile counter front and a well stocked bar back full of antique books. Another quirky feature is the ceiling in this part of the room, which is completely covered in what look like pine tree branches, although it was a bit too dark to be entirely sure. Some chilled, acoustic hipster tunes were playing quietly in the background and I was one of only two customers on a late Sunday afternoon, not all that long before their early closing time.
The pub is run by the Fauna Brewery and two of their beers were available on cask - Meadow Maker and Bushey Tail Best Bitter - with three more Fauna brews on keg alongside a couple of other microbrewery options, a cider and a non alcoholic beer. The lone barmaid was quite friendly and I enjoyed my pint of Meadow Maker, which was in good shape.
I thought this was a decent enough micropub which felt a lot cosier than your average shop conversion. I also liked the tie to the Fauna Brewery, which means you're assured of some local microbrewery beer, either on cask or keg. It lacked a bit of 'wow' factor, but I was happy enough spending some time in here and would say its a solid addition to the local micropub scene.

Date of visit - 24th March 2024

On 15^th August 2024 - rating: 7
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