The White Bear, Ripon

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.

Located next door to the Black Sheep Brewery this is actually Theakston's main pub in their home town. The original pub was bombed in 1941 and this new hotel was converted from nearby brewery cottages. Most of the building is hotel but there is a restaurant to one side of the pub entrance and a small cosy taproom to the right. Décor in the restaurant side is simple with a few pictures and menus on blackboards, bare floorboards, some farming implements and little atmosphere. The taproom is far pleasanter to drink in. There are handpulls in each bar usually carrying the Theakston's range plus Deuchars,Guinness and a lager. The young staff are attentive and keen, the punters vary from richish diners to old locals. As the Theakstons showcase, in tandem with the Black Bull in Paradise, the beer quality is spot on.