Bear Inn, Coventry

Substantial Chef & Brewer pub in a small village with a large car park serving the rural area between Coventry and Hampton-in-Arden. Multiple dining areas on three sides of the central bar that also has some general seating, all with refurbished, semi-traditional appearance, with some additional tables upstairs. Three real ales available on handpump: Greene King IPA, Olde Trip (£4.20) and Abbot.

Official site of Bear Inn - www.chefandbrewer.com

Official site of Bear Inn - www.chefandbrewer.com

Only pub in the village - Chef and Brewer - so geared for food. I had finished a leg of the Millennium Way and popped in for a post walk pint. choice of at least three real ales - UBU, Hobsons Town Crier (which I had) and one other that I don't remember. The Town crier was superb and reasonably priced for an eating establishment at £3.38.

Part of the Chef & Brewer chain. When I see a pub part of a national chain it always makes me fear the worst for the decor, product and staffing and on entering here and having to wait 10 minutes to be served when there was no one else around had me fearing the worst. It appears to be a very old inn which gives it character and this has not been spoilt by the Chain, indeed it has a very cosy olde worlde feel, lots of beams, flags stones, areas separated out and a split level in one corner of the dining area. Its set out for food, but there is still a large enough bar area with differing seat choices from sofas to high tables/stools. Decided to eat here having looked at the menu and the food was excellent and, on a Tuesday evening, the service very good, polite, friendly and efficient. Prices starting at £9. 4 real ales, the usual suspects, though the Marstons beer was a seasonal offering, but the beer quality does need a bit of work. There is a large garden/seating area at the rear. It was nice to be surprised by a good quality Chain offering, and if the beer quality improved this would be a top pub for me.