The Bear, Oxford

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Bear

Reputedly the oldest pub in Oxford, first impressions weren’t great when approaching from the rear, with a covered decking area which included a TV screen showing the rugby at far too high a volume. Persevere though, and you’ll find something altogether much better.

Internally it consists of two rooms, both quite small, and finding somewhere to sit is liable to be tricky at busier times. In fact when we visited, it was hard enough just finding somewhere to stand. The rear room had full height wood panelling on the walls as well as a wood strip floor, although both the walls and ceiling were pretty much completely covered with glass display cases housing a massive collection of old ties, each one apparently catalogued with an identification label. A few brass bell pushes were inset in to the wood panelling which were presumably for table service back in the day, although I suspect these are no longer in use. A small TV was rather incongruously wedged in to one corner, although fortunately this was not in use.

Beers on tap were predominantly from Fuller’s with their Bengal Lancer, Oliver’s Island, ESB, HSB and London Pride and these were joined by Shotover Prospect. The solitary cider meanwhile was Stowford Press. All in all, well worth a visit, although it’s not quite as relaxing as it could be simply due to it’s popularity.

On 16^th November 2018 - rating: 8
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