Bear, Oxford

Our rating: FAP Rating 3 - Click for an explanation of our ratings User rating: Not rated yet! - Click for an explanation of our ratings (1 review)
View:
Photo
Map
Streetview
FancyaPint?'s review...
FAP Rating 3 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
One of the oldest (if not the oldest) pubs in Oxford, the Bear is a "must-visit" pub on any crawl of the city of the Dreaming Spires. An old student favourite of ours, we recently visited after a hiatus of over a decade. Although the present building is "only" seventeenth century, there has been a hostelry on this site since 1242. Now a Fuller's pub, the usual selection was available, together with a guest whose name escapes us. The most notable feature of the Bear, apart from the well-known low ceilings, is its collection of ties. Not all are on display, but they adorn the place and have done for over fifty years (we understand that one was once able to exchange a tie for a pint, especially if one was famous and/or a former member of the University or part of its establishment). All in all, however, we were a touch disappointed on our visit. Perhaps it's the passing of time and a tendency to don rose-tinted spectacles, but there just wasn't the charm or intimacy which we once knew (it may be partly due to the fact that the place has been spruced up - it was famously dusty and dark in the day). It's still a three-pinter and worth visiting, but not quite the same as what it used to be.
Reviewed by 05 Jan 2011    Helpful? yes/no
User reviews
Contact details

6 Alfred Street, Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4EH

01865 728164
bearinn@fullers.co.uk
http://www.fullers.co.uk/bearinn

Events:

Quiz night - quiz night Tuesday

Features:

How to get there
Nearest Stations
Door-to-door journey planner
How to find the Bear pub

From the High Street (towards the St. Aldate's end), take Alfred Street which is across the High from Turl Street. Follow the cobbled road round and you'll find the pub.

Is this your pub? Claim this listing to add your pub's web site, more photos or other information about your pub.
History
09 Jun 11 Updated by FAPadmin