White Bear, Downe

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FancyaPint?'s review...
FAP Rating 4 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
The White Bear has to be one of the most attractive pubs in this part of the Southeast. Located in the tiny hamlet of Fickleshole, in the Tandridge district of Surrey, very near the border with the Borough of Bromley (and hence Kent), and a short distance from Biggin Hill Airport - not to mention Croydon - it's strangely inaccessible, at least by public transport. We had one false start, and it does take some finding even with GPS. The easiest way is via Tramlink to New Addington, a deprived area whose proximity to such an attractive, rural pub is stark. The building is sixteenth century, and was once a number of small cottages with an inn attached - which explains the slightly "hotchpotch" nature. It's charming before you go in, with the smell of burning logs, the sight of ivy lighting up the walls, not to mention the eponymous bear (sadly, not the original - legend has it that the first, free-standing bear was pilfered by Canadian squaddies) guarding the entrance, with bags of outside seating although be warned that it can get rather nippy in these parts. Inside, it's divided up into small seating areas, which adds intimacy but does not detract from the warm atmosphere. Two of these areas have open fires, and in the cold months it's worth making a booking if eating at the weekend. Although the focus is firmly on dining, the beer selection is pretty good. It's a Brakspear pub, and on our latest visit they had Oxford Gold, Hobgoblin and Ringwood Forty-niner, to name but three, all priced at three pounds a pop. Well worth a visit if you fancy a bit of a treat.
Review: 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Reviewed by 14 Mar 2011    Helpful? yes/no
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Contact details

Fairchildes Lane, Warlingham, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PH

01959 573166
the-whitebear@btinternet.com
http://www.the-whitebear.com

Opening times
Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00
Sun 12:00-22:30
Please check opening times with the pub before making a special journey.
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How to find the White Bear pub

Isolated from public transport, the nearest major halt is New Addington Tramlink. From there, it's a 30-45 minute walk (GPS recommended). From the terminus, head down Central Parade, then left at the mini roundabout into Arnhem Drive. Turn right at the junction with King Henry's Drive, and just past the secondary school on your right, there is a partially obscured cyclepath. Turn up here, then after a few minutes take the right cyclepath (marked "Warlingham"). Follow this round until you come out on Fairchildes Lane (unsignposted). On your right, after a couple of hundred yards, you will see a farm, then the pub. If driving (there is a large car park), use a Sat-Nav.

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History
13 Jun 11 Updated by FAPadmin