Bear

Convivial and interesting old coaching inn with a splendid, old-fashioned bar area warmed by a log fire and rewarding food and drink; comfortable bedrooms

Features

Accommodation available
Speciality beers
Cask ales
Separate restaurant
Sandwiches
Garden
  • Separate restaurant
  • Sandwiches sold

Bar food times: 12-2.15, 6-10.30; 12-3, 7-9.30 Sun

Typical main dish: pheasant medallions with olive oil mash, bacon-roasted brussels sprouts and madeira jus

Typical main dish price: £16.00

Average two course evening meal price: £24.00

  • Speciality beers
  • Cask ales (5)

Price of cheapest bitter: £3.65

Name of cheapest bitter: Hancocks HB

  • Dogs allowed in bedrooms

Number of bedrooms: 35

Bedrooms cost between £123 and £248

  • Children allowed in the bar
  • Children allowed in the restaurant
  • Dogs allowed in the bar
  • Dogs allowed in bedrooms

The good pub guide review

This whitewashed, flower-fronted and thoroughly charming pub is one of Crickhowell's most striking buildings and has been welcoming guests for more than 500 years. The long-serving family currently in charge continue to offer a warm and genuine welcome to all. The bustling bar attracts a wide mix of customers. There are heavy beams, little plush-seated bentwood armchairs and handsome old cushioned settles, fresh flowers on tables, and a window seat that looks down over the market square. Next to the great roaring log fire are a big sofa and leather easy chairs on oak parquet flooring with rugs and antiques including lots of pewter mugs and brassware, a longcase clock and interesting prints. Real ales on handpump include maybe Brains Rev James, Hancocks HB, Grey Trees Afghan Pale and Rhymney Export, alongside 30 malt whiskies, over 20 gins, local ciders, vintage and late-bottled ports and unusual wines (with at least ten by the glass). The reception rooms are comfortably furnished, and there are seats in the small garden. This is a particularly appealing place to stay, with a choice of 35 characterful bedrooms: the older ones in the main building have antiques, others are in a country style and the luxury ones have hot tubs and four-poster beds. Breakfasts are excellent. Disabled loos.

The good pub guide food review

The enjoyable food makes good use of organic local produce and artisan makers in the Brecon Beacons, such as the Black Mountain Smokery, Welsh Venison Centre and Penderyn Distillery. Options include sandwiches, soups, salads, pan-fried wild sea bass with crushed new potatoes, mussels and saffron sauce, 30-day aged Welsh fillet steak with grilled mushroom, tomato and chips, potato gnocchi with roasted butternut squash and sage butter, Welsh beef burger with smoked bacon and rarebit in a potato bun with tomato chutney and chips, and puddings such as sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

2021 Awards

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Contact Details

Bear, High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BW

(01873) 810408

Opening Hours

Weekdays: 11-11

Saturday: 11-11

Sunday: 12-11