Black Bear, Whitchurch

Accredited for beer quality 2022.

The Black Bear is an eye catching black and white timbered building (dated 1662!) at the top of the High Street, opposite the church. The theme is continued inside with its low timber beams, and stone flagged floors, the whole being comfortably furnished. There are several sections to the internal layout, and a room upstairs mainly for dining. The food here is very popular and is highly rated. JPA from Magic Dragon, brewed to an exclusive recipe is now a regular beer. Other guest beers usually come from Cheshire or Shropshire breweries although they are sometimes from further afield. One of the five handpumps is given over to a varying cider, though they may not always be "real" as defined by CAMRA. The friendly manager and staff offer a warm welcome. There are no TVs and background music is just that. Occasional live acoustic music is performed. Altogether a comfortable and friendly establishment.

The very pleasant beer garden at the rear (which used to be the carpark) hosts their annual late Spring Bank Holiday weekend beer festival.

Brunch is served on Sundays from 10.30am

Note that real ale prices are somewhat higher than other pubs in Whitchurch. Expect to pay around £5 a pint (as of November 2024)