The Bear Free House

The Bear’s restrained colour palette of greens & browns, & a general absence of tacky folderol is to be commended, as are the endlessly patient staff & well-spaced, simple wooden tables arranged around an original, dark, hardwood bar. A very approachable wine list includes a fruity Languedoc at an unbeatable £10 & a spicy Gigondas, at just shy of £30, the most expensive red on offer. A seasonal & similarly reasonably priced Franco-British menu includes Welsh rarebit, onglet with snail butter, devilled kidneys & fish pie served in builder-sized portions. Best of all is a range of beers that includes Highland beauty, Yellowhammer organic ale, Worcester microbrew Piddle In The Hole, & Chimay Blue.