The Bear Free House - Stratford-on-Avon

Quite confused by the relationship between The Bear and the Swan's Nest Hotel and Bistrot Pierre. It seems The Bear is part of the same company and the menu is the same but you can dine in the pub rather than in the restaurant per se. We preferred it as cosier and more like a gastropub ambience. We had the Prix fixe 2 courses and the steak frites was very good, followed by a raspberry chocolate mousse. At 17.95 good value and good food freshly cooked. Staff were pleasant and helpful. Overall, would recommend.

Myself and my partner decided to try here for lunch as we were on holiday in the area. After entering the building at around 1PM we ordered drinks and some food. What arrived was nothing short of utterly disgusting. A watery cauliflower and chickpea curry that tasted of vinegar with a soft undercooked flat bread. My partner ordered the chicken fricase with mash potato the asparagus was all floppy and the mash tasted like old greasy fat. The meal cost £50 including drinks which all had to be paid for before sitting. The lad working behind the bar didn't even bother to ask us if everything was alright. We left both leaving the meal with only a mouthful tried. All in all a horrible experience and a very costly one.

Terrible service at the bar. First time I had to go looking for the bar person. She didn’t seem too impressed that she had to come and serve. Second time at the bar she was on her phone and ignored me before telling her colleague she was going for a break and then going to the restaurant. She could easily have served me before she left. She knew I was there and ignored me. This is such a poor customer experience! Don’t waste your hard-earned salaries at this bar! A real shame as it’s a really nice location and bar.

This is a Pub, or at least it was. Having lived in stratford upon Avon 12 years i have frequented this pub many times. It used to have energy, friendly staff and show some semblance of a Pub that actuality actually wanted guests and understands what hospitality is. My visit this evening was just sad. Just an empty room, with no smiles, no care and i suspect no way of getting through the winter unless they hear this feedback If you are looking to spend your hard earned money in a great pub stay away.

If you like London prices for your beer, then this is the place for you. Charged £5.20 for a real ale that was served far too cold and not at all pleasant to drink. Camra pub? I think not!