The Bear at Stratford upon Avon

Guest blogger, Dan, The Routemeister, recently visited The Bear Free House and Kitchen, Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford upon Avon CV37 7LT (website).    

The Bear first opened in 1662 and has been significantly refurbished in more recent times, as you can see from the photograph, it is also by the river! It is a little over 5 minutes stroll from the Royal Shakespeare Company, where the Routemeister had been to see a play written by a contemporary of Shakespeare. Apart from being taken by the lovely French barmaid, he assures me that this is full of genuine locals, not just tourists, and well worth a visit.

Up to 8 ales are available, including Wye Valley Hereford Pale Ale, Purity Pure Gold, and the 3.6% The Bear Best Bitter, apparently brewed especially for The Bear (I can't find who brews it, sorry) and which Dan drank, a decent golden session bitter. The Routemeister says it is well worth a visit if you are in Stratford, Cheers Dan!    

The Bear at Swans Nest Hotel - Stratford-upon-Avon

I visited friends in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday afternoon and naturally gave Steve a call to see if he could recommend a pub to visit.

With a pregnant girlfriend, it was important that there was a good atmosphere, access to food and toilets and that for my own benefit, there would be somewhere to watch the England v Belgium game.

 

My question stumped Steve, but after consulting one of his Beer guides he came up trumps with the suggestion of The Bear at the Swans Nest Hotel. Who needs google and smartphones eh?

Pubs in Stratford seem to follow a thespian theme or have references to Shakespeare in one way or another, but pleasingly the Bear had neither. This is effectively the bar to what looked like a fairly smart hotel situated right on the Avon.

All manner of ales were on offer but I plumped for a smooth Old Hooky from the Hook Norton Brewery and must say it was a nice drop. Showing my age with comments like that. I must halt this decline.

Aside from the beer, service was polite and efficient but what really impressed me was the framing of the flat screen TVs in rather ornate old, erm frames.

If you're looking for a pub away from the tourists, this is a good one.