The Bear Hotel Restaurant in Vale of White Horse

Had a Christmas party here on Saturday for five of us and the food was lovely, unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for the hostile staff, felt very uncomfortable by a couple of comments made by staff. Felt very rushed even though they offered us an 8pm table only to be told after being given the desert menus, oh you don’t think your getting a desert do you the kitchen is closed this was at 9.02 but as long as we got our mains we should be happy. Which felt so rude and whilst we was waiting for them to take the bill could hear the same waitress say oh the back table just don’t want to leave, when they hadn’t even offered to take our payment at this point. Was such a shame as the food and bar area was lovely.

Nice location, pretty poor service, next set of bedding gets left outside rooms on the old dirty carpets.

Checked in to find bed bugs in the room, night staff were extremely helpful and got me into another room. Breakfast next morning was good. Work rang the manager in the morning who said no bed bugs were found and a single none descript bug was in the bed. I'm no bed bug expert but I had personally seen 3 on the top of the quilt and several more under. Attached are the pictures of the bugs that clearly match a bed bug description, as agreed by the night staff. As they are in denial I was offered no compensation to clean clothes and likely rooms above, below and adjoining will have bed bugs for some time.

My room was very small (basically just a single bed and a tiny desk). It was right next to the pub terrace, so as long the pub is open, it was too noisy for me to sleep. Moreover, every time me or one of my neighbors flushed the toilet, the whole room was shaking.

Great food, good price and lots of it.

I enjoyed a 3 course meal this evening Friday the 4th of October, & it was my first visit/meal here. The food & drink were all very nice & the atmosphere was very nice too, & it was warm indoors which was nice as it was cold outside. First impressions count & I will return again & the satff were very nice too.

It’s lovely and comfortable here

Wonderful food, reasonable price and excellent service

A late booking, only tiny single room remained. Breakfast was excellent and very speedy service.

On a whole I would recommend this hotel. Bar area very nice, food in the restaurant was excellent, all the staff were very professional and very friendly, bedding and towels very good but decoration and decor very tired, our room desperately needs refurbishment but others I saw were much better so maybe work in progress ?

Lovely place to stay in central Wantage. Great staff, great food and clean, sufficient rooms.

Was sadly here for my Father in Law's wake. The Hotel and staff did him proud. Thank you.

They do a fantastic latte and a great selection of cakes, the staff really look after you and always will to have a conversation.. Personal note.Thank you for looking after Mr and Mrs young who frequently pop in for a latte and cake.

Very small rooms outdated and in desperate need of update and refurbishment for the price you'd be paying better getting an air b and b it's cheaper better standard's. The only thing this place has got is that it's centerd in center of Wantage but other than that food places are pretty poor it's like a nice village/town that's lost its way and trying to be something it's not. not really any unique shops the architecture of the town where can be seen of the times is cool but alot has been attempted modernization its very amateurish attempt at it at that. Not much else to say

Great place for a cosy drink and excellent service

I booked 14 of us in to The Bear for our department's Christmas lunch. We were told on booking that another large party were in that day and there may be a slight delay on sitting down. We appreciated the warning but knew that everyone would be meeting/chatting in their bar first so it wouldn't be an issue. Two of our party had special dietary requirements and the staff were extremely helpful in ensuring that with a few alterations that they could enjoy a similar meal choice to everyone else. Communication on this was excellent. Everyone agreed that the meal was fabulous, I had the Chorizo Cod and it was cooked to perfection and the Chocolate, Coffee Torte was amazing (it was quite rich and actually defeated a couple of people) Thank you to all the staff who attended us, we will definately be back next year!

My parents recommended this restaurant for lunch the staff were great , they were very helpful rearranged their table to accommodate my wheel chair, the atmosphere was wonderful . There was a birthday party in the room next to us they were having a wonderful...

Headed to Wantage for a light lunch / coffee and having previously visited thought we’d give the pub another try. Sat in the front part of the Dining Room which you will note on my previous review I felt was not the best place to...

HUGE fish & chips if large chosen. Good quality pub food. Tried red wine before settling on Prosecco. Family stayed over for wedding & were well served throughout their stay - though rooms a bit dated.

We have eaten there before and enjoyed so when we heard there was a new menu decided to try it again. Myself and my friend had the venison (which we were told is wild not farmed) and it and the fondant potato were very nice,...

I had high hopes of this restaurant based on past reviews. How wrong I was. Alarms were set off when my husband ordered a gin and tonic, he was asked which tonic he would like, when he said asked what do you have? the answer...

A good experience but the room was a little dusty but the staff were nice and the breakfast good. Does lack a little atmosphere at times but best hotel in wantage for a stay for vivistung friends. Not dog friendly unfortunately

Came with a friend for lunch and really enjoyed the experience. We had a choice of a more traditional restaurant or the modern modern and airy conservatory. ( We chose the former as it felt more private. ) The service was excellent- prompt and friendly....

Stayed here after attending a friends wedding nearby. Room was good, breakfast was delicious! Best B&B breakfast by far, all good quality produce, cooked perfectly

Behind The Bear Hotel's original older style exterior we found a bright, modern and spacious interior. Recent decoration I guess and all very clean and tidy. There is seating in a central glass top area as well as to either side. Plenty of room between...

Stayed for two nights. Staff were so welcoming and friendly. Our room was comfortable and clean. We had a superb dinner in the restaurant- they even offer smaller portions for discounted price. The lounge and bar areas are so comfortable. I would love to stay...

Arrived late but they served us a simple well cooked meal for 2 people. Plenty to eat and friendly service

On our way back from the South coast we stopped at the bear for lunch. Comfortable and airy surroundings and a decent menu offer. We went for the home made pasta with wild mushrooms - freshly prepared and well presented it was much appreciated with...

Visited for on a Saturday lunchtime. The interior was smart and modernised. Staff were polite and welcoming. We sat in the conservatory, which was very comfortable and spacious. Menu choice was perfect for lunch. A good selection of smaller portions and sandwiches. I chose the...

Lunch here with 8 friends. Good selection and bonus of having smaller plated meals. Steak was perfectly cooked and others equally enjoyed various dishes..fish pie and pasta. Staff friendly and efficient with a difficult order of different wants. Worth another visit when visiting this lovely...

Excellent Sunday Lunch menu which I couldn't find on the hotels website before visiting, so be aware Sunday choices do not extend to the main published website menu. Good if you're a meat eater, with beef, pork and lamb choices, but not so good for...

Good enough for what it is, only spot in a small town. Old charm. Checkout was early at 10am, breakfast done serving 9am so I couldn't take advantage. But a nice restful stay in a small town.

I'd visited for lunch here once before but decided to give it another go because it really is a nice setting to have lunch. Unfortunately the same problems arose. I'd had high hopes for a good sandwich after my last experience when, upon entering, there...

The restaurant indoors was quiet with no music. Great. Service was adequate and food served in reasonable time. I liked the smaller portions available as a full size portion would have been too much food and I hate waste.

A one night stay while fair was taking place in town centre. Our initial room was literally fronting the smoking area so we requested a move. Staff (whose welcome had been subdued) were able to find another which was adequate but no more than that...

Two of us had a meal at The Bear. The Hotel is very tastefully furnished and decorated and the conservatory was very comfortable. Did need the extra cushion though on the seat as without it, we were sitting too low at the table. The staff...

Eat in the conservatory at lunchtime and you can order smaller plates from a good selection. Homemade steak burgers are excellent.

On the surface The Bear appears a lovely place, until you scratch that surface revealing rude and unhelpful reception staff, underwhelming food, and hotel rooms that are in desperate need of updating with attention to plumbing. The prices charged do not reflect the quality received....

Been a while since we’ve been for dinner. Had a good meal and everyone enjoyed their food. Two of use had fillet steak which was very good. Tender and tasty, well cooked. Girls had chilli prawns, and fish pies for main. Good fish pies, make...

We visited the Bear today and everyone was incredibly disappointed with the food. My sister in law requested her Cheese soufflé starter without mushrooms to which the waitress said was not an issue, when the cheese soufflés arrived (another 3 were ordered also) they were...

Our first visit for a few years with friends. The food was okay, not inspiring. The starters were good, the mains uninteresting and a scoop of ice cream was just that - no decoration. We ordered wine and the bottle was plonked on the table...

Food was fine (recommend the venison roast dinner if it's available), but what particularly impressed us was the help given to the diner who is a vegan. Although the Bear doesn't have specific vegan dishes on the menu, the vegetarian option was adapted to make...

It’s a while since I’ve eaten in the restaurant, I use the pub as my local normally but we chose here as we were celebrating a birthday. We weren’t disappointed by a long chalk. A shared starter with cheese soufflé, confit duck, ham hock terrine...

Good atmosphere. Buzzing Saturday night Hotel. Selected an area away from the main eating area, which was quieter and had a window overlooking the Market Place. The menu was varied with Venison, Roast Chicken, Beef Wellington etc. Starters included Duck or all the usual ones...

Lovely local hotel that does the best tasting and value for money traditional pub food in Wantage. You can get two coffees and a piece of cake for less than a fiver as well

We were house hunting and just wanted a 'pub'/sandwich lunch with our three daughters. Our first time in Wantage and the frontage of The Bear drew our attention. The staff explained that they were expecting an imminent big party and so would we be choosing...

A party of 10 of us had lunch at The Bear Restaurant to celebrate a birthday. Everything was very good, the only quibble being the time it took to bring the main courses to everyone whilst the Beef Wellingtons cooled down. The highlight was the...

Lovely cozy bar area, staff are always friendly, reliable & polite. Drinks a little expensive £4.80 for a pint of premium beer in Wantage!, although I have never eaten at the Bear the food always looks good, must try it some day soon. 7.5/10

Been saving come to the Bear till a special occasion as it’s a bit pricey but really loved my birthday dinner last night. Both mine and my partner’s food was excellent and good service too. We will definitely be returning to sample some of the...

Lunch for four and it did not disappoint. The highlight was a super vegetarian dish of mushroom and chestnut in filo pastry with a delicious sauce. So nice (and rare) to get a truly tasty vegetarian option.

I dine fairly frequently at The Bear. In my view it has the best restaurant in the Wantage area. Both the main restaurant and adjoining atrium are very comfortable. A very wide choice of starters , mains, desserts and drinks are all reasonably priced- why...

In feeding some customers from various overseas locations, varied selection, reasonable prices, food well prepared and tasty. Service was a little slow considering how empty it was.

I had not been to The Bear for a few years so was interested to see what it was like. Very pleasant with lots of group seating areas. A nice place to pop in for a drink with friends.

Joined family for an evening meal. food was delicious, fresh, interesting, well cooked and delightfully presented.. Friendly waitresses and comfortable surroundings. Very enjoyable.

We go to the Bear quite often. Been there as a couple and as a group of 4 and 6. Food is always nice and the vegetarian options such as the veggie Wellington are well worth it. I have also tried the fish pie and...

We stayed for a re-union and had a great meal on the Saturday night and an excellent breakfast on the Sunday. The bed was very comfortable and if people want to experience staying in an authentic coaching inn, they will not go wrong here!

We wanted a cosy English family lunch before my parents returned to the USA. The Bear could not have been a finer choice. Perfectly located in the centre of this historic town, its gracious dining room was warm and convivial. Now that we're well into...

We have eaten at the Bear on two occasions and had a good experience each time. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and the service is good, we have always had a good meal which is well presented.They do a really good pie, which is...

I feel this restaurant may be a little pretentious in its food serving sizes but is otherwise tasty and hot. The service was very friendly and quick and the restaurant itself is romantic and cosy.

Not our first choice on the day, but ended up at the Bear and we were delighted with both the service and cooking. The best pork belly I have had in a long while. I understand other reviews that point out that their could have...

The food is very nice a well trained chef . I feel .. Presented well, but felt there could have been veg or peas included in the meal price .. I had a small steak lovely with a total of eight medium size chips... nothing...

Lovely meal with friends. good service and food was excellent. Atmosphere was spot on and will definitely go again.

We have been here many times with friends and family . Food always consistent. Very good service. Sunday lunch is lush . Lovely veg and plenty to go round .

I went to the Bear with family for lunch. The service was great. The food was lovely. I had the steak burger it was delicious and good quality. I think you can have all the meals either small or large portion which is a really...

Always a nice drink in the Bear a lovely pub with a great atmosphere and would recommend you try it. Been in a few times when I visit Wantage and always pop in for a few drinks, consistently good.

This is a great place for afternoon tea or for a beer ect. It was busy and thronging but the service was still very good.

My other half is on business in Didcot this week and we decided, along with some of his colleagues who had stayed here before, to come across for some dinner and I'm glad we did. Quick, polite service and beautiful and tasty food. Probably not...

A nice place to stay with lots of character. We stayed in one of the front rooms on the 2nd floor with great views over the market square. We were not told it was likely to be noisy (maybe we should have guessed). The noise...

I've only been to The Bear twice, and each time the food has been impeccable. My last visit I had belly pork which was really tasty. The chef is clearly passionate about his job and you can tell everything has been homemade rather than bought...

A fantastic service with great quality food, The Bear was the ideal place to host my Australian friend for dinner. I had the pork belly which was fantastic and she had posh fish and chips which was top notch.

late review, but had a birthday Sunday lunch here at the end of Jan. (And another in Feb) Attentive staff as always, they never stop! Soups are always delicious but very filling....so had to forgo the dessert. They do smaller portions on some dishes which...

Lunched here today; beautifully cooked and although we opted for the smaller dishes, both were plentiful. Very efficient, attentive staff. Lady on reception particularly welcoming and friendly. We both thought the meals were excellent value for money. Look forward to going again and thank you...

Had a lovely day with all my favourite people. The roast was beautifully cooked and plentiful (beef and pork). The vegetables are to die for, especially the carrot &a swede and the cauliflower cheese. All finished off with an enormous Eton mess. Consistently good! We...

I had every intention of leaving a good review.. beds comfy, food good, decor nice.. however the following morning seemed to go from bad to worse.. at breakfast I felt as though I was disturbing a mother's meeting as the women behind the counter just...

Not enough roast beef (thin cut) or potatoes (only 3) served for the "large" meals we ordered, fatty pork and then we had to ask for more vegetables, more gravy, mustard, horseradish sauce, more water and more water glasses. They then left us (a large...

A lovely bar area for meeting friends & just socialising or dine in the restaurant & enjoy good food. Friendly staff & good service

We booked a party of 5 for a birthday celebration and had an enjoyable evening, there was a local charity group holding a meeting in the room adjacent which was a bit noisy at times but not that much to spoil the evening. Starters were...

We were lucky enough to get a table on a very busy Saturday night. As always the service was excellent, I opted for the Beef Wellington, which was perfect served with carrot puree (how could that be so nice) and dauphinoise potatoes. My husband had...

Stayed here overnight to attend a Birthday party. Bed comfy. Shower tiny, Toilet ran water all the time, Good thing we only stayed one night as there was nowhere to hang up clothes, Breakfast was good, staff were busy, bar staff were unfriendly. people running...

We had our Christmas meal here and the food was delious and the staff couldn't of been more helpful and friendly. The atmosphere is also very nice, we will definitely be booking for next year. We have been for a few meals since and they...

We were turned away in the entrance way by four young staff just standing there. Told that they couldn't cope with a couple for dinner at 6.15pm due to Kitchen shortages. Not impressed. But in truth - not a complaint about food and service as...

Hadn't been here for a while but wasn't disappointed. The menu was quite extensive. Had the belly pork open sandwich which came with watercress & crackling garnish & enjoyed it a lot. Staff are very friendly & helpful. Nicely laid out. Can sit in the...

Popped in for a quick drink about 6pm on a Monday. Decided to have 2 coffees and I have to say the coffee was really good and sensibly priced at 2 quid each. I don't like the cups as the handles are bizarrely shaped -...

The food in this hotel is of good quality and the service is very good with a good selection of food on the menu. The only negative is that there is no bar in the dinning area although the staff will bring drinks to the...

Starter we choose the sharing anti pesto board, there was so much smoked salmon it was horrendous, I use to love smoked salmon but have t eaten it since. My main coarse steak, I didn't think it was edible, cost a fortune, I wrapped it...

Been meaning to review this for ages, but was in Wantage for the first time in June 2016. My friend & I were on a bus running day at nearby Didcot & travelled here for our lunch. A wonderful meal, excellent service, we were quite...

Visited this place for Christmas lunch with my boyfriend. The turkey roast lunch was one of the best roasts I've had outside of my mum's kitchen would highly recommend. Only downside was the service as our waitress appeared to put all her attention on the...

Generally good food for pub restaurant. Our soup was excellent as was the accompanying bread (but why served rock hard butter straight out of the freezer, that cannot be spread?). My companion's Salmon en Croute was good but my Partridge was rather tough and the...

Been meaning to submit a review for some time had lunch early December and was surprised how much I enjoyed it... Generous portions and superbly cooked and well presented. Looking forward to a returning visit for an evening meal as well.

We had a lovely Sunday lunch at the bear for our family of 17. They didn't do their Christmas menu on a Sunday but it really didn't matter all those that wanted turkey and Christmas pudding got it!! And others had beef of pork. Really...

Took our son and granddaughters for an evening meal, good selection at a good price, arrived hot and delicious. The service was excellent, good selection of beers very agreeable Chrismas ail.. certainly be returning..

This place has a great atmosphere. Food is fabulous and good value.you have a choice of a traditional style dining room or an atrium that is like eating in an orangie. Both are pleasant.staff are attentive. I haven't lived in wantage long but this is...

I have had lunch here many times, and it never disappoints when it comes to the food. Great burgers, cooked to order and as you want it. Fish and chips, (fab chunky "proper" chips) Mum's favorite, are always outstanding and the bacon, brie and cranberry...

This is a lovely central situated hotel with a comfortable interior, breakfast room spacious, a good size clean warm en-suite bedroom tastefully decorated situated with a rear facing window which provided blissful quietness in the morning as it was a mid week stay, the bed...

We only had a meal in the restaurant as we were given a voucher as a gift, we were pleasantly surprised with the food. the portions were bigger than we expected and we couldn't eat all of our main course of beer battered fish, chunky...

I stay here sometimes whilst working at Harwell as it avoids having to sit in a traffic jam on the A34 around Abingdon and Oxford. The rooms are quite basic and as its a bar and restaurant in the centre of the town it can...

My Mum booked The Bear for an evening family party of 30 people. The room was beautifully laid out, such attention to detail, we couldn't fault it. Despite a few guests arriving late (us included), the management and chef accommodated as much as they could...

Had lunch here on my birthday with my husband. Seared scallops and black pudding to start followed by fish pie. Hubby had pulled pork tagliatelle. Such a generous portion he couldn't quite finish it. (They do smaller portions too of most meals.) Quality ingredients beautifully...

I ordered the meat pie, presentation was good nice golden crust on top but when you broke through the crust DISAPPOINTMENT, there was very little filling 😥. I brought this to the attention of the staff who offers no apologies just said "we will only...

Came here with elderly relatives for the second time and was again very pleased with what we got for our lunch: generous portions of hearty wholesome food, not "pubby" but like really great home-style cooking. My huge fish pie was tasty and full of nice...