the black bear 1662 in Shropshire - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

A lovely place. The decor was very smart, clean, and looked new. The food was well presented and tasty. I had the small fish and chips, which was more than plenty. The batter was the best I've ever experienced, very thin and not greasy at all. There is a lovely rear garden, quite surprising with plenty of seating, beautiful planting and a hidden gem on a sunny day, loved the sunflowers. Toilets were immaculate and the staff very warm and welcoming and pleasant. We will definitely go back.

Nice little pub, good portions (not over the top). Just a couple of moans,my roasties tasted a bit stale, although everyone elses seemed ok, pork scratchings were sprinkled over my roast which was a bit weird . staff pleasant.

Great place for something to eat and drink, the outside garden is amazing

An excellent, friendly, clean pub with superb food and excellent ales. Service was friendly and first class. We had the roast beef and roast pork. I can't remember the ale but it was the local brew. If you're looking for the British pub with good food and great ales then try The Black Bear.

Beautiful outside eating area...dog friendly ..staff very friendly as well.

They have a great beer garden, full of sunflowers. Dog friendly

Lovely country pub in Whitchurch. We went for lunch and had steak sandwich and fish finger sandwhich and they were do absolutely delicious! The inside is gorgeous with beams and loads of character, staff were lovely and good drink selection too. We would definitely come back 🐻

What a great place, full of character, good food and drink, and staff that are great and really seem to care. It's rare somewhere is run so we'll and gets so much (everything maybe!) right. Thank you to everyone there who made it a great evening out!

greek salad more like starter and over priced burger good value for money

Really lovely find for lunch whilst in Whitchurch. Food & service both good. Loved the salsa pickle. Definitely recommend a visit.

Stayed at a touring park on the canal in Whitchurch and the Black Bear was recommended to us. It didn't disappoint, the food and drink was wonderful and well worth the visit. Will return.

Popped in for a drink in the traditional pub. The food smelt great and the menu looked good but we had already eaten and they had just stopped serving as it was after 9pm. We went for a paddle of ales and I also had a spiced rum with ginger beer, it was all excellent. The beer garden is one of the best I have ever seen. All in all, definitely worth visiting and I will be back for more of this pub, maybe next time I will eat there aswell.

Wonderful place, dog friendly and super nice food. Staff were friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.

As a solo female traveller with a dog, it’s not always easy to find somewhere where we both feel comfortable. However, my visit here on 11 July ticked all my boxes. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the menu was varied and very reasonably priced and the food was lovely. I had the Courgette, Pea and Feta Risotto which beautifully presented and tasted amazing! Thank you 😊

The Black Bear is always fantastic! The food is locally sourced, fresh and delicious. The menu changes constantly, depending on what they can get and what's in season. The drinks selection is abundant and the staff are always so polite, welcoming and friendly. What more could you want?!

Fab traditional pub with really tasty homemade good quality food, (and big portions) and lots of great beer and wines, a beautiful outdoor garden and lovely thoughtful touches (blankets, sunflowers to grow etc) Would definitely go again.

Lovely old pub. Good food and friendly staff , nice Sunday dinner drinks and puddings

Really lovely pub with great food and good service. The interior is in keeping with the age of the building and the tasteful decor creates a nice relaxed atmosphere for eating/enjoying drinks. The service was very good. Thanks.

The food ls amazing. Service is a bit slow. Noise levels can be a bit high if there is a large crown, otherwise a lovely place to eat

The garden really has to be seen to be believed! Beautiful! . Good craft beers and fab food !!

Fantastic find. Lovely staff, delicious food cooked by people who seem to care. Great variety and value for money. Will definitely be back. Smoked haddock fish cake, triple cooked chips and Shropshire blue cheese sauce

A 3 course meal for 2 with 3 pints for £72 and some people find that expensive! Wake up! Greeted by a broad smile. Great atmosphere. The food is excellent, well prepared and hot. The triple cooked chips are superb and the fish is excellent. The pie is a real winner. Crispy pastry and a generous filling. And I recommend the chocolate and salted caramel sundae. Too good to share! The staff are all delightful and very attentive. But when it gets busy, cut them a bit of slack! There’s nothing not to like. Don’t believe the negative reviews. This is probably going to be my favourite place to eat and drink!

Beer selection was good and they do 3 x 1/3 of a pint to taste craft beers but food was expensive.

Lunch with one sister in the garden - really lovely; this time, lunch with another sister, inside. Really nice food and atmosphere. Obviously, weekday lunchtime, so quiet but definitely recommend it.

It’s possible though that babies are not welcome? No changing facilities or high chair available which makes life tricky! Had a few memorable meals here. The food is great (more vegan options would be a welcome addition). The premises and garden are both really lovely too.

Popped in for a look at this old historic pub. Lovely decor. Original beams. Was very busy being a Sunday and lunch time so we just had a drink. Food looked really nice and a very good choice of alcoholic drinks. Especially on draught

Had a quick pint in here. Seemed alright.

Very busy need to book or arrive early.. Food was delicious...service great..we will return...

What a great little pub fantastic staff awesome food

First time in. Excellent. Good beer, and company. Going back today.

Food a bit expensive but really good. Beer good.

Well situated next to the church, full of character and charm. Good selection of ale. Sunday lunch very popular, we ate of the main menu. Well served, good service.

Probably the most interesting experience I have ever had at a restaurant, but not in a good way. To lead with the positives, the food was quite good and would be five stars. Generally, I don’t like writing negative reviews and have a permissive attitude when it comes to the service industry as a whole. But when I went in I was completely ignored and more or less had to catch a waiter and ask if I seat myself or wait to be seated- that was rather strange. I get the answer and sit down and wait for a menu. I sit there for ~25 minutes with the waitstaff just completely acting like I was invisible. I understand that service in the states is different- I have heard about “village time” and I’m okay with that, but this was quite distinctly different. I start wondering if perhaps there is a QR code for the menu- but no. But as time is going by and the staff is giving menus to other patrons immediately upon them sitting down and taking their drink orders- while I have been sitting there increasingly confused and uncomfortable. I try and catch the eye of multiple waiters and they continue to ignore me. Upon seeing the staff give other patrons I just go up and help myself to one from the bar. I was about 40 minutes ahead of my family and was hoping to eat quickly and help them moor the boat as they got into the docks. My family had enough time to do the last 20 minutes of the journey, moor the boat, and walk another ~15 minutes to the pub. This whole time the staff still act like I don’t exist. At the time I arrived it was not particularly busy. I have worked in the service industry- I have many friends who work in the service industry; I am never one to complain about service. When my family got to the pub only then did the staff promptly take our orders; it was like a switch had been flipped and the service was normal, we had to move to a larger table upstairs when my family came and got a different waitress than the ones I previously interacted with and thus my prior criticism does not apply. My family was quite annoyed with what happened prior to their arrival and wanted to leave. But I had been there so long I wasn’t just going to walk out. I do not know what made the staff seem so standoffish. Perhaps it was me being a young man getting food by himself? It costs you nothing to be kind and making assumptions leads to everyone involved getting embarrassed.

Great selection of drinks, lovely garden area to sit in and enjoy.

We were on a canal holiday and this Inn was recommended to us. Really easy to find, next to the Church on the hill. The atmosphere was lovely, no loud background music, no fruit machines, no TV. The staff were brilliant, quick, efficient and cheerfull. The food was really good, hot, tasty and really good quality. And the pub itself was clean, no sticky tables and spotlessly clean loos (with very POSH soap). Dinner out here was one of the highlights of our holiday.

A very good pub which we nearly walked by! Old but unwelcoming exterior, but inside was a warm welcome, good selection of beer and excellent but limited menu. We shared 4 tasting plates for £24 which was filling with excellent flavours.

A great old fashioned pub. Great selection of local cask ales & cider.

It's a historic pub in a good location in the town with nice staff, the drinks selection looked pretty interesting, a range of beers including real ale, also lots of spirits and an alcohol free beer on tap which was nice. I did find it too expensive for what it is, nearly £40 per person for two courses and two drinks. I wasn't massively impressed with the food, the starters were fine (as shown in the photos), but my main course took quite a while to come and it wasn't particularly warm by the time I got it. If I were to go again, I would probably go for drinks and skip the food next time.

Did not have food. Stout good as was double shot capacinno. Pleasant place to chill in the garden. Staff very helpful.

I booked this for my wife and I, my God I'll be back the food was amazing! I would happily return again

Lovelly food pub. Great all round was recommended by a friend. and was not disapointed.

All the fish is very fresh. Worth paying extra for the quality

Excellent pub proper English beer and food.

Great boozer and eatery , half food half drunk pub but very traditional in style , proper old pub feel but well maintained , great selection of beers and fish on the menu is great .

Great little pub quite atmospheric good food and service. Recommended.

A real gem of a pub. Stopped off in Whitchurch on our way to the North and stumbled on the Black Bear. A dog friendly pub with delicious food and really friendly staff. We got there about 4pm and they were serving their whole menu. We had a couple of sandwiches and they were really excellent. Not too pricey either. Would highly recommend.

Got to be the cleanest pub I've ever been in! Beautiful old timbered, stone tiled floor, atmosphere just right. Food was restaurant quality, great choice of local beers, can't rate it high enough

Lovely town pub in Whitchurch with great food and beers. People are very welcoming. Would definitely return.

As I live in Norwich i am unlikely to be a regular, I was there for a family get together. It was excellent. Thank you 😊

We popped in for a snack lunch (after our chosen restaurant was fully booked). The ambience was pleasant and relaxed, Quite busy for a Wednesday lunchtime (at 1:30 by the time we got there) but some tables available. We were quickly given menus and our drinks order taken. I chose an IPA from Middlewich, which was nice. We chose the steak sandwich and a scotch egg (we shared both - half each). Food arrived quickly. The scotch egg, billed as Pork and Sage on the menu, was bought in I'm guessing and was served cool and with a slightly runny yolk. Tasted very bland, came in a shallow yellow lake of something not mentioned on the menu. The best thing about the Steak sandwich (billed on the menu as Steak sandwich with red onion jam + choice of white or seeded bloomer bread - we chose seeded) was the salad garnish, tasty, fresh and with a nice dressing. The sandwich was cool and noticeably tough when I cut it in half to share. Looking inside, the bread (regulation sliced) was dry, as was the steak, small pieces of meat, red in the middle about 1/4" thick not at all juicy and little sign of the red onion jam to relieve the dryness Both food choices can be so good when done well (and with little trouble) but what we got was disappointing. It's a shame because the pub otherwise was nice.

Enjoyed a casual supper while we were in town for a wedding. Our American friends loved the "old world" building and the very friendly service. The wait staff were organized, polite and good fun.

Visited on Friday 23rd February @ 3.45pm. Having eaten many times at The Swan and The Hare, we were keen to try The Black Bear in Whitchurch. First impressions were very gòd. Busy for an afternoon. Bar staff very friendly, chatting to customers at the bar. Ordered two glasses of wine (which was particularly good) and ordered food as wine was served. Food arrived, and the waitress turned away. I was having a burger. The usual 'any sauces' didn't materialise. I like ketchup, so when the waitress next passed, I asked if I could have some. Off she went, clearing a nearby table and no sign of my ketchup. As she came down the stairs, I asked again (I was halfway through my meal by now). About 5 seconds later, she bounced the ketchup container onto the table and disappeared. The main course finished, I was looking forward to seeing the dessert menu. Waitress cleared the table, never spoke, and never asked if the food was OK, she never asked if we wanted anything else. This behaviour is so different from any experience at other pubs in the chain. Deciding to leave, I went to pay at the bar. The barman did ask if everything was OK. I remarked yes but that the waitress needed to learn some table manners. He ignored my comment and gave me my change. I've worked in hospitality and know how hard staff work, so I always tip, particularly when I know all staff get a share. Sadly, the staff missed out because I felt the waitress deserved nothing. Sorry to the rest of the staff (except the barman), who were so friendly......

Popped in on a Wednesday for a late lunch and surprised how busy it was. We both decided to have the steak sandwich, and it was beautiful.

Great food and lovely atmosphere. 5 out of 5

Very busy which is nice to see. Service was good. Beer was decidedly average, below par. Real Ale selection needs addressing and improving, as it has for a while. Food was good.

Had lunch here, went for the small plates every dish was excellent washed down with a great beer. The capped off with a fantastic cream brulee and coffee. a perfect lunch.

Beautiful pub great food warm and cosy on a cold day 31st January ❤️

Quite a limited menu, particularly for veggie and fish options. Food was average.

Very pleasant atmosphere and positive vibes from everyone

Expensive bar menu had steak sandwiches which I could not eat too tough sorry had to cancel next meal wine and beer really expensive had 2 sandwiches and a drink each £40 wow for lunch

Stopped in by chance, the best roast I've had in a long time. Worth a visit just for that! Friendly locals and staff made for a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

Lovely homecooked quality fish and chips Delicious! Very cosy old pub with a friendly atmosphere.

Very good meal here service was good but a bit draughty by the hallway

Very good service. Nice food. Thank you

Nice little town pub. Food and atmosphere lovely. Occasional dog walks from the pub.

Having frequented this establishment a few times, we had high expectations for New Years Eve 2023. To ensure we had a guaranteed table, I booked for 9pm so that our party had adequate time to enjoy ourselves. We were looking forward to our evening, as we had a good time at The Black Bear on NYE 2022. Upon our arrival, we attempted to speak to a member of staff to be seated. We were informed rudely and unprofessionally by Gem and Shaun that our booking was invalid and they were unaware of it. I provided them with our booking reference and emails which confirmed this but we were turned away. No attempts were made to reconcile the issue.

Lovely food, building and atmosphere however service was slow and staff were getting grouchy.

Excellent food drink and service at lunch time. I would recommend and visit again

In town for the Christmas light switch on. Popped in for a pint. Very busy, lovely atmosphere. Will return. 😃👍

Had 2 roast dinners at £18 each. Both were tasty although beef was fatty. One was GF and could not therefore have cauliflower cheese or Yorkshire pudding. However they refused to reduce the price. What a shame - we won't return now and would have.

Beer OK but wine prices quite high at £12 a glass.

Great service from Poppy and the rest of the team. A really warm welcome, delicious food and a really relaxing ambiance. It's a definite must visit if you're in Whitchurch.

As usual nice food, service & a lot of dogs & Toby Jugs mugs!) Soup was nice, a lot of old & new pictures, photos. Toilet is clean, nice position next to church.

Lovely pub food was lovely but head bar man was rude and not very friendly. If your running a pub and you have someone who's not approachable then it's off putting for people. Shame

Lovely pub. Great food and beer. Would recommend it.

Great place to eat with a good selection of beers and food

Just popped in for a light late lunch. The place was not busy but had a nice ambience. My friend ordered a steak sandwich which came with a large side salad. He assured me it was nice & he had enjoyed it. I went for a lighter option - crumpet with wild mushrooms & garlic butter which was cooked well but not overly done, nicely presented & very tasty & we shared a side of chips.... just as well, it was a large portion for a side & the chips were beautifully cooked (triple fried) thick, chunky, crisp on the outside & soft & fluffy on the inside - & they arrived hot. My friend had two cappuccinos & I had two hot chocolates (we had a drink on arrival & another after our meals). Again they were nice drinks & finished our meal well. The facilities, though not ultra-modern and only small, were nicely appointed. They were spotlessly clean with a motion operated tap, liquid soap & hand lotion, and a choice of paper towels or a hot air hand dryer. The staff were friendly and helpful, not overly-attentive thankfully, but professional & available at the right times. All in all we enjoyed our lunch break at The Black Bear. Thanks guys.

CASK ALES and devine food here. Highly educated chef with a creative style and rotating food menu. 1st day I ate the Curried mussles on toast. I could've eaten two servings as my main course. 2nd day I had the flat iron steak with peppercorn sauce. The steak tender and juicy grilled to perfection. I'm throwing this prediction out there, "Chef's Peppercorn sauce is what Whitchurch will become famous for". A creamy mushroom base with light peppery finish. Devine! The grilled cabbage was a great compliment. I would highly recommend having this on your agenda. The Staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food, drinks, and local attractions. Truly an inviting cozy hometown atmosphere.

Good ale food was ok , lovely friendly atmosphere .

Met up with friends, as this was half-way between our homes. Our first visit and weren't disappointed. First of all, the choice of great quality Real Ales was excellent and tasted great. The Food Menu choice was fantastic with something for everyone. Between us we had the crispy Goats' Cheese salad, Tandoori Chicken and the Pie. All were excellent. Finally, the Staff, AMAZING - friendly, helpful and great service. Will definitely plan to meet our friends in Whitchurch again and certainly eat here again.

Eadie served us today absolutely amazing service! I had the flat iron steak medium rare, perfect! My wife is vegetarian she had a braised onion with tenderstem broccoli and wild mushrooms. Just so happy with the warmth of this place along with the great food. Defo coming back.

Cannot fault it, will definitely return. Had a Sunday lunch which was wonderful and cooked to perfection. Luckily I had my "expansion" trousers on because by the end of the meal, I was as full as an egg! She drove me home which was lovely because I was able to have a contented snooze in the passenger seat with my head resting against the window, jaw agape and drooling. A lovely sight for the pedestrians of whitchurch to observe!!

Had an unplanned Sunday lunch at the Black Bear, food and service excellent great little find. Recommend the cheese 🧀 board.

A warm welcome from all the staff. Food was fantastic and would highly recommend it to family and friends if they were in the area. Will definitely return. Also had outside seating area with lovely garden. Aug 2023, Another great visit to the Black Bear, fantastic meal which was well cooked and presented and we all thoroughly enjoyed. The pub is in a lovely location and kept very clean . The lovely Beer garden at the rear is lovely on a good day. All the staff were extremely helpful . I look forward to be returning again in the near future. Keep up the good work. X

Fantastic food. Extremely friendly staff. Unbelievably clean. Will come back for sure. 2023 - Well, we came back. Still a fantastic pub. Beer garden is stunning. Food, as always, is amazing. Staff just as friendly as ever. Still clean and tidy

Quick stop off in this gem of a pub on our way down to Wales. So glad we picked here - we had 4 sharing plates (great vegetarian choices) and found the quality was brilliant and lovely flavours. You can tell they put effort into their food menu. Staff were friendly and there was a nice, traditional pub atmosphere. Gorgeous beer garden out back as well with lots of plants 😍

Beautiful place. Service and food great. Gluten free options available and lots of choice.

Nice meal overall but chips could have cooked differently as they seemed a bit dry.

To exspensive very busy place, to claustrophobic for me dog friendly though.

Great food at lunch and really pleasant garden at rear but staff had an off day and needed an update on their customer service skills .

Great food, beer and staff. We'll be back!

Great place to visit... Real ale and great range of food .will definitely call again

Lovely building ..lovely staff...great great food😁❤👍

Excellent, lovely friendly staff, food was very fresh, hot, as were the plates, chef is 👍

Food OK menu expensive for what it is

Nice inn in the attractive market town of Whitchurch. Main courses were not typical pub grub and were on the pricey side at lunchtime. Some ingredients were unfamiliar to us so more description on the menu would have helped. We asked the waiter for further information but he didn't know much about the food on the menu. It may have been his first day and to be fair he was very pleasant and did go to the kitchen to find out for us. We also asked if the loud music could be turned down because one of our group has hearing loss. The staff quickly obliged and it was a pleasure to sit in the pleasant 'olde worlde' inn. The place was spotless, including the loos. It seemed popular. There were plenty on punters on a Monday lunchtime.

Good food, nice atmosphere (only issue was with some customers swearing frequently, but management cannot likely do much about that), and lovely friendly service. We'd come back!

Good food and friendly staff recommend a visit

We both had roast beef, most tender beef I've ever had. 2 huge slices. Lenty of everything.

Good piping hot food. Nice friendly waiter staff...