The Black Bear Public House in Shropshire

Met friends here. A really warm welcome from the start. Beer excellent. Food was good pub food - not exceptional but more than adequate. Staff were excellent - attentive but not intrusive.

We’ve always loved the Black bear with the previous and latterly with the new owners. Sadly, the last 3 times we have visited have been disappointing. The food is very average now but they charge high prices. The service isn’t as good either, they seem to have some very young staff who are inexperienced and maybe need further training. It’s such a shame as the pub should be thriving as it’s beautiful inside and out. My advice would be not to rest on your laurels.

Very pleasant lunch. Quiet, music playing but a low volume. Attentive staff and very well presented vegan meal. Had two types of ale, both excellent especially the Station Bitter.

Had food here with a colleague, food was very good but loses a star as was quite pricey, service very good and really nice vibe, bit cheaper and would have 5 stars

Fabulous Fish and Chips. just called in by the off chance to have something. Chips and fish cooked to perfection. Well done guys. Will be back now we found you !!!

The pub was not busy but the service was quite lacking. One waitress slammed the cutlery on the table but the younger waitress was pleasant and smiley. My wife had the fish and chips which was OK, I had the pave steak which was tasteless and a little overcooked and on the dry side. The menu said that the steak came with a salad with or without anchovies: I was not givn the option and it came without. At no time during or after the meal were we asked how the meal was. We are unlikely to return

We came here for a family gathering on the night before our son’s wedding, we asked for a buffet so that everyone who had travelled from far could have a bite to eat….suffice to say the evening was a great success! The staff were wonderful, attentive, friendly. The buffet food was excellent and so fresh. The venue is old quaint and cosy what more do you need.

What a charming pub! A group of us booked when our first choice was overbooked and we were delighted with the change in venue. We were given a room to ourselves around a lovely solid oak table, which suited us perfectly. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The staff were friendly and attentive. When we left we were each given some homemade shortbread. What a lovely touch. Honestly, I cannot fault this delightful pub. We'll be coming back regularly.

Lovely food with a welcoming atmosphere. Staff were attentive and polite, and prices were reasonable. We had the Caesar salad, which was amazing with lovely grilled chicken, the steak pie, and the roast beef. We also had 3 x puddings that we didn't really need, but hey, we're on holiday after all! All food was tasty, and accompaniments were spot on too. Thanks for a lovely meal.

While we were on holiday on a narrowboat, we stopped at Whitchurch. We walked around for a while looking for somewhere to eat. In the end we asked a local where to eat and he recommended the Black Bear. We went to the Black Bear and we were not disappointed. The food was excellent, and the staff were superb. Prices were very reasonable and we would recommend this to anyone visiting the area. If you are travelling with pets, it is a dog friendly pub.

Fantastic pub, staff & food. Visited for Saturday lunch, 4 adults & 1 doggy. Welcoming and attentive staff, offering full table service. We ordered sandwiches, which are defo the best sandwiches we have had. All the food that we saw looked amazing. The fish finger sandwich is amazing! Not a fish finger in sight by normal standards, just huge chunks of beautiful battered fish. Very dog friendly place too. Blankets available for dog to sit on. Highly recommended 😊

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.

Visited this little little gem today, received a geniune warm welcome from Poppy . Great selection of drinks available and the team was very knowledgeable about the products they serve. Both Em & Poppy made my visit here really pleasant by the level of service I received. Thank you Elmar

Facing St. Alkmund`s Church across the street this historic building is a major feature of the High Street. Despite living just 5 miles distant for the best part of 4 years it was to be my first visit to the Black Bear. Arriving at exactly 12.45 p.m. my wife and myself were warmly welcomed and shown to our reserved window table on the 1st floor. Once settled and our drinks order taken we moved on to the menu. After a short deliberation we made our choices of soup (squash and red peppers) and whitebait, with beer battered haddock and triple cooked chips to follow. The dishes quickly arrived, were nicely presented, beautifully cooked, the fish being moist and flavoursome, enhanced by a delicious homemade tartare sauce. An enjoyable Sunday lunch, due in part to the very good service provided by the young attentive waitress. Perhaps the addition of a "Daily Special" or a little more variation to the menu would prove beneficial.

Fantastic fish finger sandwich made by people who obviously like good food: hot, crisp goujons with chunky tartare sauce and lovely chips. Friendly service and a really nicely turned out pub that was clean and welcoming. A credit to the High St.

Just an observation, I visited with my son for lunch. I ordered a large glass of house white and was shocked by the price on the bill, over £12, the menu states £9 which is ridiculous!! £12 however is not acceptable, I am absolutely shocked y this price

We are here on a cold Monday evening in January. The pub was quiet, but very warm with a nice fire. The food was very good and the service friendly. Highly recommended!

Lovely food as always- good selection of food. Such a pretty pub inside and out. Beautiful garden to enjoy for a sunny day. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend

We went on Christmas Eve. As always food was perfect! We have been a couple of times and the food has always been spot on. Unfortunately service is a little slow and always is every time we go. This does put us off going, I really do think if the service was quicker and more personal we would be here a lot more.

I can't comprehend two very recent reviews. I have eaten here many times with my husband over recent years and have ALWAYS had super food combined with lovely service. Add in the lovely atmosphere, old building and lit candles on the tables at all times. Nothing not to like.

A few years ago this venue used to be so good, serving delicious food. However, our experience tonight was beyond disappointing. The menu is bad and only 2 possible veggie options - risotto and a dish mentioned below. There were 6 of us and 3 opted for 2 starters instead of a main as nothing on the menu appealed. I had what was effectively a mushroom sauce with a pastry lid served with a big bowl of sprouts! Really!! My husband usually picks fish and chips and even a small plate would have a fish the diameter of the plate. This time he said it was more like battered tadpole than battered cod. Really poor. 3 of us had a desert which were more expensive than other places. Only 2 of us had 2 drinks, the rest only 1, all non alcoholic . The bill was nearly £170 - just a terrible experience which was to mark my son’s birthday. Will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Food and staff excellent but 2 drinkers, appeared to be local, made the experience awful. Swearing and disrespectful to staff and other customers. We've always enjoyed the atmosphere in the Black Bear but on this occasion it was unpleasant. Will rethink when eating out in Whitchurch again

Lovely meal had last night on the first day of their Christmas menu. Food 10/10 and great cosy atmosphere, staff were attentive and for sure won’t be our last visit.

Great atmosphere for the Christmas light switch on had a lovely meal with friends our waitress Jeanie was rushed off her feet but did an amazing job .

Stopped here on my way home from “The North”. As a solo traveller I felt right at home, the chap behind the bar was lovely and welcoming. I managed to get a table on a Sunday around 6pm and ordered a Sunday roast. As a roast fanatic, I can say this one was up there in my top 5 of all time! So tasty, cooked to perfection! I already can’t wait to come back.

New in town popped in for a drink Sat evening. Cosy bar and lounge with wood tables, log fire comfy. Informal food looked good and busy. Lovely pub.

Come here quite often but had to write a review for an excellent lunch. Had a selection of small plates which were all really tasty. Served with a blackberry ketchup that is to die for. Great service and great beer as well

Visited the area on a weekend break with friends and stumbled across The Black Bear on Saturday early evening. The candles added a lovely warm, welcoming atmosphere and the food looked lovely so we decided to book for Sunday lunch. It was absolutely gorgeous! Our party of 4 had 3 of the food choices on offer and we all loved our meals. I would actually say that the beef Sunday lunch was the best I have ever had and I ate everything on the plate. (Felt very full afterwards though 🙂 ) The bar and waiting staff were polite and friendly too - I would not hesitate to return and in fact I'm looking for a reason to visit locally again so I can do just that. Thank you x

Monday birthday lunch with my wife’s aunt first rate service and fantastic made to order lunch I’d recommend booking in advance the website show different things they do including a curry club !

We were greeted with a warm welcome from the bar and waiting on staff as soon as we entered this lovely pub. Staff were attentive throughout our stay offering a good selection of wines and beers. Our food was fabulous and would highly recommend the Flat iron steak and Sea bass with mussel chowder, chocolate orange fondant and blackberry and gin trifle. We will definitely be returning.

Popped in for Sunday lunch last weekend, and after a warm welcome we ordered a beer (which was fantastic) and a roast beef lunch. The pub is really well furnished and the decor has been put together with a great deal of thought, creating the right blend of contemporary with a classic British pub feel. The food arrived in good time, with every element of the meal cooked perfectly, the beef was absolutely delicious, the roast potatoes crispy and fluffy, and the veggies very tasty, all presented beautifully on the plate. A member of staff checked in on us just after the food arrived and supplied us with our desired condiments, and also replenished our beers. About half way through eating, another very friendly member of staff asked if we would like more gravy, which just shows the level of detail the black bear offers it’s customers. All in all a faultless Sunday lunch, in every aspect.

Characterful pub with friendly staff.Interesting menu, very good food though lunchtime service a bit leisurely. Seems popular which usually says a lot. Car park about 200 yards away.

Our food was wonderful. The menu had many different and unique selections. Very far from the usual British food options.

Great pub, meal was excellent. Sean is awesome, chefs are brilliant. Had the Sirloin Steak, cooked to perfection.

What a beautiful pub! A lot of thought and care given to the interior decor and bar, and spotlessly clean. A taster of wine given to make sure I liked it before buying a glass. Delicious food with similar attention to detail. Really fresh fish, light crisp batter, homemade tartar sauce and interesting vinegar to accompany it. We were unable to get a table in the restaurant we had planned, so chose this pub instead at the last minute. Delighted we did and will definitely return. Thank you!

We dropped in here having been refused elsewhere when looking for Saturday lunch. So glad we did. The staff were helpful attentive but not overbearing and knowledgeable, we were allowed to try the draught wine before we bought and there were beer samples on bar to help make decisions. The bar looked fully stocked with a wide variety of brands. The decor was appropriate for the pub style and everything was clean and tables not chemically sticky like in some establishments. Even the bathrooms were very clean and good decor. As to the food interestingly different compared to normal pubs. Well presented light and flavoursome. In fact just all round great afternoon

Absolutely brilliant evening - top food - attentive staff team - couldn’t have been better. Thank you!

My husband, grandson and I where travelling back from Ruthin and needed lunch. We decided on the lack Bear as it wasn’t too much of a detour. We were so glad we did. What a lovely place. Very clean and superior in every way even down to the plush napkins. My grandson and I ordered the small fish and chips with a side order of onion rings and we weren’t disappointed. The fish was the best batter I have ever had with a slaw to die for. It was beautiful. I’d like to thank all the staff and especially Mark in the kitchen for having such high standards.

We visited for a family meal and had exclusive use of an upstairs room, it was perfect. The service was spot on and the food was delicious. Thank you

We were looking for Sunday lunch, and spotted the menu outside which was dated for the day we were there, and offered just what we wanted. As we were quite early we got a table, it certainly filled up later with reservations. Ordered at the...

Lovely historic venue for lunch and a catch up with a friend. Food, service, atmosphere, etc., very good. Was a little pricey compared to where I live but probably on par for the area.

Called on the off-chance on a Monday whilst shopping. Fairly busy with people eating but was found a table promptly. Both chose the chicken served with side salad and opted for new potatoes instead of fries. An Americano coffee and half a Diet Coke. All...

The staff were very friendly and attentive. The Sunday roast was excellent with a choice of large or small portions. The food was well cooked and service was good. Historic pub with great atmosphere.

Having travelled down from Ellesmere to Whitchurch on our narrowboat, we enjoyed two absolutely perfect meals here on 6th and 8th July. The food and wine were absolutely delicious and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The Black Bear is a timber-framed building, full...

Friday night dinner, was recommended by a full restaurant. Very welcoming and friendly great food and service was impeccable. Fabulous selection of ale.

This place is a little treasure. beer garden is do beautiful a lovely place to dot. pet friendly. friendly staff opened side gate for disabled relative. food was lovely would highly recommend this place to anyone especially if on a barge cruise.

This pub is so stinking cute! Loved the ambiance (cozy inside and beautiful outside garden), the staff and other patrons were so friendly and the food was amazing! Husband had a gorgeous plate of fish and chips and I had the torched goat cheese, beet...

Nice Pub / Restaurant. Great atmosphere and food Only complaint was the service was very slow. We may have just been unlucky but as it wasn't very busy they must have been short staffed.

The beer garden is fantastic, first visit and will definitely return as we have to say service all round was fantastic but Ben was outstanding in looking after us and keeping us entertained! The drinks kept coming, the food was DELICIOUS, as we had whitebait,...

We visited this pub twice recently - on our way to and back from Llangollen on the canal. It was a mile and a half to walk in from the canal but boy was it worth it! There was a great choice of vegan food...

There were tables available, no need to reserve. The menu was disappointing with an unusual option of a shared ploughman’s salad but no single option and no curry. A honey mustard baked ham with fried egg, chips and cucumber relish was ordered and I was...

Nearly finished the canal trip to Wales and back , had some great food and drink and one very badly run, but we’ve definitely saved the best til last!!! Great, attentive staff Great drinks range Great Locals and ….. Amazing food !!!!! Please can you...

We were up in Whitchurch for a family funeral the next day. We had arranged to meet a cousin and her husband making a group of six. I had booked a table online on the Friday. As I had heard no confirmation by Saturday I...

Endroit agréable et accueil aimable. J'ai surtout apprécié les tableaux aux murs! 'The Ladies' n'est pas mal n'en plus. Le...

Visited this place few times I always like it but this time I left very disappointed. First of all my wine arrived in dirty glasses. You can tell glass was washed but not polished. It was looks bad, second of all chicken Kiev was dry...

We had been here for Sunday lunch previously and it was great. This week the roast beef dinner was not good. The Yorkshire pudding was burnt and dry and it was like eating cardboard - I had to leave it. When I complained they said...

Gorgeous pub in the centre of whitchurch. Gorgeous food, the sausage and mash was amazing. However the beer bread was absolutely sensational!!! Staff were really friendly.

What a fabulous way to start British Summertime; a five mile guided walk along the Belton Way followed by the best Sunday Lunch we’ve had in a long time, fabulous roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and a fantastic selection of Spring vegetables. The walk organised by...

Just wonderful, caring, helpful staff. Good High Street stop-off if shopping in Whitchurch. Near the main supermarkets.

mothers day lunch - fab food and very attentive service from lovely waiters even though the place was packed

We used their upstairs room for a business meeting and can't rate this place highly enough - the food was amazing and the staff were great, nothing was too much trouble - thank you Beth, Shaun, Harrison & Sarah for looking after us so well!

Excellent meal, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. We had the Hake and the TBone Pork Chop which were both simply delicious and served by friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend a visit.

Just popped in for a drink mid afternoon on a Wednesday, staff friendly and helpful. Drinks just what we needed. Lots of tables booked for later. Lovely place, would return. Not local to area.

We had a lovely lunch here. Great atmosphere and the service was friendly and professional. We didn't expect table service and so this was a wonderful surprise. The food was tasty and good quality. The menu was exciting and you get the impression that this...

What a brilliant pub! I visited with a friend on Saturday and thought it was just about perfect. A really warm welcome, great beer selection, lovely atmosphere and interior. The staff even came over to ask if we would like another pint when we had...

We had booked a table, we were then seated, and had to wait 20 minutes before someone even took a drinks order, and that was only after I flagged someone down!! They took a further 15 minutes to arrive, eventually after flagging someone down again...

I wasn’t happy when myself & my family arrived at the pub as a lady who worked there and showed us to our table mentioned that if the pub was busy they would not allowed us to Bring a pram into the pub! Where else...

Went for lunch between Christmas and new year. Positives: It was really busy and had a nice jolly atmosphere. Cosy decor and quirky old style traditional pub. The food was fine. I had a Brie and cranberry sandwich (hardly any cranberry but the brie was...

Excellent food, service, and selection of ales. 1600's building. It was fantastic - highly recommend.

Superb homely traditional well run pub! I only review places when they are extremely excellent and I reviewed this place in May 2021 and finished with the words I’ll be back. We returned as promised and i immediately enquired if the same chef was there....

Food was average - everything was very salty apart from goats cheese tart which was nice. We came with our baby - no Highchair which was hard work feeding him on our knees! Wouldn’t bother to return. Clearly trying to put families off with no...

To follow from my last review which was quite negative, we decided to go back to the Bear last week. They have their mojo back! We have been twice now in the last week and the food is delicious, the staff welcoming and the place...

What a lovely place! How a traditional country pub should be. Open fires, candles, low wooden beams, great wine and fabulous food. Had a large glass of claret, goats cheese Pom poms, duck breast, ice cream and a cafetière of coffee. Lush!!! And the service...

We decided to visit this new pub coming up in the Whitchurch area even if we are not local as a lots of people talk to me very well , as soon we arrived was a very welcome from the manageress showed us which table...

Excellent service. Excellent food. Excellent venue. I parked in a car park 5 minutes walk from the pub which was very convenient. First visit and would highly recommend. Brilliant garden to the rear .

Excellent - vegetarian options and food delicious Staff lovely and very attentive and very very hard working Amazing pub, beautiful food and recommend Amatore wine!

Fantastic food, cooked to perfection, lovely friendly staff, spotlessly clean, Beautiful courtyard, We be going again. Thank you for making us so welcome. xx

My husband and I, along with our friends and dog, visited for lunch whilst having a day out in Whitchurch. It was my Birthday so we popped into the pub after being recommended by a lady working in Walker's tea shop. Loved the old beams...

Absolutely stunning pub & restaurant. We called in for a Sunday roast today and were lucky to get a table having not pre booked. We opted for the roast beef which was mouth-wateringly good! The apple and cinnamon crumble with custard finished it off nicely....

We have been going to the Black Bear three or four times a month for many years and, up to a few months ago, we have never had a bad meal. Unfortunately, the last few months have seen many staff changes and we have had...

We visited on a Sunday and the roast beef dinner was excellent , sticky toffee pudding to finish 5* and a beautiful patio garden had been created during lockdown for alfresco dining, great service too 👏👏👏

Excellent meal - Excellent service - Beautiful beer garden. We were a party of 7. We had a selection of starters, steaks cooked just as requested, one medium and one well done, chicken wrapped in Parma ham, fish and chips and pork loin. Thank you...

Greetings and service were excellent - we had reserved a table, which was nicely situated. The inner of the pub were nicely decorated, whilst maintaining its heritage. The menu was extensive and good - the food first class and beautifully cooked - what was a...

We were staying in Whitchurch for 2 days, as we had eaten here last time we were in Whitchurch we came again for Lunch 1 day and Dinner the following day. The reception we got on both days was very friendly. I had the large...

Lovely Friday night dinner. All meals were stunning. Service as dlways was top class. Recommend the home made pies....really do taste like they have been made at home

We were just travelling through and stopped off for some lunch and I’m so glad we did, The food was excellent I had an amazing rump steak, but not only was that cooked to perfection but every item on the plate was spot on (...

After a week on a canal boat,and great meals all week this was our last night out. The beers were all over £5 each,and the meals were expensive for what we got. My 2 friends had the cottage pies which were ok,and i had haddock...

Came here on a recommendation for lunch , & not disappointed. Beautiful old, black& white property,full of old beams & decorated with hops. No tacky ornaments..& tastefully decorated Excellent staff service. Super ‘switched on ‘ lady served our drinks & took food order very quickly....

Really lovely in every way. We traipsed up anc down trying to decide and so happy we chose here. Steak burger and chunky chips.... stunning Superfood salad with chicken.... amazing!! Drinks lively and reasonably priced Staff lovely Toilets v clean Ps other food we saw...

I dined with a friend on a quiet week night but the restaurant was fairly busy and the atmosphere was good, Staff were polite and helpful and we chose main courses from the menu. I opted for the smoked haddock and chilli fish cake but...

Eaten here several times but this time we were not impressed !! Starters totally overpriced for what was served !! Ordered gluten free salad nicoise without anchovies. Meal came with croutons made with normal bread ( Not gluten free !! ) Also meal still tasted...

Three of us ordered the mixed roast dinner. Quality of the food was excellent, everything on the plate was tasty. Service was great too. Very impressed.

Excellent lunch in beautiful, well kept courtyard garden. Friendly, efficient and attentive service. Good menu choices.

Fabulous Lunch - lots of choice , great service. The food was exceptionally good and the atmosphere in the pub was pleasant . The garden is stunning now that it is established. Richard the manager made us feel very welcome. Will be back very soon...

Had a lovely night in the Black Bear. Really nice meal and the service was excellent. Gemma looked after us and she was so friendly and professional. We would not hesitate to return. A really warm, welcoming and cosy pub with a great atmosphere. Thanks...

Visited the Black Bear for dinner. Booking was made online and was very easy. The pub was busy when we arrived, but we were greeted straight away and shown to our table, which was all ready for us. The daily menu is available on the...

Popped into Whitchurch for the first time ever today as staying for a 2 day break nearby. From the moment we stepped in, the manager made us feel like royalty. Customer service at its finest throughout. The Sunday roast was the best we have had...

visited today for first time since new owners took over .our meals were excellent ..my duck was very tasty and my husbands hake was also ..service was excellent ..all round very enjoyable

Just passing through and stopped in for some dinner. Really friendly welcome from the bar when we came in, lovely fresh pont of station ale, and good wholesome food. Beautiful old building too, really tastefully decorated and in keeping with its history.

Visited on a Thursday evening and we hadn't booked but we were greeted warmly at the bar by a gentleman who served up 2 pints of lovely Station bitter. Nina served us and she was so friendly and helpful. We had a lovely meal and...