The Brown Bear in Sheffield

Awesome place. Open fires, NO JUKEBOX, lovely atmosphere and some great people. Don't bring your laptop or use your mobile phone in here as it's a 'Digital Detox'. Conversation with total strangers is not only allowed here, it is encouraged! It is a great place to get away from the hustle-bustle, relax, and enjoy some quality time. Highly recommended!

Fui por primera vez en el Oso Pardo hace 62 años y aparte de un moderno hasta que es justo lo mismo gracias a Dios, cuando estamos en Sheffield siempre hacemos un punto de llamar, estuvimos en el martes 7 de enero y una de las cosas que es bueno NO teléfonos móviles, No mal lenguaje, GRAN PUB mucho tiempo que continúe.

What an awful pub, looks lovely from the outside, but as soon as you walk in it makes you want to shoot yourself. Like walking into a funeral home. You are met straight away by moody staff who have clearly never had a girlfriend in their lives. Rudely pressured my autistic girlfriend straight away for her ID. (She is 26 and we were with a group of older people Mums & Uncles & friends) He was so abrupt & rude. This put her off the pub straight away. “ID or out” he shouted and studied my girlfriends ID for a good minute when all he needs to see is that the DOB starts with “19” , but when a group of lads came in he was polite with them. Maybe an Andrew Tate supporter or something. So unprofessional and disrespectful in tone. We didn’t have a problem with the no phone policy, we actually quite enjoyed the thought of it, but I think you should be really telling your staff to practice what they preach and encourage a nice & social atmosphere. Again I will reiterate I don’t disagree with the importance of asking for ID but at least be polite when doing so! Must of been the landlady who kept coming and checking on us. Felt like children in a school. Moody moody person. Won’t be going back. Ps. Get some decent beer in 😂😂😂😂

Entró por primera vez, incluso antes de que nos recibieran con un “hola”, el bar nos gritó una lista de reglas con una gran sonrisa en la cara, como si fuéramos niños en la escuela. Hemos estado en estos tipos de lugares “sin teléfonos” antes y nunca tuvimos un problema, siempre encontramos el ambiente agradable, etc., sin embargo, no había ambiente aquí a pesar de que el pub fue embestido! Era como si la gente tuviera miedo de hablar o hacer algo por miedo a que el grosero bar lo despidiera. La elección de las bebidas fue extraña, sin marcas en absoluto, todas sus propias cosas. No recomendaría a menos que quieras sentir que cada movimiento está siendo observado y juzgado!

I have read other reviews and apparently I'm not the only one to think that the atmosphere in this pub is a bit different. I managed to have a chat with the owners. But i was feeling a bit stressed when they told me not to use the phone inside the pub because I was not aware about the phone policy. I feel a bit skeptical because of that but I was not really offended as it is not a place where I would come back anyway. I'm pretty sure Sheffield has got other pubs where you can definitely fit in.

El pub es propiedad de un excéntrico de 80 años que es propietario de la cervecería en Tadcadter e impone todo tipo de reglas que ine esperaría de un escudero del pueblo del siglo 18, pero además obtiene muchos menos clientes a pesar de cobrar precios muy bajos la cerveza es realmente buena. Sin embargo, el Lanlord podría mejorar el déficit de encanto que muestra.

Never again. This place has gone down hill faster than a wheel of cheese on a bank holiday. Used to be a kind place, used to be a nice place, a pub that used to be something. I wonder whether the landlord responds to reviews on their mobile in the pub haha!

Samuel Smith's is the Best beer in uk

The landlord introduced himself to me as Ray Cyst. What a very unpleasant man. Won't be returning here after a hoax pub experience. Plenty more pubs with an ounce of class about, unlike this one.

After a Xmas concert at the City Hall we had a good finish in the Brown Bear. In spite of Sam Smiths imposition of the no phone rule, we couldn't take photos inside the pub. The Landlord was very friendly and apologetic and and took photos of us outside after so we had a drink, a laugh and a good chat to end our night.

Pasé después del teatro para tomar una copa mientras esperaba nuestro taxi. Apenas habíamos entrado en el bar cuando un hombre mayor muy desagradable me gritó en la cara '¡guarda tu teléfono!' Fue realmente impactante y pensé que debía estar borracho o algo así. Seguimos hacia el bar y uno de nuestros invitados pidió unas copas. Estábamos parados cerca del bar y estábamos vigilando nuestros teléfonos para recibir actualizaciones sobre nuestros taxis cuando un miembro del personal del bar gritó algo como ‘¡¡no pueden leer, no pueden usar sus teléfonos aquí!!’ mientras señalaba un cartel cerca del bar que decía algo sobre no permitir nada digital en el pub. Otro cliente explicó cortésmente que la política de los pubs era no permitir teléfonos, etc. Cuando entendimos esto estaba bien, pero ¿cómo se suponía que lo supiéramos al entrar en el pub por primera vez en nuestras vidas? El hombre mayor que me había gritado originalmente vino de nuevo y era tan grosero y horrible y comenzó a gritarnos que bebiéramos y saliéramos o llamaría a la policía! ¡Dijo que era el propietario! Las palabras no pueden expresar lo perturbadora que fue toda esta experiencia y me pondré en contacto con la oficina central de la cadena de pubs para hacerles saber sobre el terrible servicio al cliente que se está experimentando en uno de sus locales.

The bar lady treated her staff member very badly in front of us whilst ordering, so it set us off with a really sour atmosphere. There is a no phone rule, which I’m all for, but my friend wanted to order a taxi home at night, the bar lady came over to say the no phone rule meant she’d have to both order the taxi and wait for it outside, even though it was near freezing. There was no understanding of our situation, it was handled quite rudely. The wine was really bad- there was only one type. No GF beers which is pretty backwards. I thought this was going to be a nice cosy pub but it’s not a very welcoming place & I no longer want to spend time here after experiencing how the bar woman was. No one should be spoken to in that way, it made me wonder how staff were treated when customers weren’t there.

As a Yorkshireman living in Kent for the last 35 years, I was in Sheffield for a graduation ceremony. Me and the wife came across this pub as we were looking for a pre dinner drink. The coal fires were blazing and it was very cosy. As someone who runs a couple of business's and is always on the phone it was nice to sit there drinking a pint of Sam Smith's bitter and just chat with no background noise. In fact we enjoyed it so much we went back the next night. I realise this is not everyone's idea of a good pub experience but give it a go and turn your phone off and talk.

Cheapest beer in Sheffield and tastes good too

No atmosphere. Like a morgue. Wine choice red, white or rose. Expensive. No phone use. Never again.

Calidad calidad calidad gran cerveza gran precio fantástico sin jurar que no hay teléfonos hace un gran ambiente un montón de conversación. un pub amable bien administrado con personal amable y servicial. he sido mi local más de 20 años no puede superarlo.

Good place for a "cheap" beer, no frills and no TV.

Omg where do I begin the most traditional pub in Sheffield what a shame absolutely dirty and the signage is ridiculous and you can not use your phone never heard anything so ridiculous ever and if you are going to serve the public at least smile never again

The Brown Bear is a great little pub in the heart of Sheffield. I always feel very welcome in here and the staff are really friendly and will often chat. This pub is an excellent place to go when you want to sit and chat with friends for an evening. A good selection of Beers is available and at a fantastic price as well, certainly much better value than anywhere else in the area. I also love the fact in the winter that the fire is so welcoming and I also love the old Sheffield Theatre posters and photos that adorn the wall, well it is only around the corner from the theatres. If you are wanting a nice evening out with friends without being disturbed by loud music and people playing on their phones then the Brown Bear is the place for you as this kind of distraction isn't allowed in there. Overall I love the place and the landlord Ian and his partner Carrolyn have done a great job since taking over early in the year. It's a really great British pub.

Lovely oldly worldly pub. Beers are good. Good selection and cheap. Love the idea of the digital detox pub. No phones ipads laptops etc. An no swearing policy. So if you don't agree with any of these, just don't go in.. simples

The beer at this traditional pub in the centre of Sheffield was absolutely first class. My partner was so pleased he photographed the pint and a half we were drinking. He was then told by a member of staff that mobile phones weren’t allowed and pointed us at the signs on the walls and beer mats. I can understand that people working from laptops or tablets wouldn’t be desirable. But to include mobiles is a step too far. I think they have forgotten the meaning of hospitality. We finished our drinks and left.

Tried to leave a review but got told off for using my phone

Great pub if you like your foul language loud and clear. One woman shouted the c word on the next table, and 3 guys were stood at the bar effing this and effing that. Nothing done, despite there were three people serving behind the bar. And this was early Saturday afternoon! The toilets were a disgrace. they were in need of a good steam clean at least. thank God my visit was a one-off. This is not a hoax review. The guy constantly swearing was sat next to a table with dominoes table, talking to a guy with his back to the wall. The woman who swore loudly was on the big table further on from the bar to the left. The three guys you will be able to see at the bar, next to the door. I got in about 1.30. The man sat down was already there. The woman and the three guys came in after 2, and I left about 2.30.

Not a very hospitable place didn't bother me but be prepared you are not allowed to use a mobile phone, laptop or other electronic devises and a ban on swearing

It is just the best, strangers talk to you, no music no phones, no swearing, nothing digital allowed, if you can't cope without your phone or open your gob without swearing dunt go in.. simple

We called in our tour of the top 15 pubs of Sheffield as published by the Sheffield Star (over 5 nights I have to add). What a dismal experience. Only one other couple in and it smelt awful. We wanted to have a photo in every pub so having read the review I asked if I could take a photo. Was told no. It was a brewery policy of no phones. I love the idea of a mobile phone free zone but didn’t understand why no photos. Makes me wonder how they were included in the list. The Sheffield Tap and Rutland hotel were both excellent - and busy for a Tuesday night. I wonder why????

Talk about hypocritical with the rules Little man supervisor sits drinking with an ear piece in (which is still tech) on his mobile on his phone telling us no tech drinking on his bar stool and shouting orders about to the staff who obviously can't stand him then goes next door to play on his phone they tell us 😂 another Smiths doomed to failiure

Can't use mobile phones ! Still .....At all, inside pub ....apart from that it's OK....stout is a lovely drink ....just feel if I want to check on my phone whilst inside pub from time to time .I should feel able to without getting barred ...

Lovely little pub, good to see it open again.

Full of characters & comfortable old style interior. I bought a pint of bitter & half a larger for the princely sum of £4.50. No complaints. Clean toilets & tables. Use of mobile phones prohibited & we enjoyed a quiet drink without loud aimless conversations going on around us. An oasis in the city centre. Thank you to the hard working management.

We’ve gone in this pub over 25 years when visiting Sheffield, everyone is always so friendly. We only go in for 1 and end up staying 2 hours or more we go for a walk round then ended up going back before we head off for our train

Got told off for taking a photo by the bar man, apparently not allowed, it could get him sacked, it was a picture of the sign on the window sill, no people in it, nothing. He could have better spent his time putting toilet roll in the ladies and fixing the lock on the toilet door.

Made feel guilty for emergency in call .Place not be missed by me staff was arriant after aplggi9

I took some friends here on Wednesday of this week who were visiting from Manchester having told them it was a lovely traditional old pub. Oh my goodness how it has changed and most definitely not for the better. We were met by a very rude older lady whose appearance and personal hygiene left a lot to be desired, dirty uncombed hair and chewing gum with her mouth open whilst talking to us!! I asked for a rose wine, Pinot blush if she had one and a Zinfandel, she thrust the bottle towards me informing me “it’s a Sam Smiths pub” this is all we have! I then asked if she had a Chardonnay, I got the “Sam Smiths” speech again!! So in essence 4 of us went in and only 1 got a drink. As ladies all 65 plus We were made to feel very uncomfortable and most unwelcome. Having been a landlady I would have no hesitation in giving this woman her marching orders, that is if I had ever employed her in the first place. Sam Smiths brewery you should be ashamed that she is the face of what used to be a lovely pub!!

Full of Nigel Farage types who watch GB news and smell of mince.

We discovered this place while in Sheffield for a few days . We were unaware of the no phones rule until we went in, what a difference it makes! People talking to each other rather than a screen. Staff wre pleasant ,while making sure people complied.If you want to use your phone there's a pub next door. I've never been a great fan of Sam Smiths but this was probably the best pint of mild I've had certainly in a long time. Served slightly chilled it was a delight - as was the price £2.20 a pint. We will certainly return next time we are in Sheffield.

Well priced beverages, do like the rules for no swearing or phone use. Traditional pub where you can talk. Could do with a good IPA.

Decent beer, decor a bit subdued. No phones or swearing, fine by me

Husband asked for 1/2 pint of lager the landlady gave him a pint. Made him feel awkward didn’t offer to change to 1/2. So he asked for a 1/2 glass for me to drink from. My daughter was checking her phone for an important message and the landlord told her to get off her phone very abruptly which was uncalled for and embarrassing.

This pub suits our needs & pocket. Quaint, cosy, comfortable, & with a good atmosphere. No phones, no iPads, & no swearing allowed whilst in the drinking areas. For us that is a welcome relief from the boredom of modern life. We had actual conversations with the locals & were never subjected to hearing someone having prolonged exchanges on a mobile phone. Drinks at decent prices & very friendly staff. Handy for the theatres & city centre shopping. Very clean throughout.

This place is what I call a good old fashion pub.

Tried to phone for a taxi, it was raining outside, stasi bar staff came down on us like a ton of bricks ‘HAVE YOU NOT SEEN THE SIGNS’, like something out of 1984, totally disgusted, shame as it’s quite a nice traditional pub, unfortunately run by idiots!

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Nice friendly pub,good ale nice staff . Just remember to keep your phone in your pocket...🍻

What can we say about the brown bear just awesome this pub in town the beer un here is the best nothing else can touch this place and the traditional fireplaces is lovely only thing I can say otherwise is its a little smaller than alot of pubs but still love it in here always go in here when down town 👌👌

Great group of people inside, proper pub, Didn't have food.

Called in after a show in Sheffield. Big mistake. The outside looks like a cosy old character pub inside is old, cold, unwelcoming and very weird. Staff are not very bright and there are signs everywhere banning mobile phones, laptops, tablets or swearing. I get that too many people are on their phones but they actually shouted at a customer for looking at his phone. No music, no atmosphere no fun. To top it all the toilets stink of urine. Worst pub ever!

This is a perfect place to hide from the world as no electric devices allowed

Poor atmosphere, poor choice of beers - one bitter (gas pump), one lager, one stout. Dingy decor. Signs everywhere (from where we sat I could see nine) instructing you not to use mobile phones. Some youngsters were taking the Mickey of this, having their photo taken next to signs, unnoticed by the land lady. She did however go over to tell off an old chap for momentarily looking at his phone (who protested he was checking his diary, she was frankly unpleasant in manner, he drank up and left). Not been here for years because of its miserable atmosphere and landlord, seems even worse now so won't be back. We drank up and left as well. Head of Steam nearby has a great beer selection.

They're a bit too strict about their digital detox policy but you can't complain when the beer is £3. Very local and traditional vibe, unique spot serving Samuel Smith beers.

A nice little pub with very cheap prices for Sam Smith's beer xx

Cheap drinks, good atmosphere, good location close to theatre and crucible, no phones allowed meaning good conversation and beer!

Cherry beer is awesome. As a millennial I’ve never been to a pub without having my phone glued to my hand, but it was actually good to play cards whilst having a chat. I’ll be visiting again soon!

Visited here after a stunning trip to the theatre….. shouldn’t have bothered. Clue was that it wasn’t busy on a Saturday night in the middle of a city centre. Big signs saying no phones or laptops and a no swearing policy . Witnessed a customer being asked to put his phone away as trying to order a taxi which caused an awkward atmosphere . Also no music allowed….. should put a sign up saying no fun allowed,

Got a telling off for having my phone out by the miserable land lady. But it was OK for one of the regulars (an intoxicated woman) to be effing and blinding at the top of her voice and even flashing people! Rules are rules fair enough but clearly they don't apply to the regulars...

Good, inexpensive beer, wonderful, unique atmosphere, highly recommend!!

The one aspect of the bar is no electronic devices, you can talk , very nice bar and very friendly

Orhanic lager nice pint old fashioned pub

Great little pub for a night out, no music or other distractions so you can just sit and chat.

No phones allowed. Pathetic if you’re on your own having a quick pint. Nothing to look at except the miserable landlady. Won’t return. I was allowed to pay using my phone though…

Nice pub...nice to sit in a pub where phones etc are not allowed as well as swearing ..encourages people to talk

It's a really lovely traditional Sheffield pub. Recommended if you like chat not IT devices

Excellent staff and superb interior. Very good beer!

Mobile free area - it's a nice idea. Did see someone get shouted out for having their phone out because they didn't know about it's. Seemed a bit unsure when I please put your phone away would have done. It's seems a bit of a locals pub. It's not a nice inside.

I love it in here. Very traditional. No phones. Good prices. Tried to take a photo, but dropped my wine glass in the process! Well worth a visit.

No mobiles allowed. Brilliant for all except millennials

Never changes,thank god a real pub.

Was too scrared to get my phone out to pay as I assumed that this was not allowed and ended up paying for 3 pints instead of two as I am no longer used to using cash.

Lovely old school public house.. where you enjoy the company of others rather then people sat on devices ignoring each other.. friendly staff and lovely clean refreshing pint definitely will be going again1

Our husbands favourite because of how cheap the drinks were 😂😂 But it was lovely and cosy with excellent staff.

A lovely friendly place I can go in on my own and feel safe, as someone else has put, a mixture of ages and professions lovely staff, no mobile phones laptops just conversations no one is left alone

This old original pub is a gem , regarding no digital items if you wish to use them do it elsewhere, conversation and friendship is formost ,if you are not happy with this use another establishment to use your mobile /laptop IE weatherspoons , if you don't like it don't come in ,

Went in for a sit down with my friend, been in there 2 minutes and the woman on the bar shouted at us stating that they had a no phones policy. Got up to leave because we’re in the 21st century and as we was leaving she made a comment about a drink I had in my hand, which was unnecessary as we was already leaving. Everyone in there didn’t look a day younger than 70 and I’ve never felt as uncomfortable or embarrassed in my life. Nothing on their social media’s to say that it’s a no phones pub, which is frankly weird.

Nice decor, however, unless you’ve just arrived from the 17th century forget it… No modern day devices are allowed, so if you get a laptop, iPad or phone out to check your emails or similar than forget it as you will be spoke too like a five year old with learning difficulties then bared! I got bared for playing Chess on my phone and there were just three other people in which goes to show how popular it is! The place is draconian beyond belief, unless your a Mormon…

Traditional pub, centrally located. Clean and nice decor. Very good service. Customers encouraged not to sit on their phones, which was refreshing.

Very good place to have a drink

A proper pub. Clean and brilliant value. Lovely atmosphere with an ever-changing flow of customers. Packed at times.

Cracking hidden gem of an inner city pub with great Sam Smith ales and real fires.

This pub has gone to pot since the old landlady,and landlord departed,a few months ago,,it was a lovely place to go in for a nice pint and a cozy chat,,but since they left,,it's like the bankers draft,,undesirable,s selling their wares,,there's a tall man standing at the bar in the lounge,,when you go in,,he actually glares st you,,and it's not a nice feeling,,, wish these two would leave,,,humphrey has made a big mistake employing these two,,,as from today,,we won't go back in,while very they are there,,,

Was told to put my phone away as it’s a no phone pub, that is unless you’re a regular. The guy across had its phone out telling his mate look at this and that and they didn’t say a word. Fair enough for rules but make them for everyone.

Real old fashioned pub, could have stayed all day, open fires, and good beers, nice patrond

Thank you, good to know mobile phones and their intrusion don't always need to interrupt an evening's conversation.

Had my last pint as single lad 52 years ago (30th Jan 1971) at 14:55. Then got married across the road at 15:00.

A good pub gone bad. No Mobil phones to be used Unless your name is Ben. The landlords pet. Says he a season ticket holder for sheffeild united and atends all matches ha ha we see him on his laptop in the witherspoons up the road. He checks scores then goes in the Brown Bear in his United top And Say's he been to the match. A liers bar. Most on pip payments saying there are millionaires A liers bar. Very nosey land ladey. Hearing like a bat. Signs up saying we like talk and chat. Keep off phones but if you don't fall into the looney left brigade your not welcome very clicky One man looks like captain pugwash A story tellers bar. Liers bar terrible.

Always a warm welcome. Nice cozy pub and decent drinks. no phones allowed .....

Brilliant pub only thing is you can't check you bets on your phone 🤭

An excellent traditional pub. Good beer and a nice place to enjoy a beer with good friends!

Nice stout peacefully no food or screaming kids Nice change from spoons

Traditional pub. Good prices. Good Beer. Relaxed atmosphere. Not many of these left.

Am I allowed a book? All here for more social interaction however I was alone and was litterally looking at a map to see where I was climbing the next day. That so happened to be on a phone and the over passive aggressive land lady (i assume) told me no phones. This pub is very limited as its not welcoming and I would certainly not recommend to people exploring the local area by themselves.

This is a real pub, with a good atmosphere! And now they take cards!!!

Had a hand pulled beer not very good landlord very illed mannered I used to work for humphrey Smith and he wouldn't have liked his attitude felt as he didn't want custom

Proper pub, proper beer, proper prices. No phones, no swearing, no nonsense. Perfect.

Great little pub and friendly staff also now take card

Lovely little pub, doesn't seem to have changed much in the 30 or so years since I first came here. Conversation encouraged and mobile phones discouraged. All Sam Smith's on draught, so forget your fosters and Carling etc nonsense.

Nice little cosy traditional pub.

Great range of beers , at sensible prices , quality pub 👍👍

A good pint at a good price still. Packed out early Saturday evening.

Lovely old fashioned pub in the centre of the city, where it's been for a couple of centuries.

Traditional pub, in city centre. Has usual S.Smith policies. Nice pint of stout though.