The Hungry Bear in Isle of Wight

We have been here many times over the years and looked forward to our visit again this year. What a disappointment. We had a cream tea which consisted of a pot of tea, 2 scones, butter, cream and jam. The jam and cream pots were half the size they used to be and the butter was barely there, adequate enough for one scone but certainly not two. The jug of milk supplied did not have enough milk for one cup of tea and we had to ask for extra. I do not drink tea and asked for my tea to be substituted with coffee, big mistake, it was undrinkable. Went we went to pay we were told 'cash only' and I was lucky to find some cash in the bottom of my bag. This should be made clear when you enter and before you order as a lot of people do not carry cash. Our experience was so different to every other visit we wondered if there were 'new owners' but overheard the owner telling other visitors that she had been there 17 years. Sadly will not be returning.

I can't comment on the Rooms because we didn't stay overnight, we just met other business partners for a Christmas Lunch.....This is where it failed to deliver! Christmas lunch on the 'Specials Board' was either a Baguette with pigs in blankets and a salad or Turkey and Cranbury sauce which should have been called Cranbury Sauce with a few bits of Turkey. I didn't fancy paying £14 for this so had a cheeseburger & chips. My wife went for the Cranbury Baguette specifically asked for No Crabury (it was full of Cranbury). My cheeseburger was dry (well overheated in the microwave no doubt) and my cheese arrived 10 minutes after I'd started (a slab melted onto a plate). I also asked that the Brioch bun was seadless as i cant eat anything with seeds, it was covered in seeds. A colleagues burger was equally as bad though hers was served with the cheese at the same time so a small bonus. Everyone waited ages for the food and everyone was equally unimpressed with the menu choices and the quality of the food. Because we waited so long for the food I couldn't be bothered to ask for a seed free bun and my wife didn't want to ask for a Cranbury free Turkey Baguette and we just wanted to eat and get out of there. This was pre booked but not by us and it wouldn't be a choice venue, certainly won't be in the future. I don't like being negative but this is an honest review. We were looking forward to a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, sadly this was the wrong place to go for a dinner.

Yum yum yum. Super tasty food, cooked to perfection, very good price and lovely staff. What more could you want. A+++++++ for AJ's

Good size meals, especially breakfasts. Good cuppa, no frills just true value, friendly staff. I would visit again and recommend this café.

Having eaten here 2 nights. The food standard was excellent both nights. The ambience in the restaurant would be better with more clients. The service on both evenings was attentive without being intrusive.. The trout small plate was delightful in taste and presentation. The lamb and duck dishes were cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Both dishes were well balanced and filling. The cod dish was very filling and an unusual presentation of cod and crab. The meal was complete with great champagne and wine without a need for a pudding! Compliments to the kitchen brigade and waiting staff