The Public Bar at the White Bear in Harrogate

Arrived at 1930 and asked for a table in the bar for food for 4 people. Girl behind the bar said she needed to check with the chef and the answer came back as no. That was it

Very disappointing family dinner. Ate in August 2024, large group of us, many different staff serving us and then us repeating requests. Three members of family had fish and the next day all had funny stomachs. Two other members food was dry. Then surprised when we got the bill as to how expensive it was. Better restaurants in Masham centre and further a field such as Galphay and Ripon.

Came a few years ago and was disappointed with service and food was only average. Friends have moved into the area and suggested giving it another try. Unfortunately no improvements. Staff couldn’t differentiate between the pork and sirloin, both overdone. Mashed potato more like wallpaper paste. The vegetarian dish of “Wensleydale Tart” was totally inedible, a lump of pre-cooked puff pastry topped with thick, cold potato slices and a sprinkling of cheese. To be fair, it was omitted from the bill. We won’t be back.

Called in for lunch beautiful well presented pub with lovely hanging baskets and outdoor seating Service friendly - our food was delicious mini fish and chips and an amazing chicken Caesar salad with warm chicken anchovies Parmesan and bacon . Beer and cider on fraught great too A real find just into Masham Definitely be back ! Well done team white bear

Food was expensive for what you get mostly frozen food tasteless. Not seasoned with what they say on menu . Some Bar staff were friendly but not sue the publican woman who runs it . Takes the money off tourists but very unsociable unless you are local n they don’t eat there maybe buy a half all day !

What a fantastic evening we had, the staff couldn’t do enough for us and the food was excellent. What a great evening we had and when back we would certainly visit again.

We initially booked here to realise that we had booked into the restaurant but as we have a dog that was not going to be suitable (as we would need to eat outside or in the public bar). So I cancelled my restaurant on line booking. I then attended at the place the day before I wanted to eat to have a drink but also ask in person If we could book a table for 2 in the bar the following evening. I was told I couldn’t do this but should just show up sometime after 6pm, but not leave it too late. I did exactly this to be told that as the restaurant side was full they were not doing any bar meals or outside dining that night !!! I couldn’t quite believe this (I’ve now seen other reviews that say this too!!!) Surely they should be able to take a handful of bar meal bookings and then the rest of booking for the restaurant ? Very poor indeed. Staff didn’t seem that concerned at my plight and just shrugged their shoulders. Went to the Bay Horse round the corner and found staff very accommodating there.

The dog took us in for lunch! Excellent food, friendly staff, real fire...I had the fish pie and my boyfriend had fish and chips, desserts and coffee and Flynn had dog treats.

We journeyed to Masham to sample the best beer in the world - Theakston’s Old Peculier - at its source. As the WB is the brewer’s own pub and just yards from the brewery, we were not disappointed. The ales are perfectly kept and deliciously fresh and flavoursome. Meanwhile, the WB surroundings and furnishings etc are vintage though not dowdy (the restaurant part of the pub is more contemporary and light) and there’s a good fire going when it’s cold. Add to all this good service, a few decent bar food staples, a friendly crowd of local regulars, and a characterful pub dog (Theo) and you just might have the ideal English pub.

Had drinks one day and for the next day. Nice cosy place. Food was nice but a bit pricey but was good quality and tasty. I had the burger but looked small in the bun, would have been better flattened out to fill the bun but was tasty. Beer good as you would expect.

Rung this place to try and book a table but they don't answer the phone on a evening so we decided to just turn up, only to find out they were not taking any further orders for food. We did mention that we had tried to ring but the staff said they don't answer the phone after 5pm! You are a hotel for god's sake! Next time, we don't bother ringing we will just go somewhere else instead.

The Theakston's Bitter at 3.8% volume is extremely good and so it should be with the brewery in the town. The Theakston beef and ale pie with chips and peas is also very good with a service tip included.

Just a place you must visit when in Masham. They make you very welcome and the locals are lovely people.

Most of us in our group enjoyed the meal, but the experience was spoilt somewhat by the number of flies buzzing around us as we were eating. The staff were attentive and efficient, and the surroundings and amenities not quitewere good. Some of the food portions were on the small side, e.g. chips, and ice cream scoops.

Ladies and gentlemen I give you the Yorkshire tasting board. 2 small pieces of bread, a Scotch egg cut in half, a small pork pie (for some bizarre reason hot), two small slices of bread, two tiny morsels of cheese, a small bowl of coleslaw and 6 tiny meatballs. £32. Excuse the expression, but this is taking the piss. Never again.

Initially went in for a beer but decided to eat. Just had a main course. We were waiting a while for the food, but we had no issue with that as we were warned then we ordered we would be waiting a while as there was a large party in. I had Pork belly & my wife had the Steak & Veg Pie. Decent pub grub, washed down with a nice pint.

This is the brewery pub. There is a large bar-cum-restaurant. Friendly and efficient service of lovely beer and wine and very good pub food. We would have come a second time during our week staying 25 minutes' drive away but they had no space on our second date.

Excellent pub, warm and welcoming. The staff are so friendly and the beer and food are first class! Well worth a visit.

My husband Gaz and I stayed at the White Bear and had several pints in the bar, had our favourite Old Peculier. Ambience good, friendly staff and patrons alike- don’t miss the chance of a Theakstons beer when in Masham

Beautiful pub, but rude staff - we waited approx 10 minutes without so much as an ack from any staff member. In fact I can only say we were deliberately ignored, as it was clear to see staff members chatting away at the other end of the bar. When eventually we asked if anyone was serving in the public bar - to the staff member that was less than 5foot away - apparently sorting coffee beans! He just said 'no' and then several seconds later 'I'm busy'. Ourselves and others who had come in for a drink after us then walked out. Politeness costs nothing - an ack we were waiting was all that was required

We were staying in Masham at the nearby King's Head Hotel, where we had also booked a table for our evening meal. However after a lovely afternoon in Ripon we decided to walk across to the White Bear for a couple of pints. As we had our dog with us we were in the bar which had a lovely warm open fire. Theakston Lightfoot and Cloudy apple cider were both enjoyed in equal measure

There are numerous best public bars in North Yorkshire, The White Bear public bar could be the bestest!

I made a booking for 8 people for the same day, no problem. We pre-ordered and didn’t have to wait long for our food. Everything we ordered was delicious and well presented. Staff were friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

Efficient friendly service. Good beer and tasty food. Will definitely visit again. Stayed here before and will definitely visit again.

Just stopped for a quick lunch before looking round Masham - the sandwiches were amazing, especially the roast beef and gravy on ciabtta - came with an extra side of gravy, perfect for dipping!

Not the best of experiences. First we were made to feel a complete nuisance by the manageress for reasons unknown. I can only put it down to the extraordinarily hot weather. I was also hugely disappointed with me vegan samosa chat salad. Although absolutely delicious,...

We always eat at the White Bead when we stay in Masham, however, we were not impressed this time, service was polite and prompt, despite obvious new staff. We ordered wild mushrooms for starters, which consisted of a small piece of toast with a small...

We booked a table in the dining room as we didn't want to eat in the bar as it was our 34th wedding anniversary and wanted a bit more of a special experience. We also knew dogs could be in the bar. We presumed on...

Travelling from Australia we don’t get the historic old traditional Pub bars. Nice spot to sit and drink real ales the proper way.

During the pandemic, staff led by Sue the indefatigable manager, repainted the entire ground floor to great effect. On the first evening I started with a small plate of really fresh burrata, chick pea fritters and heritage tomatoes which worked wonderfully well in combination before...

We came here for dinner and sampled the relatively new menu. The starters were ok but the mains delicious. The staff were all very friendly.

Stopped here for lunch after a walk around the Whetlands, great find. Food was delicious, service was a little slow but they we very busy, probably due to the fantastic weather for a March weekend. But it was worth the wait, as was very tastey...

A really lovely visit - thank you! We had one nights stay at the White Bear. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Our room was a very good size, very spacious and clean. We enjoyed a lovely evening meal and breakfast the following morning...

Had a fantastic meal, followed by an evening of music and singing from a local group of musicians who were excellent

Back to where my love of Old Peculier started for me aged 15. Had a half with a meal and was hooked. Changed a bit in the years since, refurbishment and a hotel alongside, but still a great pub. Roaring fires, friendly people, superb food...

Absolutely superb experience well done team bear. The food was brilliant and the service was fantastic we had a brilliant night and will be back . Such a beautiful setting and very clean and still feels very safe due to the covid still going on...

I would love to give this place a 5* review as the food was great, service very good but when you are charged £7 for a double expresso this tends to leave a bitter after taste. Three coffees ordered bill arrived with 5 coffees @£3.5...

lovely hotel outside seating beautiful, nice and cozy inside lovely staff good beer. didnt eat here but restaurant looked very nice. convenient for the Black Sheep Brewery as its next door

We just popped in, with the dog for a couple of beers and a light lunch. Beer kept well and the lunches were really good. Between us, my wife had the avocado and I, the black pudding. Both were great and we wished we’d found...

We hadn’t booked and despite it being fairly busy, they managed to fit us in. Two of us had the steak & ale pie which was delicious with large chunks of meat and plenty of it. The other chose haddock and chips which came with...

Lovely seating area outside the pub with a courtyard feel and widely spaced seats which make it ideal for maintaining social distancing. Calm family friendly atmosphere and friendly staff.

We have visited The White Bear on a couple of occasions in the past and were keen to return for a wedding anniversary treat (26th July). Despite the long wait ~ it was very busy the staff were apologetic and attentive the food was nicely...

Bit of a dissapointing visit, went late Sunday afternoon as walk ins and was only given the option to sit in a small bar area or outside, chose to sit indoors and waited about 20 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge we were there, with...

We were hoping to get lunch here, but were disapointed. After a quite uninterested waiter told us to sit in the taproom, we waited to be served.....and waited....after 20 minutes we left. It was busy, and times are difficult, but we hadn't even been given...

Pre-booked breakfast some weeks prior to our weekend away and the really great service started then as they allowed us to book. We were a booking of 5 people 2 dogs and we booked to be under cover outside on that basis. On arrival a...

We dined here on spec, just turned up and asked if they had space for us, as most of the outside seating was full, (a lovely sunny evening). They said they could and we were both surprised and delighted with the quality of the food....

I called this pub on Wednesday to see if we could eat with friends and 2 dogs on Saturday evening, we were told we could outside or In the bar area only on a first come first served basis. I called in on Saturday lunchtime...

We stopped off here on a stay in Masham and it was lovely, really welcoming with lovely warm fires, great beers and drinks and good selection of food. There was also plenty of outdoor seating on a pretty patio which was lit up with fairy...

We ate at The White Bear twice during our holiday in Masham, the beer is exceptional and the food is very good.

We stayed in Masham at the beginning of September for a week and The White Bear was where we drank (excellent Old Peculier) and also ate. A family birthday dinner in the restaurant was thoroughly enjoyable, with delicious food - my mushroom risotto was superb!...

Had a drink in the beer garden in the afternoon which was very pleasant. Returned for dinner and were served in the restaurant. The food and the service were good with a decent selection of wine and beers. Very relaxing surroundings also which meant we...

Really lovely setting, only had drinks on the terrance because restaurant fully booked. Staff efficient and attentive and COVID guidelines being followed UNTIL the ‘shooting set’ rolled in late afternoon. Looking at their behaviour you wouldn’t know there was a pandemic; kissing each other, no...

We ate in the restaurant, not the public bar. It’s a lovely place with good furnishings and decoration. With Covid guidelines being followed tables are really well separated. They do both traditional food and some more adventurous dishes. They use quality ingredients and the food is very good. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Plenty of good beers at the bar. Service was good and friendly. They get busy so you need to book well in advance.

This pub is located just at the side of the Black Sheep brewery , good location & choice of drinks . The pub also has a restaurant & accommodation attached & is a very short walk into Masham centre

Chances our arm with a walk in at 12.15 on bank holiday Sunday. Nice waiter squeezed us in. I had fish and chips and my wife had the fish pie (both £13.50). Both were delicious. What stood out for me was the batter on the fish. It was really light and really crisp. It barely held the fish together. Fantastic. Also old peculiar on draft, from the Theakston’s brewery a few hundred yards away. Lovely staff too.

We ate here with another couple to celebrate my husband's retirement. The food was fabulous and the service was excellent. We felt safe eating out with socially distanced tables and a one way system for moving around the restaurant. Great local beers and a mushroom soup to die for! Will definitely be back.

Spent a fantastic night here with friends during our stay in Masham, good choice of a reduced menu, friendly helpful staff, highly recommend.

Really enjoyed this bar, the staff were friendly and had good beers and even sold spirit of masham gin which is lovely! Well worth a visit would recommend booking in advance for food as looked busy

Excellent food, honest and tasty. Best Gravy I’ve had in a long long time as well as excellent Northern Caviar (mushy peas) . All the staff were great, couldn’t ask for more, well done everyone.

We just called in for drinks and spent a pleasant hour outdoors. There is a delightful area with artificial grass and tables and is very comfortable.

Popped in for a drink or two during the relaxation of covid 19. It was all working well. Staff were busy but helpful. Beer was fab.

Went along after lock down eased. A great pint. Populated mainly by well off country toffs, but that's ok.

We stayed in masham for a week and visited the white bear twice for drinks and once for a meal. The staff were extremely friendly, especially Kate, who advised us where to visit in the area whilst providing us with excellent beer from the local Theakstons Brewery. We had a meal on the last night of our stay and it was simply outstanding. Complimentary homemade beer bread and onion bread were brought out to start which was fresh and tasty. 2 of the party had king prawns to start which had a lovely chilli kick and the 3rd had the spiced carrot soup which was delicious. For mains the duck breast, rack of lamb (both served pink) and pork belly were sampled and the quality of the locally sourced meat was unbelievable, especially for the price! All this was washed down with a couple of bottles from their extensive, reasonably priced wine list. Cannot recommend the White Bear enough. Thanks for having us!

Always an interesting menu whether sandwiches or full meal. Good beers from the very local brewery and cheerful service. Relaxed atmosphere so great place to meet up with friends.

Called after a walk near Masham without booking. Made to feel welcome immediately by the staff and enjoyed a really lovely Sunday lunch of silverside of beef,Yorkshire pudding and vegetables . All served hot and the lounge bar area was so comfortable and warm. Evidently serve Sunday lunch so will be back. Thank you White Bear

Delightful pub with excellent beer, we had ate earlier in the day so no food but the menu was tempting.

First impressions were greatThe pub was decorated beautifully for Christmas and the welcome inside was as warm as the open fire Great service and good foodI had muscles and the missus had a homemade pieBoth were lovely Our server was friendly and informative

Over the years I have eaten here with various gatherings, but I have never been impressed with the food. It has to be said that the pub has a nice ambience and during my most recent visit the tasteful decorations created a lovely Christmassy feel. However I prefer to judge a place by its food, and at the White Bear it is just not good enough. I was there for lunch and my pork loin baguette with stuffing had no flavour and the bread quickly became soggy. Not enjoyable! Service has always been mixed and during the meal our waitress was over-attentive to the point of annoying. I'm sure this is a good place to come for a leisurely drink, but for too long the food has failed to impress so I doubt I'd visit again.

Amazing place. Very nice food and a friendly staff. We were staying with friends in Masham who are frequently visit the White Bear Lovely big fire burning . We will come again!!!

My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary as it’s got an hotel also. The breakfast was lovely with pleasant helpful staff. The beer was top notch as you would expect so explains how busy it was. It seemed popular with dog walkers due to some nice seating outside. Worth a look if I the area rather than using the other pubs in the masham town square

Really enjoyed our meal at the white bear last week. We were staying in the rooms attached to the pub so naturally it was the place to eat. Nice choice on the menu, I had the goats cheese starter which was delicious. We both had belly pork for mains which was also well cooked and lovely. We asked for more sauce and it was promptly bought out by the waitress. All the staff were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of the pub and would definitely eat here again next time we are in masham

Had the broth and fish pie, which were fantastic. Returned to the restaurant after a couple of drinks in the bar. The bar staff were extremely pleasant and made you feel welcome. Would definately recommend

The White Bear inn - A Nice Place to Eat!

We popped in here for lunch with dog. Food was delicious and staff were really friendly. Dog was welcomed and I would highly recommend. Also had lovely outside area and a huge restaurant

Excellent food and great beer! The pork cheek starters were delicious and the lambs liver main course was amazing. The service was brilliant and the desserts were great too. Highly recommended.

This lovely pub has a gorgeous outdoor seating area and really nice atmosphere. The restaurant was full so we didn’t eat but we enjoyed a nice drink outside.

Really enjoyed lunch at the White Bear. Good service, friendly staff and a lovely outside seating area. Food was excellent

Chose to eat here as they had good reviews, no vegetarian options on the children's menu (not too unusual), so our kids picked various things that were vegetarian, my wife and I both chose the Mushroom Wellington, and we both asked for chips rather than sauteed potatoes.

We visited here last weekend whilst we were staying in Masham, before we went on the Black Sheep Brewery Tour. Large selection of beers on offer. Lovely property with hanging baskets outside. Will visit again.

Having visited the next door Black Sheep tap and having enjoyed a good visit we were very disappointed at our visit here.

Stayed at the opposite end of town and walked into several pubs for dinner at 8.00-8.30pm being turned away from all due to hour. A local recommended the White Hart and we found it tucked away and so glad we did.

Booked a 2 night stay for my husbands birthday. Loved having a drink in the bar area - lots of choice and the staff are friendly. Outside seating and dog friendly

Lovely friendly pub Serves wonderful meals all well presented and cooked to perfection Can't go wrong with black sheep ales,

Let me say this first of all - you have a potentially five-star product here. The food and drink are great, but they are let down by inconsistent service.

Popped in for a pint over weekend ,pint of light foot and half of cider £5.90 ?

Very good menu with interesting choices, the dining area was very spacious and they hadn’t packed lots of tables and chairs into it making it very comfortable.

We visit Masham due to us have a static caravan nearby . We frequent this pub every weekend for drinks and food. On Friday the first night of the beer festival we waited and waited at the bar only to be told by one of the so called bar staff ( Bruce Arms Helper) that locals are served first before visitors and only locals get glasses ! We had to drink from plastic pint cups . Her customer service was zero to say the least . Very scruffy appearance for a pub that usually has uniforms for staff. Her attitude and manners would definitely have an impact on future visits by us and lots of our friends . Our money is good enough every week while the “locals” only visit on occasions . Saturday the second day of festival we visited again only to be showered with drinks while sitting watching the bands off idiots dancing on high wall above us ! The toilets are very poor only 2 in female and 2 in male . Disgusting sinks due to the men urinating in them all night due to queues ! . Health n safety need to visit this place for sure .

Monday afternoon call in for a drink and to look at the menu. Jumped on straight away by waitress pushing us to take a table. It wasn’t very busy. When we said we wanted to look at the menu over a drink we were left waiting at the bar for 10 minutes before anyone would serve us. Eventually I was able to ask to try one of the draught beers to help me decide before buying which was conveniently ignored and then we were told our table had been given away but I was not sorry really by this time to be honest as staff attitude awful. This place had good reviews but my experience was very poor

Ate here with friends for lunch today

We visited the white bear on recommendation from a friend and we weren't disappointed! A delightful country pub with brilliant food. I had the lasagne, and I'm not lieing when I say it was the nicest pub lasagne I'd had for years. Lots of cheese! Service was quick and friendly. Would definitely go back again when in Masham!

We booked a table at the restaurant here and really enjoyed our meals and sweet. Service and quality top notch all round and a pleasant setting. What a lovely night we had here and will be visiting again.

Part of a high quality hotel, near an interesting brewery. Lovely outside terrace. The bar has a wonderful range of real ales and spirts for all to enjoy.

Nice friendly welcome at this pub,followed by a lovely meal on a dull wet evening.staff were very friendly and chatty.the building had been altered since our last visit,but the extension and surrounding buildings were lovelyl

Great choice of drinks and excellent staff.. Will be back next time we are in the area. Dog friendly and clean establishment. Didn't try the food but it looked beautiful

Just re visited the white bear for 2 evening meals and as always the food offered great quality and value The service is second to none thanks so much to Jodie for looking after us so well!! Craig and Debbie

Had 2 evening meals, in the restaurant. Both nights, superb food and staff excellent. Very good value.

Having considered the menus in the two pubs near the Market Square and The Blacksheep Brewery Centre cafe, found them very limited and ended up at the White Bear. Well we sat and sat and no memeber of staff showed any interest in serving us whether at the bar when asking for a menu or once sat down. No information as to whether you order at the bar or are waited on. Eventually I stopped a young lad serving food who appologised and took our order for food and drinks. The drinks being served from the bar but ignored so once again I had words with the young lad and he took it upon himself to see we got what we'd ordered. To be honest, by now, with all the delay, I was ready for walking out but the wife said as we'd ordered the food, perhaps not.

We've been here a few times and as you would expect the beer is always bang on, we've never eaten here but the food looks delicious

Nice log fire, great staff, fine beer and tasty food. Busy place but large area so not crowded. Car park is entertaining, all odd angles and vehicles parked at different angles. Nearby roads all full so park in town and walk.

After enjoying great food and coffee at lunch time we also booked for dinner . The service was superb smiling , welcoming staff who clearly had a purpose and enjoyed their work. Initially our dinner reservation had disappeared but a table was readily available. Excellent choices on the menu backed up with great presentation and wonderful flavours . Reasonly priced wine complimented the evening . If you go nowhere else in Masham go to the White bear first there is nothing comparable