>ABOUT US
Overlooking the historic market place of Wantage in Oxfordshire since the 16th century
The history of The Bear at Wantage is a long tale to tell, even though it doesn’t quite go back as far as King Alfred’s days, who was born in Wantage in AD 847. Suffice to say, as the town’s largest hotel it has overlooked the historic market place for nearly 500 years, and in that time has been a staging point for thousands of weary travellers – as well as those wanting to fill up on great food and superb ales in sumptuous surroundings.
Today, The Bear is the hub of Wantage. You can expect to find busy mornings full of coffee/tea drinkers taking advantage of the complimentary cake (10-5) or evening patrons supping real ales or mini Prosecco. Award winning restaurant with head chef Dylan Bettson and 34 newly decorated en suite hotel rooms.
Your hosts Ellie (who moved into her first pub at just 3 months old) is the Sous Chef and Georgia, having completed her degree in Business and Event Management looks after front of house. They are supported by their parents Keith & Jo who have 29 years experience in hospitality.
The team have brought The Bear back to its best, providing the perfect venue for a relaxing stop-over, quick lunch or special dining experience. We cater for Weddings, Christenings, Special (or not so special) Birthdays in fact any large, or small, party and all geared to your needs rather than set menus with no flexibility! The Bear offers everything you would expect from a modern hotel and bar – and more.
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Louise Windsor
3 weeks agoBeautiful location, warm, friendly and helpful staff. Great atmosphere and fantastic coffee with freshly cooked meals available. We would highly recommend and thank you to Amanda for taking great care of us! ☺️ I cannot comment on the hotel aspect as we have not stayed there in that capacity.
Philippa Muir
3 months agoThank you so much for your professionalism, attention and patience with our group of 15 people on Saturday. The food was wonderful as ever and we all had a good time. My father just rang me to ensure I had passed on our thanks!
Esme Webb
4 months agoHad a Christmas party here on Saturday for five of us and the food was lovely, unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for the hostile staff, felt very uncomfortable by a couple of comments made by staff. Felt very rushed even though they offered us an 8pm table only to be told after being given the desert menus, oh you don’t think your getting a desert do you the kitchen is closed this was at 9.02 but as long as we got our mains we should be happy. Which felt so rude and whilst we was waiting for them to take the bill could hear the same waitress say oh the back table just don’t want to leave, when they hadn’t even offered to take our payment at this point. Was such a shame as the food and bar area was lovely.
Adam Kerrigan
5 months agoChecked in to find bed bugs in the room, night staff were extremely helpful and got me into another room. Breakfast next morning was good. Work rang the manager in the morning who said no bed bugs were found and a single none descript bug was in the bed. I'm no bed bug expert but I had personally seen 3 on the top of the quilt and several more under. Attached are the pictures of the bugs that clearly match a bed bug description, as agreed by the night staff. As they are in denial I was offered no compensation to clean clothes and likely rooms above, below and adjoining will have bed bugs for some time.
Anna Karasová
2 months agoWe had a lovely stay. The room was charming, clean, comfortable and quiet, the food was delicious, and everyone was friendly. Would recommend The Bear hotel to anyone.