Bear & Ragged Staff — Restaurant in London

My family has lived in Crayford for nine years. The Bear & Ragged Staff stood out as the local pub for us, but for some reason for the first few years it suffered from noticeable management issues of one kind or another - not staff issues, I stress, as they are overwhelmingly great. But it always felt as though it had known better days.

Then, four years ago, I noticed an improvement, and I wrote the following four-star review:

Helpful staff, reliably quick, high quality food. Pricier than it was but very rewarding.

Things change. Historically that review was two years before COVID-19. Today, I feel compelled to upgrade my comments. Here's why:

Some nine months ago, this Greene King-owned establishment was taken over by yet another new manager, Artur, and for me as a customer, things began to improve almost immediately. Metamorphosis wasn't overnight, but steadily, since Artur's arrival, there has been a dramatic improvement in the place. For instance, customer care is now top quality, there are none of the lingering issues concerning drinks or service, food quality has improved significantly, and in fact the overall atmosphere of the place has improved.

Today I took my (large) dog in with me. The place has always been dog-friendly, but today the manager served me, then came and asked me if the dog would like some dog biscuits and a bowl of water. Service like that is always appreciated, and has been offered there in the past, but combined with the other improvements that have enhanced the experience of a relaxing lunchtime or after-work drink, it was really noticable.

For a busy (but not too busy!) pub, the whole place is remarkably clean. (I wish my dining room floor was as clean as theirs.)

The wine selection is now of a very high standard, and open bottles are well kept. There is now a great selection, too, including Washington State wine (these days much of California's wine has the bouquet of a Yankee Candle).

The garden is impeccably well-kept, and gents can visit the pub's lavatories without being overpowered by a stench of chemical cleaning products, for so long a feature of the Bear.

If I could give it five and a half stars...

A Fantastic Night Out at The bear and ragged staff Pub

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Bear, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations. Located in the heart of the city, this hidden gem is a must-visit for pub enthusiasts.

First and foremost, the atmosphere at The bear is fantastic. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by friendly and attentive staff who make you feel right at home. The pub has a warm and inviting ambiance, with cozy seating areas and a charming traditional decor. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink or a lively night out with friends, this pub caters to all.

The selection of drinks at The bear Pub is truly impressive. They offer a wide range of beers, ales, ciders, and spirits, ensuring there is something for everyone's taste. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their beverages, making excellent recommendations based on your preferences.

In addition to the superb drinks, The bear Pub also boasts an extensive menu of delectable pub grub. From classic fish and chips to mouthwatering burgers, everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and served with a smile.

The pub also offers live entertainment, including live music nights and pub quizzes, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure everyone is entertained and enjoying themselves, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Furthermore, The bear maintains excellent cleanliness and hygiene standards. The facilities are spotless, and the pub follows all necessary safety protocols, which is especially important during these times.

Overall, my experience at The Bear was nothing short of exceptional. The friendly staff, fantastic drinks, delicious food, and lively atmosphere make it a standout choice for a night out. I highly recommend visiting this pub if you're in the area – you won't be...

I visited here today on my own during my lunch break, only had an hour or so, thought I’d order myself something quick with a swift pint to wash it down with. I was in there at 1pm where I ordered a pint and ham egg and chips, well it was posh ham by way of gammon. The server was great, nice polite and very good, shame he was so badly let down by the kitchen! Ordered at 1pm and left at 1:50pm as my food failed to materialise! I was offered a refund and promptly left. How the hell does it take 50 minutes to prepare ham egg and chips for one and even then it never arrived, the place was practically empty as well. Been here many times before many months ago being my last visit and had no issue’s whatsoever, what has happened here? My advice is unless you don’t mind waiting an hour for your order to arrive, that is if it ever arrives then please make a visit, but if you are hungry and fancied a quick pint and some ham egg and chips, then go home, cook it yourself and you’ll still be quicker than this place, god only knows how long large complex orders take to arrive, again if at all. I am not impressed, and can’t even comment on the food as I didn’t get any. Such a shame as it was a...