The Bear Inn, Oxford — Restaurant in Oxford

Overall the experience was quite disappointing. We made a booking for lunch for 8 people about 1-2 months in advance as it was a birthday celebration while on holiday. When we arrived there wasn’t any prepared or reserved area, we were simply told to find somewhere outside to sit. We did know we were going to be sitting outside so that was fine.

The outside area had lots of benches for seating although was quite messy and one central area had standing water and stunk of urine. We decided to split our group onto two separate benches in a better section.

The inside of the bar was quite nice and historical, which was nice to view briefly. We ordered at the bar which was fine and the waiter was helpful although he seemed a bit under staffed.

The food was average and the burger was quite disappointing for the price, if I remember correctly it was about £18 GBP, however the beef was over cooked and the salad seemed to extend to simply lettuce and tomato. Some others had fish and chips which they said was great and the portion was very large.

The atmosphere outside was quite dull although it was lunch time so wasn’t very busy outside.

Overall it was quite average and after travelling through Europe and UK we did have higher expectations for the oldest pub in Oxford. I think there is a great opportunity to improve the service and atmosphere for the outdoor area and would suggest that some of the menu is revamped. I would come again for a drink if in Oxford, but would have lower...

Only saving grace about this place was the building. Staff beyond rude. Walked to the empty bar and then shouted at by the bar woman to get out and go register for track and trace in the garden before coming back in. Here's an idea, instead of ordering your customers around how about you stop checking your messages on your phone while stood behind an empty bar, put your phone down and take details at the bar instead of making your customers jump through hoops?

Once we had run the gauntlet of registering and back in told to immediately sit down so we couldn't see what beers were available. Barmaid was foreign so we struggled to communicate to figure out what drinks they even had. She obviously had no idea about the drinks. I asked for a taster and simply told "No tasters". No reason given. I don't even know what pint I had in the end it was so confused. Cherry on the top was ended up being £6 a pint. Ouch.

Saw a girl come in and wait at the bottom of the stairs waiting to use the loo. The sign had obviously been left the wrong way round. Poor lass was there for almost 15 mins while the staff ignored her chatting away to each other behind the bar. I was going to get up and tell her I think it was empty but assumed I would just be shouted at again to sit down.

I think this place is really aimed at tourists who'll happily put up with that rubbish....

3 stars, why so harsh you ask? If all you care about is the atmosphere and food, come here, BUT... Read the whole story. It's an easy read, I promise.

Great burgers and chips Cider selection basic to poor (yes, I know, not a high demand item, but it counts to me!) Beer selection good Ladies bathroom was pretty bad as the lock was not only broken but completely not functioning (no room to stand and wait either, plus don't bring people who aren't CONFIDENT with stairs. I'm a healthy, mobile female and I was almost not confident.) Totally charming in the authentic, old style pub fashion SLOW FOOD SERVICE when busy (Sorry but after 40 mins I went in to check on our order of two burgers with chips. I heard the chef swear and say he'd forgotten, resulting in our order arriving 50 mins after we had ordered. I know you were busy, guys, but seriously...) Waitors were lovely and polite Covid-safe service, QR code/Internet based ordering system

Tbh I'm in no massive hurry to come back. I didn't like the lack of a bathroom lock, the slow/forgetful chefs and I wish they'd invest more in cider.

However if you have someone craving to go to a Ye Olde Pubbe and will forgive these sort of flaws,...