The Bear's Head — Restaurant in Penarth

As a real ale drinker and a regular user of this pub over years, in recent months there has been very noticable downturn in the choice of beers available outside of the usual Spoons staples of Abbott, Ruddles, Doombar and in this pubs case, SOB.

On too many occasions recently, pumps are either empty or just badged repeats of the above list. On one recent Sunday evening, not a single guest ale was on at all !!

Other pubs in Penarth are now offering a far greater range of beers, mostly local brewers although admittedly, charging premium prices.

Update, March 2020, new landlord has been in place now for some 6 months and the range of beers and number of dedicated pumps has improved massively. Usually at least 4 of what I would call guest ales, on at any one time.

New update. Oh dear, oh dear, its now May 2022 and once again it appears the old habits have returned. Post pandemic, guest ales have on average numbered 3 or 4 at any one time. However, it appears the manager has now been instructed not to have more than 2 guest ales at a time and no pump should be left unbadged, even if that means repeats of the usual Abbotts and Doombar. As I type, there are 2 Doombars, 3 Abbotts and a Ruddles. Two guest ales on, one of which is Abbott Reserve. Sorry, but I don't count Rhymney Export as a guest ale as this has become a staple of this pub. Interestingly, visited the Brecon Spoons yesterday (12 May) and the staff there said they had had no such similar instruction. What's going on Tim (Martin)?

Sadly, as of the 16 June 2024, The Bears Head is no more. A huge loss...

Very disappointing..Firstly no adequate social distancing in place..Secondly place at a table only suitable for 2people.even though there was 3 of us.Thirdly your manager giving out incorrect advice about covid guidelines..stating it was ok for people to walk past us(within 1 foot of us) saying it was ok for 15minutes. Then when I approached your manager. And stated I was not in anyway wanting to seem rude..that it should be 2meters away from fellow diners.He simply said that if I wasnt happy I was welcome to go somewhere else..very disappointed..I was a mystery customer for brains brewery for many years but never spoken to by any manager with that kind of off handish attitude.We will have to have a long think on whether or not to visit Bears head again.Also my sons food was both over cooked and also waited long time but it was cold...

Have eaten here once before since it changed hands but after tonight will not be going back. 3 meals were ordered all together, once mixed grill which was absolutely fine apart from the fact you have to order it with sauce regardless of if you want it or not, a watery inedible curry that had to be sent back and hunters chicken that came out with salad that was not listed anywhere in the description of the meal of which the person eating it was allergic to. We could order something else or have a refund as there would be no chance of speaking to anyone about it. Never experienced food like this before it changed hands and would definitely avoid it now. Refunded the wrong amount. Servers were...