Once again we are in hibernation but this time although we cannot open our doors to you we will not be sleeping.
We have decided that 2021 is going to be a great year and are kicking it off with a bang. We are totally restructuring and refitting our kitchen and installing state of the art equipment which will allow us to be much more environmentally friendly and will ensure you receive the first-class service that we are renowned for.
In order to complete this project, we will remain asleep to our customers until the end of March
Watch this space!
Steve and Samantha
You can contact us at info@bearhotel.co.uk
While the Bear has been sleeping, Mr and Mrs Bear have been working tirelessly to get ready to re-open in a safe, fun and welcoming way. We are open for residents from Friday 17th July. To book please email info@bearhotel.co.uk or book online. We are following Welsh Government guidelines and look forward to opening our […]
Read MoreThe Bear is closed for now but we are sustained by happy memories of good times with friends, and we look forward to the time when we can meet again.
Read MoreFirstly, our thoughts go out to those around the world, who like us are affected by this unprecedented event. We, along everybody else wish to express our appreciation to all those on the front line helping to fight this virus and keep us safe. Here at the Bear, we are following the best government advice […]
Read MoreCurry-roasted cauliflower, coriander cream sauce, jacket potato mash, crispy skins and a curried beetroot crumb.
Read MoreSPECIAL OFFER AT THE BEAR. Treat yourself to a 3 day B&B break at the Bear in Crickhowell. Book any 2 nights before the end of May (excluding Easter or Bank Holidays) & get the third night with our compliments. Must be booked direct with hotel on 01873810408. #specialoffer
Read MoreBear Walking Festival Blog Come to Crickhowell for a fabulous week of walks and events, and eat and stay at the Best Walkers’ Pub in Wales. Early March (7th-15th this year) sees the annual Crickhowell Walking Festival; 9 days of guided walks, talks and events in the beautiful Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. And […]
Read MoreWALKING FESTIVAL SPECIAL OFFER Start your day off with a nice hearty breakfast before venturing out on your organised walk. We are serving a full breakfast each morning. Includes choice of cereals, fruit juice, fresh fruit salad, porridge, Greek yoghurt and fruit yoghurts to start followed by a freshly cooked breakfast from our extensive menu […]
Read MoreThe Bear is a blaze of yellow for this St David’s Day weekend and we will have some special Welsh dishes on our Sunday dinner menu for the day itself, tomorrow. #stdavidsday #crickhowellisopen #sundaylunch
Read MoreGreat to get a writeup as part of food writer East London Mornings Katya Katkova”s tour of Wales. We’d like to do this one ourselves! Click on the link to read her blog https://www.eastlondonmornings.com/home/wales#breconbeaconshotel #crickhowell #foodietour
Read MoreIMPORTANT NOTICEEssential maintenance is taking place on Thursday 13 Feb in our courtyard. There will be no access to the car park between 10.30 and 4 pm. The gates will be closed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. There is a pay and display car park in Crickhowell which is marked on the […]
Read MoreThe Brecon Beacons, home of The Bear at Crickhowell, is in an exclusive club as one of the few International Dark Skies Reserves in the world. It means you can walk a few hundred metres from The Bear and, on a clear night, see the stars clearly. If you are visiting from a larger town […]
Read MoreThe Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains look simply stunning when we get a bit of sunshine. That’s Pen Y Fan all dressed in white in the distance. Come and see for yourself and visit The Bear at Crickhowell – named Best Walkers’ Pub in Wales by The Great Outdoors Magazine. We won the Silver […]
Read MoreHere’s the poster advertising this years Crickhowell Music Festival, A Song for Mary. The Choral Society are delighted to welcome back our patron Elin Manahan Thomas as well as all our other fabulous soloists. This is a wonderful event and a great reason to visit Crickhowell. Ticket details are on the poster, please call 01873810408 if you […]
Read MoreThe lights are on and Crickhowell looks fantastic. Well done to everyone involved in organising Santa’s visit, the Grotto, the Carol Singing and The Dragon Band. A great community afternoon. #christmaslights #crickhowell #christmas2019
Read MoreThere are some changes on the bar at The Bear.Some favourite ales are staying. Some others are going. The aim is to extend the choice to drinkers, whether you love real ales or continental lagers.The new pumps went in this morning and Manager, Rodger Francis: “We ahave changed our ‘core’ ales and lagers to drinks […]
Read MoreWe love dogs at The Bear, but we are also well aware of the need for responsible dog ownership in the Brecon Beacons. Here’s a helpful article written by one of the National Park’s Ambassadors.
Read MoreOn the guest pump, Gower Gold from the South Wales Coast. The brewers say: “t has refreshing citrus flavours and the lovely aroma of the cascade hops. Brewed since December 2011, this beer has become an all-round firm favourite. Gower Gold clocks in at 4.5% abv and is available all year round.” We say “delicious”. […]
Read MoreThe seasons change, and so do the flavours at The Bear. We have regular guest ales, special gins and wine of the month. This week, there’s a lasting taste of summer with Aloe and Cucumber Gin, Boss Brave Real Ale and a selection of fine wines.
Read MoreThe Bear stands proudly at the head of the Best High Street in Britain 2018 and at the centre of Crickhowell. We are a community hub which is the long-term home of organisations like Rotary Club of Crickhowell and Crickhowell Choral Society. If you want to know anything about Crickhowell, come and talk to some […]
Read MoreGIN OF THE WEEK AT THE BEAR. This week, we have Whitley Neil quince gin served with fresh apple, rosemary, and juniper berries and elderflower tonic. #gin #fevertree #crickhowell #ginandtonic
Read MoreThe Bear at Crickhowell has gone green in honour of all the visitors for Green Man 2019. Welcome to Crickhowell, the Best High Street in Britain and the best place to live in Wales. Please come and enjoy great food, real ales and a friendly atmosphere. #crickhowll #greenman Green Man Festival
Read MoreWales’s newest North/South walking route has been official recognised …and it brings you right past Crickhowell. Check out this link. http://cambrianway.org.uk/route1.htm
Read MoreFor the month of July, we have a limited supply of six bottles of Glanusk Estate Gin. This is very special. Only 150 bottles have been made. The gin is trickled through oak chips from the Glanusk Estate at Crickhowell to give it wonderful delicate flavours of oak and orange. We garnish it with a […]
Read MoreWe’re one of the best pubs in Wales – according to the AA. Please come and see why! Click on the link below for more details https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/pubs-named-best-wales-right-16514215
Read MoreWe’ve been named one of the Best Food Pubs in Wales by Wales Online. Here is what they say: “The Bear is right up there among the cosiest, most welcoming pubs in the country. A former coaching inn which has been welcoming guests for 500 years, you can eat and drink in the historic bar […]
Read MoreThere’s always something to see at The Bear, whatever the weather, and especially when the Midlands Austin Seven Club come to stay.#weather #crickhowell #inn #hotel #vintagecar #austinseven
Read MoreHere’s the full list of Gins at The Bear. A Bit Of History Gin gets its name from the Dutch word for juniper, which is genever. It is juniper that sets gin apart from all other types of spirits, as it is juniper that officially must be the predominant flavour for a spirit to be […]
Read MoreWe are proudly displaying a 5 Food Hygiene Rating. Thank you to all our hard working staff who made this happen.
Read MoreWith fine weather forecast we’ve put the tables and chairs out in the gardens at The Bear so you can dine amongst the early spring flowers.
Read MoreEASTER EATING AT THE BEAR We are serving food all day from Good Friday to Easter Monday as normal. Friday, Saturday and Monday – Bar 12.00 to 22.00 – afternoon menu 14.15 to 18.00. Restaurant 18.30 to 21.30 Sunday – Bar 12.00 to 14.45 lunch. Afternoon menu 15.30 to 19.00. 1900 to 21.30 dinner. #EASTER #restaurant […]
Read MoreThe Sunday Times Article which names Crickhowell as the best place to live in Wales.
Read MoreWe’re all ready for Easter. Kids love our decorations. #easter #easterholiday #crickhowell #pubmeal
Read MoreHere is a 60 page guide to the Crickhowell Open Studios event from May 25th to 27th 2019.
Read MoreWe can only agree with this article which places Wales is one of the top 5 food destinations in The World:
Read MoreRecent reviews for The Bear. Thank you for your support. #crickhowell #pub #mealout
Read MoreSpring Lamb is a traditional dish for Easter – but chances are, you won’t have tasted anything like the lamb coming to the Specials Menu at The Bear at Crickhowell. Our Head Chef, Padrig Jones, loves finding the very best, locally sourced, Welsh ingredients for seasonal specials and he’s been out on the farm to […]
Read MoreALES AT THE BEAR. We’re trying a new regular Ale at The Bear as Butcombe Rare Breed joins the lineup. Butcombe Original is on the guest pump. Coming up, Theakston’s Old Peculiar. #realeale#beer#ales#breconbeacons
Read MoreMother’s Day is just around the corner. Give her a gift she can enjoy at a time of her choosing – a voucher towards a meal or drinks at The Bear.#mothersday #motheringsunday #Mum #Gift #Voucher
Read MoreIt feels like spring has sprung at The Bear. Come and dine amongst the flowers. #Spring #springflowers #Lamb #BreconBeacons #Crickhowell #pubmeal #dogfriendly
Read MoreWe have rooms to suit every taste at The Bear, so there’s every reason to come and stay.
Read MoreWe’ve been named as one of the Best Food Pubs in Wales, according to Wales Online! https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/best-food-pubs-wales-2019-11724909?fbclid=IwAR10JpBJmuoiqRLwmknZ0n0ZoSXE6JiHQjR4YFADMS25ulitnXWNccdpN2k
Read MoreWe will be serving a selection of pancakes at The Bear on Shrove Tuesday. Why not drop in? #pancakes #shrovetuesday #pancakeday
Read MoreInfluencial food blogger, Gingeybites, enjoyed her stay at The Bear. Read her review here.
Read MoreReal ales at The Bear. Next on: Grey Trees Afghan 5.4%. Then: Boss Brewery Arachnophobia 5.3%, Butcombe Rare Breed 3.8% Wadworth Bishops Tipple 5% #realale @realAleUK @RealAleTweets @RealAleLive
Read MoreMake a date for Saint David’s Day; this Friday, March 1st at the Bear. The building will be decked out with daffodils and we’ll have some favourite dishes on the specials menu:Cawl, Welsh Rarebit, Welsh Dragon Sausages from FE Richards, Welsh Lamb, Bara Brith served with confit plums. #breconbeacons #StDavidsDay #SaintDavidsDay #Wales #Crickhowell
Read MoreEnter our competition with The Great Inns of Britain, to win a free night B+B at The Bear. Follow this link to find out more.
Read MoreBring your Valentine to The Bear on February 14th, 15th or 16th and sample old favourites from our regular menu as well as a special Valentine’s Menu on all days. #Valentines #Crickhowell #romanticmeal #mealfortwo
Read MoreCrickhowell has one of the very best Walking Festivals – according to the Guardian! We think so, too! https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jan/19/joy-of-uk-best-walking-festivals-hiking-black-mountains-wales
Read MoreIf great food is the way to your Valentine’s Heart, then head for The Bear! Our Valentine’s Specials Menu is full of the food of love – sharing dishes, foods to give him or her ‘that loving feeling’. The Menu is available from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th of February. Call 01873810408#valentines #crickhowell #foodoflove CRiC […]
Read MoreWe’ve launched a new Gin Menu at The Bear. Come and sample 30 Gins from across the World. We have herbal, organic and aromatic Gin and a full range of Fever Tree Tonic Waters. Try one, or two …#weekend #gin #relax #crickhowell
Read MoreIt may be wintry, but there’s still plenty of winter colour in The Bear’s gardens… flowers, just ahead of Valentine’s Day. Our Valentine’s menu is coming soon. #Valentines #wintercolour #gardens #crickhowell
Read MoreCrickhowell Walking Festival 9th to 17th March 2019 Nine days of fabulous guided walks in and around the Black Mountains situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid-Wales. Follow the link below to book walks and events https://www.crickhowellfestival.com/
Read MoreWe are looking for enthusiastic people with excellent people skills to join our waiting team at The Bear. The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality and be confident, trustworthy, polite and customer-orientated. Experience is an advantage but is not essential as training will be given. Please send your CV to lynda@bearhotel.co.uk
Read MoreThe Crickhowell Walking Festival is earning a reputation as one of the best in Britain – and hardly surprising with the scenery around The Bear. Enjoy nine days of fabulous guided walks in March and book in to The Bear while you are at it. Follow this link for details of the festival: https://breconbeacons.wordpress.com/2019/01/07/crickhowell-walking-festival-9th-to-17th-march-2019/
Read More“Discerning diners in South Wales will welcome the return of Padrig Jones in his new position as Head Chef of The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell, says Monmouthshire Living Magazine – we certainly do!
Read MoreIf you are looking for healthy eating choices after Christmas, we have the dishes for you at The Bear. We have a range of seasonal favourites; comforting vegetable soups, fish and game dishes which are low in fat and high in nutritional value – all presented beautifully, as you would expect from The Bear. Top […]
Read MoreAnother nice review – thank Iwan! https://www.campaignseries.co.uk/leisure/holidays/17333930.the-bear-hotel-in-crickhowell-has-all-the-necessities/
Read MoreGreat shops on our doorstep, great walks from our door; Crickhowell, as recommended by The Great Outdoors Magazine. #crickhowell #breconbeacons #walktoapub #dogfriendly #findyouradventure
Read MoreThe Brecon Beacons’ Top Walks for 2019 – half of them within easy reach of The Bear. Just right for burning off the Christmas calories https://breconbeacons.wordpress.com/2018/12/29/our-top-walks-for-2019/ via @wordpressdotcom #walkingpub #walktoapub #dogfriendly #realale #realfires
Read MoreCrickhowell Choral Society came to sing carols in the main bar at The Bear this evening. They rehearse here regularly, so we are used to their wonderful sound but just before Christmas it takes on a special joyousness. Crickhowell Choral Society singing carols in the bar at The Bear. Christmas has begun. #crickhowell Posted by […]
Read MoreWhen the weather gets grim, the welcome at the Bear just gets warmer.
Read MoreThe Bear gets a mention in a wonderful write-up for Crickhowell in The Telegraph today.
Read MoreThe Bear and our chef, Paj, put in an appearance on the Welsh Language Magazine programme, Heno, this week as part of the ongoing coverage of Crickhowell being named the Best High Street in Britain. #crickhowell #besthighstreet #greatbritishhighstreet #independent #welshlanguage
Read MoreThe shops stayed open, the bands played – including in The Bear – and Christmas came to Crickhowell. This is the best of times to be in The Bear.
Read MoreTRADITIONAL TURKEY DINNER NOW BEING SERVED AT THE BEAR. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings! It tastes every bit as good as it looks. Our Head Chef, Paj, says: “We’re going very traditional, roast turkey served with goose fat roast potatoes, brussels sprouts with pancetta and a bit of cream, finished with sage – beautiful. […]
Read MoreThe Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, praised The Bear in Parliament.
Read MoreThere are some small changes to the Bar Menu at The Bear. We are no longer going to serve the Jerk rib and the confit duck terrine is being replaced by a Game Terrine.
Read MoreCrickhowell High Street, where The Bear stands, has been voted the Best High Street in Britain in the 2018 Great British High Street Awards. Come and enjoy the range of uniquely independent shops, followed by a meal at The Bear of Course. Here is what the judges said: CRICKHOWELL HIGH STREET CROWNED ‘UK’S BEST’ IN […]
Read MoreThere’s so much to do and see in the Brecon Beacons around Christmas. Here’s a handy guide. Christmas in the Brecon Beacons
Read MoreThere’s plenty to entertain you in the Brecon Beacons if you want to get away in November. Here’s a helpful blog from our colleagues at Brecon Beacons Tourism: What’s on this November?
Read MoreThe atmosphere at The Bear is really special at Christmas. Please call reception on 01873810408 to book your Christmas Party.
Read MoreThe perfect gift This Christmas – a voucher for a meal or a stay at The Bear. Available from reception on 01873810408 or info@bearhotel.co.uk
Read MoreThe following real ales are coming on at The Bear and will be changed as the casks run dry …enjoy! Morland Old Speckled Hen 4.5% ABV followed by Wadsworth Farmers Glory 4.4% ABV Grey Trees Afghan Pale Ale 5.4% ABV Gower Shipwreck 5.1% ABV Grey Trees Chinookan VPA 4.2% ABV @RealAleCymru @RealAleFinder #RealAle #Beer
Read MoreSome great post-Christmas walks near The Bear #crickhowell #christmaswalks #winterwalks #walktoapub https://breconbeacons.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/boxing-day-walks-2/
Read MoreHis name is Padrig, but everyone calls him “Paj”. He had an “infamous row” with the great chef Marco Pierre White over two pike. He used to run the Welsh Restaurant of the Year, and he says, “French cooking is in my blood.” He is the new Head Chef at The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell. […]
Read MoreFriday is flower day at The Bear, when our arranger, Andrea comes in to change the blooms throughout the hotel. Today it is lillies and tulips bringing splashes of white and yellow to the bars and restaurants. Andrea says “we use whatever is in season but like to go for bold, solid colours, so there […]
Read MoreWE’RE IN! CLICK ON THE LINK TO READ THE ARTICLE https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/welsh-pubs-good-pub-guide-13585861
Read MoreThe autumn colours are just beginning to show near The Bear …here’s a handy guide. Best Autumn Walks in the Brecon Beacons
Read MoreThe Brecon Beacons National Park has been voted the number one desitination for stargazing by the Rough Guide series of travel books. Click on this link for the best places to go and watch the video below for more. Our beautiful featured photo is by Nigel Forster of Creative Photography Wales who offers great photography […]
Read MoreSome of the best mountain bike routes in the Brecon Beacons are near The Bear. Here’s a handy guide. Where to Go Mountain Biking in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Read MoreThere’s a summer of great festivals near The Bear. We go green for Green Man in Crickhowell. https://breconbeacons.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/summer-festival-guide/
Read MoreIt’s the Year of Legends in the Brecon Beacons and there are some fantastical walks near The Bear. Here’s one from Brecons National Park. http://www.breconbeacons.org/explore/about/stories_and_legends/black_cats_and_fairies
Read MoreJust one of the lovely walks close to The Bear – and the weather is set fair. The Great Inns of Britain Wales in Style Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons National Park #Walking #crickhowell #llangorse #blackmountains #hillponies
Read MoreThe walkers are welcome scheme joins towns with great walking across the UK. Click on the link for the schemes operating across The Brecon Beacons – including lovely Crickhowell. Walkers are Welcome
Read MoreCheck out these four great walks – all on The Bear’s doorstep. http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/inspiration-and-ideas/walk-ideas-exploring-four-quirky-hills-in-the-black-mountains/
Read MoreThe Bear scoops wine and stay awards in the 2017 Good Pub Guide. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/welsh-pubs-top-awards-2017-11852674
Read MoreThe skies are forecast to clear later this week – perfect for a spot of star gazing. Here’s a handy guide to the best places. Come and experience our dark skies
Read MoreSimply stunning autumnal colours near The Bear at the moment. Just right for a bracing walk and a snuggle up next to our fire #walkstopubs #crickhowell #breconbeacons Brecon BeaconsThe Great Inns of BritainWales in Style
Read MoreThe Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Skies Reserve and a great place to go stargazing. Here’s a guide to the top spots – make sure you pop in to warm up by our fires afterwards. http://www.breconbeacons.org/stargazing-ten-places
Read MoreThe fire is lit in the bar at The Bear. #breconbeacons
Read MoreBy our Professional Hill Guide, Kevin Walker. September is a superb month for walking – without the heat of summer but often with clear skies and great visibility. Schools have gone back, so The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are less crowded.The Bear Hotel is a great base for exploring the fabulous scenery of the […]
Read MoreWe’re in The Good Pub Guide 2017 – as one of the top pubs in Wales. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/welsh-pubs-top-awards-2017-11852674
Read MoreThis is a lovely guided walk not far from The Bear and the sun is due to come out this evening … Thanks to Brecon Beacons Tourism for the suggestion. #breconbeacons #crickhowell #dogfriendly #walktoapub Walking in the Brecon Beacons
Read MoreAll you need to know if you are visiting Crickhowell – by Brecon Beacons Tourism. #crickhowell #greenmanfestival Green Man Festival Our Guide on Where to shop and Where to Eat in Crickhowell
Read MoreThe Sugarloaf is one of our favourate walks. It overlooks The Bear. Brecon Beacons Tourism have produced this handy guide which you can download as a PDF as well. They say Abergavenny is the nearest town – we say Crickhowell is the nicest! The Great Inns of Britain @WalesinStyle
Read MoreHere’s a wonderful guided walk not far from The Bear. Walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Read MoreFancy a little adventure? …click on the link! https://breconbeacons.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/bwlch-with-altitude-challenge/
Read More