The Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe, Somerset
When you’re staying at Hurstone for a large group holiday or weekend in the West Country, it’s good to get out and explore what’s about nearby. Pop into our local town of Wiveliscombe, stroll about, browse the independent shops and go for food at The Bear Inn.
It’s a good place to be, nice and traditional, honest and down to earth in the loveliest way. The family who run The Bear want everyone who comes here to be happy, so the service is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere is upbeat. The food they serve is home cooked with ingredients coming as much as possible from local suppliers, and they even have home brewed beer made in the micro brewery at the back of the pub. Inside is proper pub character with chunky stone walls, centuries old beams and when it’s cold out, log fires to keep it all lovely and cosy.
If you’re only a tad peckish have a Bear Bite, like a Venison scotch egg with chilli jam, Mac n cheese balls with balsamic onions, or Chicken samosa with a mango dip. If your belly needs filling, a Bear Burgers will do the job nicely, with a choice that includes Bear Smash Burger (two beef patties, Emmental cheese, balsamic onions, burger sauce and lettuce), Chicken Katsu Burger (Southern fried chicken burger, mildly spiced Katsu curry sauce, gem leaf and pickled cucumber), and Flat mushroom & halloumi burger in a Brioche bun with Chimichurri.
Otherwise choose something from the Bear Grill – gammon, grilled chicken skewers, or steaks from the local butcher in Wellington. Pub classics include Cider braised ham with thick cut chips, fried egg and piccalilli, Bear Inn Pie of the Day with spring onion mash potato, greens and gravy, Classic Bear Nachos, and Vegan Dahl.
They also make good use of their pizza oven, so you might fancy a Beary Meaty (BBQ shredded chicken, ham, pepperoni and chorizo), Pandamonium (goat’s cheese, spinach, fresh tomatoes and marinated olives), or Indian Summer (curry infused base, cheddar and mozzarella topped with Tandoori chicken, green peppers and red onion). If you’re feeling inspired, build your own pizza from a long list of toppings.
At lunchtimes they do warm ciabatta sandwiches, on Sundays they serve a very good roast with a choice of Somerset topside of beef, Roast loin of Somerset pork, Rosted leg of lamb, Big Bear mixed roast (all 3 meats) and a Nut roast. Expect all the trimmings and generous portions.
If you’re up and about early go to The Bear for a good cooked breakfast, go on Wednesdays for Build Your Own Steak Dinner, or on Thursdays for Two-For-One Pizzas.
Open: Sun-Weds 9am-11pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-12pm
T: 01984 623537
All information correct at the time of writing