The Bear Inn, Stock

I used to live locally but had never been to The Bear so on a visit to see my mum we decided to go out for lunch and I chose Stock, not knowing where was any good. After a little bit of driving around we plumped for The Bear.

We originally sat at a two person table but had to move as my knees were getting bashed by the awkward table legs.

For lunch I chose wing of skate which came with a brown butter and caper sauce and mash. My mum had fish and chips.

The piece of skate I had was huge and really good. It was moist and flaked away from the bones. The mash was OK. Very smooth but there was lots! I think I would have liked some other veg instead of the huge amount of mash. But it was well seasoned.

Mum's fish and chips were also good but she was bemused by the arrangement of the chunky chips, all stacked together like Jenga :)

It was a little pricey but to be expected as the fish was locally caught (so it said on the board). All in all pretty nice. I'd recommend for lunch if you're a fish lover.

Extremely disappointed to the point that I want to publicise it more widely to warn people of the dangers of your poor establishment. Had Sunday lunch at this place yesterday and from 2hrs after eating was in pain for a further 24 hours with chronic wind and diarrhea. Either the food was bad/off or the kitchen hygiene was dire.

The stuffy and grumpy older blonde waiting ladies were atrocious. Their behavior was totally unsatisfactory being unfriendly and rude to both me and my husband on completely separate occasions. They were baby unfriendly as well as unhelpful when their assistance was requested. There was also a younger lady who served our table of seven guests (large number – good business, ought to have been dealt with and treated far better), who was also of the same manner. Therefore I would say your customer service and work ethic needs serious consideration.

Don’t visit this pub if you wish to remain off the loo for the next 24hrs - simply awful, plus we’d traveled a long way especially to visit family! The whole experience was derisory. It ruined my /our weekend. We will never return or recommend it to others.

Hot cramped and small environment, with poor ventilation. Overpriced and under par. Best avoided. Overpriced and under par. Best avoided.

A once excellent Gastro-Pub has been reduced to serving dreadful food. Whilst I am sure their intentions are good they just are not able to offer the food they are advertising on their menu. I am sorry but must advise that you Stay Away!

Quality of food was very diappointing. Food generally overcooked, undercooked, burnt in some respects, pre-frozen. The dauphinoise was grey and a solid lump, dover sole tasteless. Sticky toffee pudding bounced like rubber, clearly microwaved and get this the cinamon icecream was vanilla with sprinkled ground cinamon on top!! Genius! Even the waiting staff looked embarrassed to be serving it! Don't bother. Three courses, half a bottle of wine - £50/head. Rip off!!

Went to The Bear on the back of two very positive reviews from friends. I don't know if they have just changed management but something has changed. Service was dire, waited 20 minutes before being asked for drinks (which only came about because I had to chase a waitress down) and it was like this for the rest of the night...lots of waiting. Food was just as bad, if not worse, not one course was enjoyable.......they even managed to make a chocolate brownie taste bad. Avoid this place until they get their house in order.

New owners have managed to turn this village centre pub around. It has a great atmosphere, good, knowledgeable staff, great beer and wine choice and excellent bar food. The rib-eye on the bone with fat chips and a bottle of Malbec is a must.

Great service, Wonderful menu and their fish on the specials board is truly fab.

try the RIB EYE STEAK its now my local and all my friends now go there with their friends ....word gets out!

From January 2008 this year we, as local residents, welcome the BEAR BACK with wonderful new owners who are passionate about food and wine and have made the Bear a great place to be ..lovely duck pond garden we are so lucky to have had them tidy up and picket fence the car park! FABULOUS FOOD AND SERVICE with a GENUINE SMILE at last!

Great building, great staff, great food. We went there on a recommendation from our friends and found it absolutely great. Will recommend it to my friends. New owners, new food great.

Last ate in the Bear March 2007. Food was undercooked and of very poor quality. The lamb was served up as a piece of fat and gristle. Service was like a Pantomime, but lacked the comedy. Manager not available, having a day off!!!

I would guess the reason there was plenty of parking and the restaurant empty, we were the last victims. Well never again.

We had previously eaten at The Bear Inn in Stock, Essex, approximately 2 1/2 years ago, and we really enjoyed it, but we will not be going back, because although the prices have stayed the same, the quality of the food and service we received when we attended recently was totally unacceptable.