The Bear, Crickhowell

I always feel the Bear should be a better experience than it sometimes is. Went for Sunday lunch with a party of 11 (7 adults, 4 children). Vegetarian selection was very thin, if I'm honest, which was a shame, because the ambience, location and general quality is excellent otherwise.

Probably won't be able to use the Bear for a similar occasion, as it would not be fair to our vegetarian guest.

Called of chance at the Bear on Sunday Lunch Time, went for bar meal option and was able to chose several nice located tables in the main bar area. Quality of the food was on the whole good ,but be aware of some of the prices , two small pieces of bland cheese on toast (Welsh Rarebit) £5.25 for a starter and a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc at £7.50.

Lovely atmospheric rooms, good helpful staff who knew their jobs. Really good food, and our dog was welcomed too. She had a bowl of chicken, as part of their service. So thumbs up from us.

I have recommended the Bear to many people. It's really nice after walking to relax in a welcoming bar area complete with log fire. Judging by the amount of people there, it is obviously very popular.

Not sure I'm going to the same place as other reviewers. I've found the food very good, especially the puddings, but I'm looking for interest/quality not pub volume. Service has generally been pretty good. And a nice pint of Rhymney.

To me, The Bear in Crickhowell seems to have gone downhill. Thought the starters were poor. But thought the mains were worse.Also found it expensive. I suggest you go somewhere else.Went there 30th July 2008.

Nice place to sit, with slightly poncified pub food. Edible, but expensive for what you get

Will NEVER return.

Five of us had lunch in the bar. Halfway through our meal the waitress removed our (and others) little vase of flowers - "We are re-doing them". Odd?

However when we were having our deserts the waitress asked for our table mats! "We haven't finished our meals" - "I only want the mats!" It was just after 2.00pm. Must have been anxious to get ready to go home!

Given that our bill was just over £110 I thought I would write to the proprietor, to complain. I should have saved a stamp and my time. I got not even the basic courtesy of an an acknowledgment .

No more visits to The Bear then!

I only ate in the bar, but it was very poor. When I asked if I could reserve a table I was told "just go and sit at one". I would have walked out but this place came recommended and it was raining hard. I took a look at the food being served around me and opted for the cheapest thing on the menu just to eat and get away quick - ham (think it was processed), boiled potatoes, peas (think it was tinned, processed) covered with a 'parsley' sauce from a packet (think it was). I ate some of it while laughing quite loud. A truly hilarious 1970's dining experience in my opinion.

Crickhowell, Pan European, The Bear - Took friend to a supposedly great restaurant but was appalled by the service, quality and prices. It costs less to eat some of the most delicious food in a far more exciting venue, New York. Dreadful attitude when pulled up about the tepid, tough, so-called steak with tinned mushrooms and a few Walkers crisps on the side. Don't bother if you want to impress.