Stayed at The Bear as part of my birthday surprise on New Years Eve. We were most impressed as soon as we arrived when Danny offered to collect our luggage from the car and take it to our room. It just got better from there. The bedroom was very well appointed and the ensuite, fantastic. Danny made a table available for us by the fireplace and the meal and the service was excellent. Nothing seem to be too much trouble. We went to watch the fireworks down by the river at midnight and upon our return, we were welcomed with a complimentary hot chocolate. The staff were very attentive throughout our stay but special thanks, must go to Danny who is a real asset to the hotel. We look forward to a return trip in the summer.
Simon De Vos
Great small hotel. Food good, well cooked steak and very helpful staff. Beds amazingly comfortable. Classic contemporary decor in rooms, good shower. After stay my left property was forwarded for just the postage fee - all in all this inn is excellent in all areas, thank you.
Claire Fowler
Spent a lovely morning having breakfast here. Salmon and eggs on sourdough. Absolutely lovely.
matt andrews
Love it, amazing staff, rooms, bar, restaurant, food, drinks and cocktails. Total joy of a stay !
AlfieBilbo
Fabulous food and great atmosphere. Staff looked after our table of 10 extremely well. Will certainly return!
mbwam
Booked for a mid week lunch with friends after a walk. Very friendly, helpful staff, comfortable cosy atmosphere and great food.
SimonD881
Great small hotel. Food good, well cooked steak and very helpful staff. Beds amazingly comfortable. Classic contemporary decor in rooms, good shower. After stay my left property was forwarded for just the postage fee - all in all this inn is excellent in all areas, thank you.
paddyspals
We had a fabulous weekend. All the team were exceptionally helpful and friendly, the room was lovely, the bed very comfortable and food excellent. We took our dog who loved being with the other guest dogs.
BusinessguestDorset
We popped in for coffee recently and were pleasantly surprised by The Bear. So, we decided to book up to celebrate a family birthday with Sunday lunch. We were welcomed and seated and sorted out with menus and drinks. In contrast to some other reviews we found the service to be at the right pace for us and everyone was friendly and helpful. The decor was lovely. We were seated in what was referred to as The Cafe on our first visit, as opposed to the Dining Room and it was perfect. We loved the exposed brickwork and the decor in all areas that we saw. The food itself was delicious. Five out of our party of six had roasts and the other ordered ham, egg and chips. We liked the fact that smaller portions of the roasts were on offer which suited two of our guests. All of the food was perfect, tasty and well presented. We enjoyed the ratatouille style accompaniment which was included in the bowl of vegetables. There was plenty to go around and extra gravy was served in a jug which was appreciated. We all had pudding- sticky toffee, crumble and panacotta. All were decent portions, nicely presented and enjoyed by all. So, thank you to all at The Bear we had a lovely time and we will be back.
casasanruffino
We chose The Bear for several reasons, the styling of the rooms was one. Modern touches in a beautiful Georgian building which hasn't lost the feel of old style luxury. We also liked their ability to cater for coeliacs. There were several choices on the menu that were suitable for coeliacs. The breakfast each morning was also safe, full English on both days. I expect it was due to the hotel being quiet that some food items weren't available, unfortunately no GF sausages at breakfast or GF burger buns in the restaurant at dinner. An alternative was offered but a burger isn't really the same in a couple of slices of GF bread. The Bear is perfectly located in the heart of Wareham and a fantastic base to the main attractions of Corfe Castle, Studland and Swanage A special thanks to Caitlin and her colleague who was working in the restaurant on the Sunday night and also a big thanks to Linda all of whom made us feel very welcome.
We stayed with friends and dogs to celebrate ? 60th for the weekend. From arrival to check out the staff couldn't do enough for us all. The rooms and ensuits were perfectly decorated and the beds super comfortable with excellent linen. Breakfast and dinner were delicious and plentiful in both choice and portion size, nothing was too much trouble. We will be back. Thank you so much.
Aem888
Beautiful rare roast beef which was delicious and tender, with well cooked veg. The only minor point is whether roasted Mediterranean veg belong with a Sunday roast - not for me personally but may be to others’ taste. There were plenty of traditional veg so this didn’t detract from the meal. Highly recommended.
Rod B
Disappointing after previous excellent lunch. We had an excellent Lunch on November 3rd and decided to book for Sunday lunch for today 12th November. We arrived on time but it seemed as though we were not expected. We went to the bar and gave our name and someone who appeared to be a manager told the waitress we could sit anywhere as they weren't very busy. This seemed a strange welcome when we'd booked. Service was rather slow. Our order was incorrectly served. The food was OK but the Yorkshire puddings were undercooked. It was a while before our table was cleared and although we had planned to have a dessert, decided not to. I feel that something was wrong. We were not made to feel very welcome and it was such a contrast to our previous visit. I doubt we'll return.
Caroline Hearne
I have been holding monthly events at the Bear for 18 months for my Live Laugh Love Ladies Club Wareham.Nothing is ever too much trouble.Linda and the team are very efficient, friendly and work very hard.We use the green room which is lovely and spacious with rustic charm.The service is very quick. We've never had a bad meal, the food is very tasty, home made and great quality.If you're looking for a lovely space to hold an event for business or pleasure I would highly recommend The Bear. You will not be disappointed.Thank you to all the team on behalf of myself and the ladies.
Chris Smith
We stopped in for lunch. The Bear is a charming old building full of character and has a wonderful ambience.We were greeted promptly by the young lady, and she was friendly and polite throughout our experience.Only two things marred what was otherwise an enjoyable first visit: despite the menu indicating a broad selection of ales, only one was on the pumps when we visited, which was a little disappointing.Secondly, we unfortunately had to listen to two of her male colleagues, who had finished their shift, loudly discuss and mock visitors' regional accents. I thought this deeply unprofessional and rude, but I suppose that the challenge of finding good hospitality staff means you have to be less selective these days.Food & drinks: We both ordered the ploughman's lunch and were really impressed with the presentation and the quality of the ingredients.The only minor improvement that might be made is to include butter for the bread, otherwise it was excellent.
Stayed at The Bear as part of my birthday surprise on New Years Eve. We were most impressed as soon as we arrived when Danny offered to collect our luggage from the car and take it to our room. It just got better from there. The bedroom was very well appointed and the ensuite, fantastic. Danny made a table available for us by the fireplace and the meal and the service was excellent. Nothing seem to be too much trouble. We went to watch the fireworks down by the river at midnight and upon our return, we were welcomed with a complimentary hot chocolate. The staff were very attentive throughout our stay but special thanks, must go to Danny who is a real asset to the hotel. We look forward to a return trip in the summer.
Great small hotel. Food good, well cooked steak and very helpful staff. Beds amazingly comfortable. Classic contemporary decor in rooms, good shower. After stay my left property was forwarded for just the postage fee - all in all this inn is excellent in all areas, thank you.
Spent a lovely morning having breakfast here. Salmon and eggs on sourdough. Absolutely lovely.
Love it, amazing staff, rooms, bar, restaurant, food, drinks and cocktails. Total joy of a stay !
Fabulous food and great atmosphere. Staff looked after our table of 10 extremely well. Will certainly return!
Booked for a mid week lunch with friends after a walk. Very friendly, helpful staff, comfortable cosy atmosphere and great food.
Great small hotel. Food good, well cooked steak and very helpful staff. Beds amazingly comfortable. Classic contemporary decor in rooms, good shower. After stay my left property was forwarded for just the postage fee - all in all this inn is excellent in all areas, thank you.
We had a fabulous weekend. All the team were exceptionally helpful and friendly, the room was lovely, the bed very comfortable and food excellent. We took our dog who loved being with the other guest dogs.
We popped in for coffee recently and were pleasantly surprised by The Bear. So, we decided to book up to celebrate a family birthday with Sunday lunch. We were welcomed and seated and sorted out with menus and drinks. In contrast to some other reviews we found the service to be at the right pace for us and everyone was friendly and helpful. The decor was lovely. We were seated in what was referred to as The Cafe on our first visit, as opposed to the Dining Room and it was perfect. We loved the exposed brickwork and the decor in all areas that we saw. The food itself was delicious. Five out of our party of six had roasts and the other ordered ham, egg and chips. We liked the fact that smaller portions of the roasts were on offer which suited two of our guests. All of the food was perfect, tasty and well presented. We enjoyed the ratatouille style accompaniment which was included in the bowl of vegetables. There was plenty to go around and extra gravy was served in a jug which was appreciated. We all had pudding- sticky toffee, crumble and panacotta. All were decent portions, nicely presented and enjoyed by all. So, thank you to all at The Bear we had a lovely time and we will be back.
We chose The Bear for several reasons, the styling of the rooms was one. Modern touches in a beautiful Georgian building which hasn't lost the feel of old style luxury. We also liked their ability to cater for coeliacs. There were several choices on the menu that were suitable for coeliacs. The breakfast each morning was also safe, full English on both days. I expect it was due to the hotel being quiet that some food items weren't available, unfortunately no GF sausages at breakfast or GF burger buns in the restaurant at dinner. An alternative was offered but a burger isn't really the same in a couple of slices of GF bread. The Bear is perfectly located in the heart of Wareham and a fantastic base to the main attractions of Corfe Castle, Studland and Swanage A special thanks to Caitlin and her colleague who was working in the restaurant on the Sunday night and also a big thanks to Linda all of whom made us feel very welcome.
Restaurantji Recommends
We stayed with friends and dogs to celebrate ? 60th for the weekend. From arrival to check out the staff couldn't do enough for us all. The rooms and ensuits were perfectly decorated and the beds super comfortable with excellent linen. Breakfast and dinner were delicious and plentiful in both choice and portion size, nothing was too much trouble. We will be back. Thank you so much.
Beautiful rare roast beef which was delicious and tender, with well cooked veg. The only minor point is whether roasted Mediterranean veg belong with a Sunday roast - not for me personally but may be to others’ taste. There were plenty of traditional veg so this didn’t detract from the meal. Highly recommended.
Disappointing after previous excellent lunch. We had an excellent Lunch on November 3rd and decided to book for Sunday lunch for today 12th November. We arrived on time but it seemed as though we were not expected. We went to the bar and gave our name and someone who appeared to be a manager told the waitress we could sit anywhere as they weren't very busy. This seemed a strange welcome when we'd booked. Service was rather slow. Our order was incorrectly served. The food was OK but the Yorkshire puddings were undercooked. It was a while before our table was cleared and although we had planned to have a dessert, decided not to. I feel that something was wrong. We were not made to feel very welcome and it was such a contrast to our previous visit. I doubt we'll return.
I have been holding monthly events at the Bear for 18 months for my Live Laugh Love Ladies Club Wareham.Nothing is ever too much trouble.Linda and the team are very efficient, friendly and work very hard.We use the green room which is lovely and spacious with rustic charm.The service is very quick. We've never had a bad meal, the food is very tasty, home made and great quality.If you're looking for a lovely space to hold an event for business or pleasure I would highly recommend The Bear. You will not be disappointed.Thank you to all the team on behalf of myself and the ladies.
We stopped in for lunch. The Bear is a charming old building full of character and has a wonderful ambience.We were greeted promptly by the young lady, and she was friendly and polite throughout our experience.Only two things marred what was otherwise an enjoyable first visit: despite the menu indicating a broad selection of ales, only one was on the pumps when we visited, which was a little disappointing.Secondly, we unfortunately had to listen to two of her male colleagues, who had finished their shift, loudly discuss and mock visitors' regional accents. I thought this deeply unprofessional and rude, but I suppose that the challenge of finding good hospitality staff means you have to be less selective these days.Food & drinks: We both ordered the ploughman's lunch and were really impressed with the presentation and the quality of the ingredients.The only minor improvement that might be made is to include butter for the bread, otherwise it was excellent.