10-12 Bear St, Greater, London WC2H 7AX

About This Pub

Ah, The Bear and Staff – it's one of those London pubs that just feels like a proper gem, doesn't it? Tucked away near Leicester Square, this place has been around since 1714, which gives it that authentic, cosy charm you'd expect from a classic British boozer. From the reviews I've seen, folks are raving about the beer – those perfect pints are a real highlight – and the food doesn't disappoint either, with dishes like fish and chips, steak pie, and toffee pudding coming in for high praise. The staff sound like a friendly bunch, always ready with a smile and taking extra care with things like allergies, which is a nice touch when you're out for a meal. It's got a great atmosphere too, whether you're enjoying a quiet spot upstairs or soaking in the buzz downstairs, and the outdoor tables add a bit of extra appeal on a sunny day. On the flip side, it can get a tad chaotic when things pick up, so you might find yourself hunting for a table and giving it a quick clean yourself. All in all, it's a solid choice for a pint and some grub, especially if you're after that mix of history and hearty fare, but it's worth keeping in mind for busier evenings. I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're in the area – just go with the flow and you'll have a cracking time!

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The beer selection is absolutely brilliant, with perfect pints that live up to their reputation
  • The food is spot on – think tasty classics like scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and steak pie that hit the spot every time
  • Service is warm and attentive, with staff going out of their way to make you feel welcome and handle things like allergies with real care
  • It's got that charming historic vibe, being a proper old pub in the heart of Leicester Square with a fascinating backstory
  • Outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a relaxed catch-up without feeling overrun by crowds
Cons
  • It can get a bit hectic when busy, so you might need to find and wipe down your own table
  • Service might vary depending on the time, especially if you're popping in late or during peak hours

Contact Information

10-12 Bear St, Greater, London WC2H 7AX
+442073210814
Pub
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday11:30 - 23:00
Tuesday (Today)11:30 - 23:00
Wednesday11:30 - 23:00
Thursday11:00 - 23:30
Friday11:30 - 00:00
Saturday11:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Great beer and food. We had the scotch egg, halloumi fries and cauliflower and multiple beers. They take allergies VERY seriously which we appreciated as my wife has a severe allergy to tree nuts. Would definitely come back! You may have to snag your own table and wipe it down if they’re busy.
RR
Rose Richi
The service was great at this traditional corner pub with tables on the sidewalk on a pedestrian only alley. Great spot right off Leicester Square but not too crowded or filled with tourists. The bangers and mash were great, really flavorful sausages and super creamy mashed potatoes. Loved the outdoor seating area.
RV
Rick Vattimo
As first time visit to Nicholson's Ale & Gin at 10-12 Bear Street London we were greeted with a warm and inviting smile from Asneha who welcome us as old friends. Asneha served us with the professional guidance ensuring that we were meet with service knowing what was available on the menu to ensure we needed in food and drinks for our dinner. The establishment is immersed in history that just sends you back in the historical past where fast foods were just two words. The food holds the traditional goodness in both food and atmosphere. Thanks to the Bear and Staff in making this visit a truly memorable time David & Lynn Laws.
DL
David Laws
We had a very late dinner (~8pm) here after a long day of travel. There was no wait for a table since most other patrons were either finishing up their dinners or just having a beer down in the bar area. We were seated on the 2nd floor, where it was quieter and there was ample seating. My sister got a gin and tonic (strawberry), and I got just the non-alcoholic strawberry cider. Both were great, and the fresh strawberries in them were really good for munching after. We got two pies to share, and it was almost too much food. The rabbit pie didn't have any pastry, rather it was topped with mashed potato -- and it was delicious (even without the side gravy, though it rounded out the flavors well). I got the mushroom pie, which was okay. I'm not sure if it was a matter of the pastry to filling ratio or just that without any meat, the sauce was just not as rich, but it didn't taste as flavorful as a meat pie. The side gravy really helped elevate the entire plate, but I think it would have paired better with mashed potatoes rather than whole little fingerling potatoes. I ended up pouring my gravy over the entire plate. The server was super friendly, and even offered to take pictures of us without us asking. There's soft music playing in the background, and the dining area is overall very cozy.
CL
Cindy Liu
Brad was our server and he was great. Friendly and attentive. We had the fish and chips, steak pie, and toffee pudding. Super Delicious! I recommend the steak pie and toffee pudding. Great atmosphere. We dined upstairs and enjoys the music of the pub downstairs.
LS
Lala Skoorb

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