This historic establishment captivates visitors with its authentic character, featuring low timber beams, stone-flagged floors, and comfortable furnishings spread across several internal sections, including an upstairs dining room.
Canal Pub on the Llangollen Canal
Guide To Black Bear
The Black Bear is a remarkable medieval gem located in the heart of Whitchurch. It is housed in an eye-catching black and white timbered building that dates back to 1662 and sits prominently at the top of High Street, opposite St. Alkmund's Church.
Under the stewardship of Alistair, the pub prides itself on serving “good honest food and drink.” It offers an impressive selection of real ales, including its own house-brewed beers and exclusive recipes like the JPA from Magic Dragon. The pub also features decent wines that they blend and import themselves. The Black Bear received accreditation for beer quality in 2022 and typically features ales from local breweries in Cheshire and Shropshire. Additionally, its highly-rated food menu has made it very popular among both locals and visitors.
Beyond its charming interior, the pub boasts a lovely courtyard garden that replaced a former car park. This space serves as the venue for their annual late Spring Bank Holiday weekend beer festival, further enhancing the warm and friendly atmosphere that makes this historic tavern a true treasure of Whitchurch.
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Black Bear Reviews
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Review from Google Places
10 July 2025
What a brilliant pub with a fantastic garden. Loved the food etc. Staff amazing and very friendly especially Josh. Will be def coming back to Whitchurch…… Even thinking about living here as so friendly.
Review from Google Places
16 June 2025
Been to a lot of pubs already and I always love and enjoy the feel and culture inside. I thought I won’t be surprised anymore but this one is one of them. Different feel inside with lovely bench seatsand was quite comfortable. A very old building and pub with a fire place inside. Dogs were allowed which is nice. I like the decor inside and wss homey. Atmosphere loved it.
Service was topnotch, very friendly and approachable and never pushy.
Main kicker is the food, served really quick, at first I felt it was pricey but when the food came, serving was massive, sandwich was really packed and tasted good. My fish and chips was by far the best I ever had, super crunchy and fluffy in the inside. The chips were really good. I just kept praising it while I was smashing that one. They have their own cask ales and it was really good. Though I live far, I will definitely visit again.
Only weird thing though is the parking on the road which is limited to 45minutes, which is everywhere in the place.so I guess you need to eat fast 😂
Review from Google Places
28 January 2025
The Black Bear is well known for being very good for food. Menus are not overly complicated and the produce and presentation good. The service is very good with people who genuinely keen to ensure you have a good experience. This weeks curry week offered a good choice of different curries. The sharing platter was particularly good value as there was plenty for two. The only bit that was disappointing was the naan breads which were comparable to supermarket bought naans. Drinks are a bit pricey at this pub though and meals not cheap. The pub is missing a log burner for cosiness too. Would recommend though if you don’t mind paying higher than elsewhere.
Review from Google Places
10 September 2024
A warm welcome from all the staff. Food was fantastic and would highly recommend it to family and friends if they were in the area. Will definitely return. Also had outside seating area with lovely garden.
Visited again this year, and the food and staff are still as amazing as ever. Look forward to calling in again when I’m passing. The garden is so relaxing and beautiful with plenty of sitting areas, dogs welcome.
Aug 2023,
Another great visit to the Black Bear, fantastic meal which was well cooked and presented and we all thoroughly enjoyed. The pub is in a lovely location and kept very clean . The lovely Beer garden at the rear is lovely on a good day. All the staff were extremely helpful . I look forward to be returning again in the near future. Keep up the good work. X
Review from Google Places
4 September 2024
Short walk from Pepper Street Rooms, recommended by owner. Traditional style pub, wooden beams, floor, etc. Had the fish n chips and scotch egg with an amber beer and golden pale ale. both dishes were excellent. Really enjoyed both the food and ambiance. Highly recommended.
