Bear Inn, 6 Alfred Street, OXFORD, OX1 4EH [Map]
01865 728164 
12-23 MO-SA; 12-22:30 SU
Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar, Rail Station Near Pub

Me outside the Bear Inn, September 2000

Not the easiest of pubs to find, this small back-street corner bar is frequented by locals, students and dons along with the odd tourist. The historic oak panelled two-roomed interior features a single rare pewter-topped bar offering up to 5 real ales from a range of breweries. We sampled the Hook Norton Old Hooky (abv 4.6%), a full-bodied ale which we relished. We'd have probably been just as happy with a pint of Fuller's London Pride or Timothy Taylor's Landlord which were also on offer.

For those who enjoy a drink outside, there are picnic sets to the rear. The interior has a tremendous collection of pieces of rare tie that have been snipped off their unsuspecting owners and displayed in large glass fronted frames. Each 'tie end' is labelled with its former owner's name and a brief mention of the tie's origin. Those losing a piece of tie are compensated with a free pint of beer.

For the hungry amongst you, they do serve a reasonable range of lunches between midday and mid-afternoon. Finally, a quick thank you to Jon for helping to compile this review.

Me consuming a fine pint of Hook Norton's Old Hooky, May 2002