Revitalising a Shropshire Stalwart
The Bear occupies a prominent position in the village, opposite the Norman church of St Luke’s, and the magnificent Hodnet Hall Gardens. Established as a coaching inn in the 16th century, the Bear has been serving patrons ever since.
The village of Hodnet takes its name from the old Welsh hawdd nant, meaning peaceful valley. The Bear’s present-day tranquillity belies a colourful past.
Beneath the ground, its ancient tunnels and cellars hid rebellious monks from church officials, and provided tax-free smuggling routes for thrifty publicans. Its fabled bear pit was revived in the 1970s when the publican—for a time— installed two real grizzlies, Madge and Bib, who were later donated to Newquay Zoo.
Another relic of a bygone age is the fabled ghost of Jasper Nielsen. A Scandinavian timber merchant, Nielsen died nearby of hypothermia after a booze-fuelled tiff with the publican in the late 1500s. He is reported to have made his spectral presence known to revellers on numerous occasions in the proceeding centuries.
The Bear remains the sanctuary it’s always been, conserving the ambiance of its rich history in its timber frame architecture, flickering fires, low ceilings and inter-connected rooms. A complete renovation by the pub’s owners has reenergized it, blending history with timeless refinement and comfort: inviting bedrooms, ground source heating, interiors by Octavia Dickinson, and wireless internet access throughout.
The Bear is operated by Chloe Turner and her dynamic team. Over the last decade Chloe has developed her passion for the hospitality trade, working all over the UK, before returning to her home village of Hodnet to become an integral part of the relaunch of The Bear Inn.
The kitchen is headed up by Joe Andrews. Joe and his brigade have received much acclaim for their skill and delivery of the culinary offering available at The Bear Inn. Within two years of launching, the inn has been rewarded with a place in the Michelin Guide and has also been awarded two rosettes by the AA.
The team strive to make every guest’s experience truly memorable through their dedication to good food and drink, warm customer service and creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoyment and relaxation.
The team greatly look forward to welcoming you.
