Business Details
Your Historic Stay in Wantage at The Bear Hotel
The Bear Hotel has been a cornerstone of Wantage since the 16th century, blending centuries-old tradition with modern hospitality. As the town's largest hotel, we offer 34 en-suite rooms, an award-winning restaurant led by Head Chef Dylan Bettson, and versatile event spaces for weddings and business meetings. Our family-run establishment, managed by Ellie, Georgia, Keith, and Jo, combines 30 years of hospitality expertise with a commitment to using local produce and providing flexible, customer-centric service. We pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences, from relaxed stop-overs to special celebrations, all within our historic market square setting.Our amenities include complimentary cake with hot drinks, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned spaces that cater to diverse guest needs. With our central Oxfordshire location, we serve as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. The Bear Hotel remains dedicated to preserving its rich heritage while delivering contemporary comfort and exceptional service.
Services
Hotel Accommodation
Restaurant Dining
Bar Services
Event Hosting
Conference Facilities
Highlights and features
- We offer 500 years of hospitality heritage in a family-run setting.
- Our award-winning restaurant features locally sourced ingredients by Chef Dylan Bettson.
- Flexible event spaces cater to weddings, conferences, and private dining.
- Complimentary cake with hot drinks between 10am-5pm daily.
- Central Oxfordshire location near major attractions like Blenheim Palace.
Services
Hotel Accommodation
Our 34 en-suite rooms provide comfortable lodging in a historic setting. Each room includes free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to modern amenities while preserving traditional charm. Ideal for business trips, leisure stays, or exploring nearby attractions.
Restaurant Dining
The award-winning Twenty Six restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner using locally sourced produce. Head Chef Dylan Bettson crafts seasonal menus with options for casual bites or formal meals, complemented by air-conditioned dining spaces.
Bar Services
Enjoy real ales, fresh coffee, and light meals in our historic bar. Open daily from 10am with complimentary cake between 10am-5pm, SKY SPORTS broadcasts, and a relaxed atmosphere for socialising or remote work.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, christenings, or birthday parties in our flexible event spaces. We offer tailored catering, waitress service, dance floors, and overnight accommodations for guests, with private hire options available.
Conference Facilities
Our venue supports business meetings with Wi-Fi, projector screens, and divisible conference rooms. Ideal for professional gatherings requiring modern technology and catering services in a historic environment.
People
Dylan Bettson
Head Chef
Award-winning chef with expertise in creating menus using local produce, leading our kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences in the Twenty Six restaurant.
Ellie
Sous Chef
Experienced sous chef who joined the hospitality industry at a young age, contributing culinary skills and creativity to maintain The Bear's high dining standards.
Georgia
Front of House Manager
Business and Event Management graduate overseeing front-of-house operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences and coordinating private events at The Bear Hotel.
Keith
Hospitality Manager
With 30 years in hospitality, Keith provides strategic leadership alongside Jo, leveraging extensive industry experience to maintain The Bear's reputation as Wantage's premier hotel.
Jo
Hospitality Manager
Jo supports daily operations with three decades of hospitality expertise, working alongside Keith to ensure The Bear Hotel delivers exceptional service and maintains its historic charm.
Questions
What are The Bear Hotel's check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3pm, with check-out required by 11am. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged subject to availability.
Does the hotel offer parking facilities?
Free parking periods are available at The Beacon Public car park behind the hotel. Please inquire for current details and availability.
Can I book event spaces at The Bear Hotel?
Yes, we offer flexible event spaces for weddings, conferences, and private parties. Our restaurant can be divided into two rooms for exclusive hire.
Is breakfast included in room rates?
Yes, all room prices include breakfast. We serve breakfast daily from 7am-9am (Mon-Fri) and 8am-10am (weekends & holidays).
Does the bar serve food throughout the day?
Yes, our bar offers light bites and meals daily from 10am-9pm, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30pm.
Reviews (6)
Helen Sinclair
Dec 04, 2021
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Stay was fantastic, staff were lovely and friendly and price was good. There was a minor level of dust/spiderwebs that had been missed, and breakfast on the Saturday morning let the show down, especially considering how delicious dinner the night before, and lunch that day and breakfast the next day all were. Not sure what went wrong there, but that's pretty much the only thing which makes me put 4 instead of 5 stars. I'd definitely stay here again if I'm ever in the area again!
Wayne Flanagan
Nov 26, 2021
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Stayed over the night for a hike from Swindon to Oxford. Didn't eat at the restaurant or bar but the room was decent enough for the price. Great shower, comfy beds etc. Would stay again if passing through
Nick Mercer
Nov 19, 2021
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School reunion dinner and overnight
I stayed over night on 27 November after the Alfredians Club dinner, which the Bear team ran superbly as ever at the same time as the dining room was full and the bar rocking! Your team of waitresses could not have been more, attentive. The lovely Megan looked after my end of 1 table and she was quick charming and efficient. I partucukarkyvlije that she had to be reminded to take payment for wine orders and counselled her that we old boys aren't all entirely reliable for remembering to pay! The food was delicious, and generously portioned. I was, so full by
I stayed over night on 27 November after the Alfredians Club dinner, which the Bear team ran superbly as ever at the same time as the dining room was full and the bar rocking! Your team of waitresses could not have been more, attentive. The lovely Megan looked after my end of 1 table and she was quick charming and efficient. I partucukarkyvlije that she had to be reminded to take payment for wine orders and counselled her that we old boys aren't all entirely reliable for remembering to pay! The food was delicious, and generously portioned. I was, so full by
Kerry James
Nov 02, 2021
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Really enjoyed the fish pie, the beef wellington and steamed marmalade pudding. Would recommend future customers to bring a duvet as it's freezing the staff are unable to remedy as it is beyond them.
Christine Ashdown
Oct 27, 2021
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The Bear in Wantage is a really nice place to visit for a meal also in the main bar for coffee or tea with a cake , very reasonably priced
Helen Fallon
Oct 22, 2021
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Love this place, food was excellent, six of us. Service really let's it down, I had to ask twice for a menu, ask to order drinks, ask for glasses with our water, ask for cutlery...... You get my drift.
