The 16th century Bear Inn is situated in tranquil Berkswell, a pretty rural village on the Heart of England Way. A Grade II listed timber framed building with colour washed brick nogging
Once known as The Bear and Ragged Staff, the inn was popular in the 1800’s with ‘pleasure parties from Birmingham and Coventry’, and hosted the annual October Stattis Fair in the field behind the inn, where farm-workers came to be hired by local farmers for the coming year. Surrounded by picturesque lush countryside in the leafy hamlet of Berkswell, the historic Bear Inn with its ancient oak beams, log fires and private nooks and crannies is an idyllic place to enjoy a traditional country pub lunch or Sunday roast along with fine wines and cask ales. The inn’s original name – The Bear and Ragged Staff - comes from the arms of the Earls of Warwick, the former Lords of the Manor of Berkswell. Shakespeare refers to Warwick’s emblem ‘The rampant bear chain’d to the ragged staff’ in Henry VI, and a giant wooden bear climbing a pole can still be seen outside the pub today. Whether walking the Heart of England Way or exploring historic Berkswell, The Bear Inn provides the perfect location to pause, relax and recharge, with fine wines and cask ales. The Bear Inn is a 16th Century pub with a delightful ambience, surrounded by thatched cottages and greenery in pretty Berkswell village.
Lovely cosy pub and staff were friendly, but the roast we had was disappointing. Roast potatoes were anemic looking and completely soft, as was the veg. We decided not to stay for dessert.
We were disappointed with our visit for lunch as we have generally been impressed by other Chef and Brewer pubs. It did not start well as most of our party ordered starters or mains containing prawns but after 15 mins the waitress returned to say there were no prawns so we had to revisit the menu and start from scratch. When the meals did arrive they not great, particularly the cheese souffle and an overcooked vegan burger. Service continued to be slow although the pub was less than a quarter full. Overall not a good experience.
Came for Christmas Day dinner 2023. Can’t fault the staff or the place. Straight to our table. Food was terrific and staff couldn’t do enough for you. We’ll definitely be back soon and certainly for Christmas Day 2024. Well done!
Visited for Sunday lunch,no mash with the roast and only one carrot and one parsnip. Paid extra for cauliflower cheese which was hard and had watery cheese sauce on and pigs in blankets which was two long grey sausages with a tiny piece of bacon around them. Service very slow had to ask for the bill even tho it was empty and the waitress stood talking . Dessert was nice and well presented and the pub is very cosy. Sadly I wouldn't rush to return
This restaurant is very good. The location is good to find, there are enough parking spots and inside the restaurant looks and is very cozy. The waiters are very friendly and nice. The food is excellent and also the prices are fair.
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Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7
4.0/5
Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7
4.4/5
The Brickmakers Arms is a beautiful 17th Century Inn. Under new management since April 2014 and now open every day from midday and serving fantastic home made food! Families and dogs welcome and there is also a huge beer garden.
