Pub in London WC2

Bear & Staff

10-12 Bear Street, London, WC2H 7AX

Leicester Square, about 1 min walk

4.3out of 5 on Google, from 2,070 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

About Bear & Staff

Victorian pub with pavement tables and dining room named after former customer, Charlie Chaplin.

First licensed in 1714 and called the Bear and Ragged Staff until 1835, this is a late Victorian (re-built in 1878) corner pub that was one of the smallest in the area until extended into an adjacent shop in 1997, giving it two distinct areas. Upstairs is the Chaplin restaurant dedicated to Charlie Chaplin (who is supposed to have drunk here after performances at the Empire Theatre) with photographs.

The food offering includes pre-theatre set menus, sharing platters, traditional pies and other pub grub favourites, a kids menu, and Sunday roasts. Food options also include takeaway and delivery, as well as eating in the pub. Four or more cask ales are normally available.

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

Dog Friendly
Outdoor Seating
Sports TV: Certain events shown, see venue website
Family Friendly
Serves Food
Serves Lunch
Serves Dinner
Restaurant
Real Ale
WiFi: O2
Reservable
Good for Groups
Accepts Credit Cards
Accepts Debit Cards
Accepts NFC

Opening times

Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator: Mitchells & Butlers
Price: 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
Phone: 020 7321 0814

Photos

Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.3out of 5 on Google, from 2,070 ratings

5 out of 5R Wobblyon Google, October 2024
Our group saw their menu and decided to try them out. Great decision !! It's a limited menu of standard pub fair, but their flavors are first rate. Highly recommend either the steak pie or lamb shank with a "side salad" and a pint. Enjoy a more relaxed meal on the 2nd floor. Service is good, the atmosphere is excellent. (Circular stair case may limit access.)
5 out of 5Zqgyt. 734on Google, July 2024
I felt lucky coming across this highly rated pub during our stay in London. It did not disappoint. The food was superb and the price left appropriate for what you get. The staff were very helpful despite how busy it was. We liked it a lot we actually went twice and would go back again next time.
5 out of 5Jerrica Wedemeyeron Google, August 2024
It was quiet at first and seemed very fancy, but then the waitress Nicola was incredible and she made the atmosphere so fun. The food is amazing! The fish and chips were so delicious. If you're looking for a great place to have London food this is it!!
5 out of 5Léna Bekriteon Google, August 2024
The food was excellent, as always. I've been coming to the Bear and staff every time I'm in London for the past 15 years, and the quality never cease to impress. Service was impeccable, I don't know the name of the waiter (but I know he comes from Exeter) and he was one of the best waiters I've had in my life. The homely and calm feeling when you're in the upstairs restaurant delights every friend I've taken with me along the years. We recommend the fish and chips which is cooked to perfection, and the sticky toffee pudding 👌🏼
5 out of 5Autumn Brandenburgon Google, June 2024
One of the best pubs I have stumbled upon in London. The bangers and mash was unbelievable. The fish and chips was also something I would recommend. The vibe here is really cool and we had the most accommodating and kind waiter, Phil. Thanks so much to The Bear and Staff for a great experience. I’ll have to come back and try the sticky toffee pudding!

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

Pubs nearby