Bear Inn

The original Bear Inn (so called from 1432) ran the length of Alfred Street up to the 'High' and was one of Oxford's largest and most important hostelries until 1801 when it was demolished. The current building was originally behind the old inn and dates from 1606 being an ostlers' house for the men who looked after the horses. First recorded as an inn called the Jolly Trooper in 1774, it took the name Bear Inn when the original was demolished. The Bear is a 'tied' house in more ways than one, renowned for its collection of tie remnants taken from customers. The inside of the pub is very compact - the main, low-ceilinged bar has two small rooms adjoining and the ladies toilets are up a narrow winding stairway. The rare pewter-topped bar and other historic fittings were removed in a 2000 refurbishment but the back room still has floor to ceiling panelling and brass bell pushes from the days of waiter service. Has been identified by CAMRA as having a regionally important historic pub interior. There is a large pavement seating area off Blue Boar Street to boost the pub’s capacity.