The Bear, Cobham

What we thought

Overlooking the River, in the heart of Cobham, The Bear is a beautiful looking pub, that has a lot of charm about it, before you even step in the door. We trialled it to make sure it wasn’t just style of substance, and that the food (and drink!) were up to scratch for those living in Surrey for a traditional Sunday lunch or midweek supper. 

We kicked off visit with a couple of gin and tonics at the bar, before heading into the pretty dining room, adorned with more fairy lights than a forest of Christmas trees. It made for stylish surroundings, whilst we worked our way through the menu deciding what to have. We settled upon patron peppers to share, followed by a steak with chimichurri sauce and a cheeseburger, all to be washed down with a bottle of pinot noir. It being Burn’s night when we visited, we topped off our dinner with a totally unnecessary deep fried mars bar. 

The menu was full of standard grub such as toad in the hole and fish & chips, as well as slightly more exciting dishes beef shin with macaroni cheese, or a beetroot tart for starters. The menu isn’t enormous, but we prefer that as it shows the chef is just focusing on a few key dishes and, importantly, is far more likely to be using fresh ingredients. The wine list was extensive though, which was great to see. It means that whatever your taste or budget, you should be able to find something that you like here. 

Service at The Bear adds to this Surrey pub’s appeal, with friendly staff who were really helpful. It’s one of the most important elements we look for when reviewing for Ashtead Living readers.

From a pricing perspective, The Bear positions itself as a reasonably priced option in the Cobham dining scene. While it may not be the most budget-friendly spot, it certainly offers value for money considering the quality of the food, the welcoming ambience, and the overall dining experience. It’s therefore a good choice for both locals and visitors seeking a satisfying meal without a hefty price tag.

Would we go back?

Yes, we’d like to couple it with a walk at nearby Painshill Park.

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