A 16th-century coaching inn on Esher's High Street that's been thoughtfully refreshed without losing its soul — exposed beams, warm welcomes, and a proper pint of Young's still front and centre. The Sunday roast earns repeat praise, the garden is a summer magnet, and nine boutique bedrooms upstairs mean you can turn a long evening into an overnight. It's not trying to be edgy; it's a well-run traditional pub that knows exactly who it's for.
A 16th-century coaching inn with exposed beams, a proper pint of Young's, a garden built for long summer afternoons, and Sunday roasts worth writing home about.
Book a garden table ahead for summer weekends — it fills up fast and walk-ins often get stuck inside on the nicest days.
A historic Esher pub done right
The Bear is the sort of pub that reminds you why the British pub tradition endures. Dating back to the 1500s, this former coaching inn on Esher's High Street has been given a thoughtful revamp — the kind that freshens things up without stripping away the character. You'll still find exposed beams, a warm welcome, and a proper pint of Young's, but the interiors now feel lighter and more inviting than your average heritage pub. The garden is a real draw in summer; grab a table outside and it's easy to lose an afternoon.
Food-wise, it's solid gastropub territory. The Sunday roast gets repeat praise, and the menu leans into classic British fare done properly rather than anything overly fussy — think crispy fish and chips, hearty pies, and seasonal sausage and mash. There's a private dining room if you're organising a group, and the nine boutique bedrooms upstairs make it a handy option if you want to turn a long evening into an overnight stay. Service can be a touch slow when it's busy, but the staff are friendly and the atmosphere makes up for it.
With a 4.3 Google rating from over 450 reviews, The Bear sits comfortably as one of Esher's go-to spots. It's not trying to be edgy or trendy — it's a well-run traditional pub that knows its audience, and that's exactly why people keep coming back.