HISTORY
This Grade II* listed building has a history as a coaching inn extending over 250 years. Bought by its current owners in 2018 and complete with its resident stone bear stood looking over Wareham’s high street, the inn also came with responsibility for the world. Local legend has it, if ever the bear falls from its outlook, the end of the world is nigh!
Over the following 20 months local craftspeople worked tirelessly alongside the owners to bring The Bear back to its former glory, as the area’s preferred place to meet, dine and spend a special break away. The building’s historic features have been lovingly restored, including the original wooden panelling discovered in our grand Aloysius room, a stunning brick wall exposed in the restaurant, and an ancient bread oven found hidden within a wall and now rehomed behind our bar!
Thanks to the work of this fantastic team, in October 2019 the ground floor of The Bear opened, welcoming guests into the panelled bar, peaceful library, beautiful restaurant and characterful function space, all of which are linked by a fabulous glass roofed corridor. An outdoor dining space is available for when the weather is good, and for those cosy winter days wood burners in the bar and restaurant add to The Bear’s homely atmosphere.
Lockdown promptly ensued in March 2020, where time was spent breathing life into the six luxurious boutique bedrooms, proudly opened in July. Each of these rooms boast the inn’s original sash windows, with the odd sloping ceiling and floor thrown in for extra charm. Work has just begun on the next phase of restoration, and by summer 2021 another six beautiful bedrooms as well as an accessible two bedroom cottage will be available to let.
Whether you're planning to meet, eat, drink or stay, why not treat yourself to some Bear hospitality?