Not only does the Bear and Ragged Staff serve fantastic food throughout the day, its conversion to a Country Inn is complete with the opening in December 2012 of the last five of nine rooms. The Bear is now in a position to offer a full suite of services to the discerning traveller whether on business or just looking for a home away from home for a few days.
Our food ethos can be summed up very simply, local where possible, absolutely fresh, prepared in our own kitchen. The Bear`s food offering can best be described as eclectic, mainly British food, prepared with loving care and attention in well equipped kitchens, beautifully presented and served by well trained floor staff. And all this with a wine list carefully selected for quality and value.
Whether you are looking for a simple sandwich or businessman`s lunch, a romantic dinner for two or a full on three course meal with wine, port liqueurs and coffee, we have the solution. If you want to hold that special family gathering or a sit down banquet for 80, we can accommodate and tailor our offering to your requirements.
With addition of our rooms, all featuring internet access, flat screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, king sized beds and Olde Worlde character, we have now added a new dimension to the Bear experience. In addition we have award winning ales, a play area and garden, a comfy outdoor decking and ample parking.
The room count in Cumnor has just increased by another 125% with the opening of the last five of nine rooms at the Bear and Ragged Staff in December 2012. The Bear is just 2 miles away from the A34, 4 miles West of Oxford and without all the city centre parking issues and outside rush hour, is just a 12 minute drive away. Park and Ride facilities are just a 5 minute drive. Just off the main A420 to Swindon and Bristol, a stay at the Bear is a sophisticated Country Inn experience. Guests have full access to the bars, log fires and the main restaurant. Perfect for that special romantic weekend or for the busy travelling businessperson.
The Old Cottage Wing. Once a row of one up one down agricultural labourers cottages, rooms in the Old Cottage Wing have been lovingly restored to their original residential purpose. All boast en suite bathrooms and the high ceilings give a wonderful feeling of space. There is full access to broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity. King sized beds are standard throughout, desks, full length mirrors for preparing for that special romantic dinner or business meeting are featured.
The Landlord`s Wing.Above the Old Pub which is housed in the original part of the Bear dating back more than 450 years, we have converted the "Landlord`s Wing" which has historically been used as accommodation for the succession of Landlords who have graced the Bear since it was converted into a pub in the 1860s. This part of the building is bursting with character and features crooked beams, sloping floors, quirky staircases, mullioned windows and, if rumour is to be believed, Ghosts!
We think that the above does justice to what we strive to achieve with every meal that comes out of the kitchens at The Bear and Ragged Staff . We are not trying to be trendy, super-sophisticated or offer "fusion" cuisine. Our food is beginning to get a fair bit of recognition too. The Tripadvisor website has rated us in the top 10 since August 2011 out of over 300 Oxfordshire restaurants.
Our aim is to tickle your taste buds with some good, honest mainly British food, well presented and served with a smile, made from locally sourced ingredients wherever practical. And by British food, we do not mean overcooked meat and two boiled to death veggies served with lumpy mash and gravy. You only have to take a look at the countryside near to our Oxfordshire home to get inspiration from the local farmers produce and the game that heaves in the fields nearby.
These ingredients are then prepared and cooked absolutely freshly on the premises with tender loving care led by our Head Chef, Thomas Hope and his team. We also like to reflect the Seasons and therefore change our menus to take advantage of whatever is available at the time. Menu changes take place in January, April, July and October.
In addition to our main menu, we also offer a light lunch menu from Monday to Friday, which features items from our main menu for just £8.00 and sandwiches for £6.75.
Why not choose The Bear and Ragged Staff for that special occasion? We can cater for the whole range of corporate and private events
Any of our public areas can be tailored to provide a unique and special experience whether in our restaurant, pub or outside on our decking or in the garden. We have gained an excellent reputation with local businesses and residents and visitors from afar who use our facilities to entertain guests & friends.
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