57 St John Street,
Clerkenwell,
London,
EC1M 4AN
0872 148 2214
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The simplicity of this friendly public house is tarnished only by the second rate furniture on the pavement outside.
The Venue
Located in the relative peacefulness of the middle ground between Clerkenwell and Farringdon is the White Bear. The big white bear of the weathered old sign is the first thing you see from a distance and it's a good job because the next thing is the litter of ugly MDF tables and chairs outside.
Once you step onto the impressive, stripped floorboards inside, you'll probably have forgotten the memory of warped yellow wood outside and relish the simple rows of furniture in this pleasant little pub. The colour scheme is soft - the eggshell grey of the bar is particularly pleasant - and although it could do with a little more light its tattiness comes across as a flaking cosiness.
The Atmosphere
Fortunately for the White Bear, there is enough going on at the weekends in this part of the city to keep a good number of people entering through its doors. There are a few big clubs nearby and if you're not looking for the warm up of a DJ bar beforehand then this is a good choice. Its size keeps it sociable and there isn't just a dearth of suited business types inside but a mixture of visitors. There is no need for bouncers and the staff make it a friendly place to start your night. There's also a big screen that shows live sport.
The Food
The White Bear doesn't do anything outlandish and the simple pub food on the menu is no different. There are some good daily offers with BBQ ribs, chips and salad at a price busting £3.70. The rest of the menu is a mixture of burgers, pies and fish and chips with an average price of £7.
The Drink
Once again, things are kept simple with a small range of wine and spirits that don't stray into the exotic or unusual. The beers on draught are Grolsch, Stella and Carling, so a little something for everybody.
The Last Word
When it's full, the White Bear has mass appeal inspired by its basic qualities and the polite, friendly service is not to be underestimated.
The White Bear has been reviewed by 4 users