The Coat & Bear is now open, following a multi-million pound refurbishment and it is brimming with quirky touches and quintessential British charm.
Newbury’s newest pub was named in honour of local author Michael Bond’s creation, Paddington Bear, together with the infamous Newbury Coat of 1811.
The fourth pub with rooms from award-winning Heartwood Inns (part of Heartwood Collection and sister company to Brasserie Blanc), The Coat & Bear is located in the pretty market town of Newbury, in the heart of Berkshire. The pub sits 40 mins from London by train and offers a perfect retreat to dine, drink and unwind in one of the 26 boutique bedrooms.
A Pub with Rooms
On entering The Coat & Bear, a large reception hallway ensures an effortless check-in which has been stylishly decorated in Mulberry’s racing wallpaper in a nod to Newbury’s rich horse racing history. To the right, is a large dining room, restaurant and central bar with an array of leather banquette seating and high bar stools, the intimate garden room to the front with its large windows overlooking Bartholomew Street is a lovely setting for morning breakfast and a snug library, is a treat as the colder nights draw in.
The bar serves a curated wine list alongside local cask ales and beers and in homage to a marmalade-loving bear, The Coat & Bear offers a signature ‘Marmalade Sandwich’ cocktail to celebrate one of Peru’s finest exports. The cocktail includes Tiptree Marmalade, Cointreau and Tanqueray Sevilla and is exclusive to The Coat & Bear.
A Seasonal, Sustainable Menu
With a three star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest rating possible, The Coat & Bear is serving up its autumn menu full of seasonal favourites. The pub works with renowned suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, Jude’s and ChalkStream trout to change their menus quarterly in line with the seasons using the highest quality ethically sourced produce and ingredients.
To start, take your pick from a beetroot terrine with horseradish sorbet and beetroot dressing or traditional French onion soup served with lashings of gooey Gruyère and croutons. Mains include an eight hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison served with a rich Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash and an artichoke and chestnut mushroom pithivier served with pickled girolles, braised baby onions, grilled leeks and accompanied by a red wine and port sauce. For dessert, indulge in the spectacular “Autumn Still Life”, a homage to the season and the joys of exploring the forest.
Children are catered for with their own dedicated menu filled with activities to keep them occupied whilst you dine with two courses for just £9.50 and three courses for £12.50. Dishes include grilled trout with homemade tomato sauce and ice cream served with the ultimate toppings platter (£2 supplement) which includes mini marshmallows, strawberries, chocolate sauce and more.
On Sundays, the pub serves a classic selection of roasts including 30 day dry-aged beef from Aubrey Allen served with all the trimmings including bottomless Yorkshires, gravy and roast potatoes.
With Christmas around the corner guests can enjoy a festive celebration or stay at The Coat & Bear. Celebrate with friends, family or colleagues with their party menu at £39.50 for three courses or join us for Christmas and enjoy an indulgent six course meal for £99.95. Stay at the pub for the full festive experience and you will enjoy carols on Christmas Eve, a six course meal on Christmas Day and a secret visit from Heartwood Inns’ Santa to deliver a special gift to your room when you check in with packages starting from £299 per person.
Stay With Us
The Coat & Bear has 26 beautifully appointed bedrooms where the attention to detail is second to none. Each unique room boasts a comfy Silentnight mattress, luxurious throws from The Secret Linen Store and duvets from The Fine Bedding Company. Guests are welcomed to their room with sweet treats and a softly playing Roberts Radio. Designed in Heartwood’s signature warm, welcoming style with a touch of quirk, the rooms, many with original period features, are decorated with a nod to Newbury’s history featuring equine prints and racing photography. Rooms range from a Comfy, perfect for the solo traveller, through to Really Comfy, Fancy, Really Fancy and Luxe some of which which boast roll top baths, comfortable seating areas, fluffy robes and Bramley sleep spray for the perfect night’s rest. The Grand is a beautiful suite with exposed original beams and brickwork, a separate lounge and large bathroom with double sink, roll top bath and walk-in shower. All rooms benefit from tea and coffee making facilities, rainfall showers, Bramley toiletries and smart TV’s with casting to make your stay as relaxing as possible.
Family Friendly
The Coat & Bear is the perfect destination for families looking to explore Berkshire. A newly installed Paddington Bear bench is a must Instagram moment for all whilst Newbury will soon be launching its very own Paddington Trail highlighting the sights of Newbury and Michael Bond’s story. A range of rooms are family friendly, offering trundle beds and rooms large enough to accommodate cots.
Canine Companions Are Welcome
The pub has a number of dog-friendly rooms for guests travelling with their four-legged friends. Pooches are pampered with dog beds and Bramley toiletries for a charge of £20 (total cost for the stay for up to two dogs). They also have their very own gourmet menu courtesy of Sir Woofchester’s which includes nutritious and tasty dishes such as “Fish & Chips” and “Bark Bangers”.
What Else?
Explore Newbury with its world class Racecourse, the magnificent Highclere Castle (home of the real life Downton Abbey), explore the Kennet & Avon canal, galleries, museums and range of independent shops and the grounds of nearby Donnington Castle. London is just a 40 minutes train ride away, making it an easy getaway for the weekend and, with an array of activities on your doorstep from Oxford (40 mins away) to Winchester (40 mins), you really are spoilt for choice.
The Coat & Bear – 28 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berks RG14 5EU