Seasonal Food
Beautifully prepared.
Thoughtfully sourced, carefully made and full of flavour.
View menus →Our Story
Centuries of History.
A New Family Chapter.
Our family, our village, our next chapter.
The Bear at Wickham Bishops may be a new name, but the story behind these walls stretches back for centuries.
Our beautiful Grade II listed, timber-framed building dates from the 17th or 18th century, with records connected to the property reaching back as far as 1757. By 1769, The Chequers was documented as a licensed inn, beginning a remarkable hospitality story that has continued here for more than 250 years.
In 1810, records describe the property as the “Public House called Wickham Chequers”, together with an arable close of one and a half acres. Over the generations, countless landlords, families and villagers have passed through its doors, making it a much-loved part of Wickham Bishops life.
The building has seen many chapters and many names, including The Chequers, The Wayfarers and Olio at The Chequers. The old stables, original timber beams, fireplaces and centuries-old character all provide glimpses into the people and stories that came before us.
And now, it is our family's turn to look after it.
When we took on this wonderful old pub, we didn't want simply to create another restaurant or bar. We wanted to build something together as a family — somewhere warm and welcoming that our children could grow up around, and somewhere that could once again become a real part of village life.
There was also a very personal reason behind our decision.
Our autistic son has a lifelong dream of becoming a chef. We wanted to create a place where, in time, he can learn his craft, grow in confidence and work towards that dream in an environment where he feels understood and supported.
That dream became part of the inspiration behind The Bear.
As custodians of this historic building, we have tried to uncover and celebrate its past rather than erase it — revealing original timber beams, bringing a hidden fireplace back to life and giving the old stables a new purpose, while preserving the character that makes this place so special.
But above all, The Bear is about family and community.
It's Sunday lunches around the table, a pint with friends, children and families feeling welcome, celebrations, laughter and familiar faces walking through the door.
We are only the latest family in a story that began centuries ago, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be writing its next chapter.
Welcome to The Bear at Wickham Bishops.
Our family, our village, our next chapter.
