Tucked away down narrow, winding lanes, surrounded by farms and woodland but just a few miles from central Croydon, you'll find The White Bear at Fickleshole. The unassuming white building, formerly a row of labourers' cottages, conceals a warm and welcoming interior that is home to great food, local ales and an extensive wine list.
As famed for its ghosts and legends as it is for its food and drink, The White Bear is a rare find. Regulars have visited for years to enjoy a pint of its own Fickleshole Ale, named after the tiny hamlet in which it is situated - the pub has earned itself the prestigious Cask Marque, too. And the succulent steaks, served with perfectly fluffy, chunky chips on a hot skillet, are well-renowned.
The menu is full of the kind of hearty pub classics that leave diners spoilt for choice, which is probably why people rarely visit just once. There's also a daily-changing specials board and a lighter lunch menu for those short of time (or small of appetite). And naturally, The White Bear serves a spectacular Sunday roast, which changes each week depending on what's seasonally available.
In the summer, the large garden and terrace is full of floral colour and you can order light bites and drinks from the outside kitchen just by the pond. Take advantage of sunny days to visit The White Bear on foot, by bike or even on horseback - all comers are welcome, including dogs.
Local Food Surrey says
The White Bear is a local legend - and not just because of the rumours about its two resident ghosts and its namesake White Bear.
It might be tricky to find in its secluded spot in the Surrey countryside but it's well worth the effort to try one of its famous 28-day-aged steaks!
We promise that we will never, ever pass your details to anyone else or overwhelm you with emails – we send one a month, occasionally two (unless we have something really amazing that we think you will want to know about straightaway!).
And we will always make it really easy for you to unsubscribe – one click, straight from the email. We never want to lose our readers but we know how hugely irritating it is when the unsubscribe facility is made as difficult to use as possible..