Crazy Bear

Having had lunch in the English part of the restaurant: if you enjoy being in a nice and posh setting and having average food, then this is the place. If what matters is food itself, then this is certainly not the best place to have it. I will not say the food is bad but it is not any better than any other average pub and it is absolutely overpriced. Service is very (VERY) slow. Nice setting for a summer drink though.

E. (DI User), 03/10/10

Having recently dined at the Crazy bear for our engagement celebration, I must say how wowed I was. From stepping into this rather outrageous and quirky place I was not disappointed with the attention and professionalism of the staff, and certainly left in awe with the décor which created an atmospheric and cosy feel. We ate in the Thai restaurant and the food was just superb. I would certainly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience. Let's just say that it is refreshing to visit somewhere like the Crazy Bear and leave knowing that you will always return.

Happy Punter (Unverified), 28/07/09

I ate here some time ago. We were the only people in the restaurant for a Saturday lunch. I can honestly say that it was the worst meal that I have had in some considerable time. The noodle dish that I ordered was still cold in the middle, as if it had been frozen then microwaved. My mother and sister were also extremely disappointed with their food. We couldn't wait to leave.

I think the size of the menu says it all (huge) - they can't possibly have fresh ingredients for all these dishes. The menu seemed to me to be a throwback to the bad old days of the 1980's - trying to cover all bases and so failing to deliver.

I also thought the post modern with a twist decor "missed" - trying to be quirky but in fact just looking trashy. They should just concentrate on creating simple fresh meals using good local suppliers where possible. It may be that since I went (over a year ago) it has improved. I do hope so as there are so few interesting restaurants in the area.

On a mission to find good food in the Oxford area (Unverified), 01/01/09

I just love finding new cozy places to recommend to others if they are worth recommending - and the Crazy Bear is. We went on a Monday evening, which I thought possibly being a Monday, could lack atmosphere. From the moment we walked in the front entrance I felt 'Yes, this is going to be a success'. It was. We sampled Thai cusine and it was simply outstanding - fabulous flavours. Service was attentive towards us. There are lots of interesting features and had we had a far more promising summer with balmy evenings it would have been magical to have sat out in the garden for our meal. Definitely pricey but I feel due to the sheer fabulousness (not perfect grammar!!) of the Crazy Bear stick it on your list of pub/restarurants to visit.

Caz (Unverified), 22/08/07

Have been nipping in for a drink now and again over the past 6-7 years and am always amazed by the sheer luxury of the place and the various oddities you just don't find in other places. For starters, there's an old Routemaster London bus parked in the rear car-park that doubles as a reception area (for the hotel?), there was once a fridge full of home-made flavoured vodkas and draught Champagne (but both of these features have passed on) however the large plateful of oysters still adorns the bar and the toilets still have the visible fish-tank flushing mechanism (minus the fish on my last visit though!). There is also a very charming garden with a pond with waterfall and fish for warmer months.

I was put off when myself and a friend visited for a quick drink a couple of years ago on a Saturday evening and was informed by a barman that if we didn't have a table reservation then we couldn't stay, even for a drink! However I went for Sunday lunch 2 weeks ago for a birthday and I have to say it was one of the best meals i've had in ages. The prices are quite steep (see the Duck Egg Benedict Royale on the breakfast menu for £36!) but my pork roast was both generous and v tasty. The Baked Cheesecake dessert was good but the portion a little small.

There is also a Thai themed brasserie but I have not sampled their wares. This place gets packed with young professional couple types at weekends so booking is essential but its well worth the trip for a special meal with the family or to impress a loved one.

Joe B (Unverified), 13/04/07