A swanky new pub near our town has finally opened much to the delight of locals.

The Coat & Bear, Newbury opened this week after an extensive multi-million pound renovation by Heartwood Inns.

VIP guests were invited to explore the pub with its 26 bedrooms, meet the team, and sample the pub's food and drink offering, including the newly-created “Marmalade Sandwich” cocktail before it was officially opened by the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Andy Moore OBE.

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 project included the restoration of the listed Georgian frontage and the transformation of the original office and retail buildings into a stunning pub with a stunning island bar, dining room, and 26 beautiful boutique bedrooms. 

The pub’s bedrooms have been thoughtfully furnished and infused with Heartwood’s signature touches including Bramley toiletries, Roberts radios, televisions with Chrome casting, rainfall showers, and Illy coffee makers.

They also boast the comfiest beds with Silentnight mattresses and bedding from The Fine Bedding Company and The Secret Linen Store to ensure guests are relaxed and refreshed.

The Grand and Luxe rooms together with many of the Really Fancy rooms also boast freestanding baths with separate walk-in showers.

A number of the rooms are also family and dog friendly, making The Coat & Bear the perfect destination for a weekend escape within easy reach of London.

Richard Ferrier, CEO, Heartwood Collection, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to create a new-build pub with rooms with a listed Georgian facade in the historic town of Newbury.

"With its elegant island bar, inviting nooks and charming rooms, we truly hope it will become a vibrant gathering place for the great and the good of Newbury for many years to come.”

Guests visiting The Coat & Bear will be able to enjoy its seasonal, sustainably sourced menu which has been created in line with its three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest rating available.

Guests can choose to dine in the cosy dining room with its sumptuous velvet banquette seating or the light and airy garden room whilst those visiting for a drink can sit at the island bar or relax in an armchair in the welcoming library.

Working with U.K suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, butcher to the royal household, the pub’s skilled chefs will be serving up autumnal dishes including eight hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison with Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash or “Autumn Still Life”, a sweet tribute to autumn foraging in the woods.