The Polar Bear boasts a truly splendid exterior apparently
unchanged since the last major rebuild in 1922 which introduced the wonderful stone pediment
bearing the name of the pub (thanks to the Local History Unit for this). The
effect is a little diminished because the exterior in turn boasts an interior that looks unchanged
in over twenty years; and maybe should have been.
That may be a slightly unfair judgement on a popular gay-friendly
and locals' pub; but the exterior does lead you to expect something that is, despite the domed
ceiling and huge leatherette circular couches, a little grander than you find.
Users' Views: In February 1999, Paul Howarth wrote: "I read your comment about the
interior of the Polar Bear with sympathy. About twenty five years ago the main area was separated
into two by a wood and mirror screen, and the floor was bare boards. The screen, which looked about
as old as the building, disappeared (It probably just got thrown away), and the padded seats and
carpet were added. This was not a case of a consultant recommendation, and indeed there was no
noticeable increase in customers. It seems that a new landlord needed to make a change. Well, its
their pub, but I cannot understand the need to spend money, destroy something, and gain
nothing."
