Harden's survey result
Summary
Josh & Hannah Byrne are the duo behind this “beautiful” and “outstanding gastropub in the back of the Welsh beyond”, where the “small” and “great-value” menu has “something for everyone”, including superb “deep-fried oysters to start” – but famously no Sunday lunch, which the duo banished after decamping from Bristol to run it in 2018. Alas, the owners put the pub up for sale in May 2025, but there was still no sign of a regime change as we went to press, and they anticipate the sale process to take at least a year, so there’s still time to get in fast (like Times critic Giles Coren, who visited in summer 2025 and, as part of a hugely glowing review, praised its fava bean panisses [£5] for their “Michelin-level control and precision”).
Summary
This “innovative gastropub in a remote Welsh village, specialising in high-quality local produce” is “sensibly priced for cooking of such a high standard”. Josh & Hannah Byrne attracted some brickbats in the early days for their refusal to offer a traditional Sunday roast – but six years in nobody is complaining any more (and they’re likely to find venison on the menu anyway).
Summary
Josh & Hannah Byrne’s “remote country pub” punches way above its weight with a “small, exceptional menu that changes every day” of “innovative cuisine”, featuring “bold, delicious flavours” and “locally sourced ingredients, perfectly cooked”. Top Menu Tip – “the deep-fried oysters are a gem”… “even if you’re ambivalent about oysters!”
Summary
This “small, atmospheric gastropub in the back of the Welsh beyond” (closest town Usk), opened by Josh & Hannah Byrne four years ago, is “well worth seeking out for its innovative and well-priced food”. A “short (three main courses) and frequently changing menu makes the best of local produce and the chef’s inspiration”, delivering “incredible flavours in deceptively simple dishes”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Black Bear Inn?
Bettws Newydd, Usk, NP15 1JN
Restaurant details
The Black Bear Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I love the smaller menu, they put a lot of effort into each dish. Deep fried oysters are my absolute favourite. I know they allow dogs in the restaurant but the two smelly spaniels that two old women brought in were appalling. What’s wrong with people. Can’t they go out for dinner without taking their dogs FFS?"
"Gets more popular every year. Love the deep fried oyster and the Welsh Rarebit. They are not afraid to try something unusual with strong flavours. What they do with Brussels sprouts is sensational. Sell a great Albariño for £51. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Bettws Newydd, Usk, NP15 1JN
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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