The Old White Bear is the oldest building in the village Cross Hills and was built in 1735. It has previously been a hotel, a brothel, a council meeting place and a dance hall. The council met frequently here to discuss the Leeds and Liverpool canal and decided where to cut through the land here! It has also been the site for Goose Eye, White Bear and Naylors breweries and ale from Naylors brewery, situated just down the road, is still sold at The Old White Bear.
Some of the beams used to build the pub are believed to come from a naval ship which took part in the battles against The Spanish Armada called “The Old White Bear” hence the name! The building is full of character, most of which has been collected over the years by the locals. The building itself has walls 24inches thick which is possibly why it is still going strong!
There are two real fires which come to life in winter and a sun-trap beer garden for the summer. We also have a darts and doms team (who won the league in 2009) and we are one of only 3 pubs in Craven to have the traditional ‘Ring the Bull‘ game.
In 2009 The Old White Bear was awarded the Pub Of The Year accolade by the Keighley and Craven branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). It has also scooped the seasonal award in 1992, 1995, 2003, 2006 and 2009. It was given the award for its good value beers and colourful history. The Old White Bear is currently owned by Neil & Ruth and Mark & Tricia Pickles and the Craven Herald quoted it as:
“A fine example of a popular, well run community pub”
Neil says the award is testament to our customers who create the atmosphere!
The Pub was also featured in Yorkshire Life Magazine in January 2010. Click here to read the article