The Bear and Ragged Staff Project

The Bear and Ragged Staff is a heraldic emblem or badge associated with the Earldom of Warwick.

The Ragged Staff is believed to refer to Morvidus, an early legendary Earl of Warwick who is said to have slain a giant with a young ash tree torn up by the roots.

The emblem of a bear is believed to refer to a number of historic figures -, a Norman who followed King William the Conqueror to England, and served as Sheriff of Worcestershire or another early legendary Earl of Warwick named Arthal, which signifies "a bear", or one of the 4 knights who murdered Thomas Beckett in 1170 had a bear as a heraldic emblem.

In Tattenhall the Bear and Ragged Staff, built in the 1880s, was our local pub, then a Thai restaurant and during Covid a Pizza takeaway. Although the front of the building still looks unchanged, there are exciting things happening beyond its impressive facade. The local owners, who bought the building just before Covid, have been slowly and sympathetically renovating the building . The project is advancing thanks to the hard work carried out by a team of very skilled local tradespeople. A large extension has been built to provide a more formal dining area, there is an outside terrace with quirky huts providing sheltered seating and a new wood-fired oven. Upstairs eight, soon to be decorated, en-suite bedrooms have been created with some benefitting from wonderful views of the Peckforton hills. The original Bear function room has been retained and will be available for community events and family celebrations.

The Bear & Ragged Staff will be a food orientated pub with community, family and friendship at its heart. The owners are actively looking for a General Manager and hospitality team who will follow their vision to provide a joyful place to visit. As one of the owners said to me there must be "Joy in the Journey".

With the redevelopment now progressing at a pace we will be watching the progress with great anticipation!'

WeLoveTattenhall