One of Bristol's oldest pubs will have a new landlord at the helm when it reopens after lockdown.
The Bear in Hotwells dates back to 1675, when it was a coaching house popular with merchants travelling between Somerset.
It's also home to Bristol’s longest-running modern jazz club, the Be-Bop Club, which has been based at the Hotwell Road boozer for nearly 30 years.
But when the inn reopens there will be a significant change - the family who has run it since 1997 will no longer be behind the bar.
After more than 20 years the O'Neill family's lease has expired and pub owners Punch Pubs are in the process of looking for a new publican to take over the reins.
Long-serving landlady Beverley O'Neill, John's daughter, shared a heartfelt statement on the pub's Facebook page thanking those who have supported the business over the years and staff.
She wrote: "We enjoyed every minute of the pub and have made lots of good friends and met so many lovely people over the period of time.
"Hopefully see you around and please keep supporting The Bear, it's such a lovely pub."
Fans of the pub have expressed their sadness at the departure of the O'Neill family, with many saying they will miss the "epic roast dinners" and warm welcome.
Bristol Live has asked Beverley why the family decided not to renew their lease and is awaiting a response.
In November 2019, John shared his concerns for the area following a number of shop closures on Hotwell Road.
"I can see a big bulldozer coming in and demolishing everything on Hotwell Road for new high-rises, but maybe I’m a pessimist," he said.
"People do refer to us as a community pub. We even get the local pharmacy delivering prescriptions here for people to pick up when they finish work. You can’t get more community than that.
"We have been successful because we are local people. I honestly believe if someone else took over, it would be closed within a year."
A spokesperson for the Be-Bop Club said they hope to remain at the pub, but that the decision is up to the new landlord.
Lucy Barker, Operations Director for Punch Pubs, said: "We would like to thank Bev, John and their family for their hard work and dedication throughout their time at The Bear and we wish them all the very best for the future.
"The Bear is a fantastic pub and we are working hard to recruit for a new publican to take the long term opportunity.
"We hope to be able to re-open with a temporary operator from July 4 and we are very much looking forward to welcoming customers back through the doors."
