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Weddings

The Crazy Bear Reviews

The Crazy Bear

The Crazy Bear

Stadhampton, Oxfordshire
4.9 out of 5 rating, 58 reviews
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Reviews

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4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
58 reviews
99% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating

Badges

  • Charlie
    Charlie S. Sent on 15/12/2024
    1.8 out of 5 rating
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    Sold a dream we didn’t receive

    When booking we were told about so many things we could do and have on our day but we didn’t get any of the things we had our hearts set on.

    The wedding coordinator didn’t make us feel very catered for and failed to communicate changes to us. We found out we couldn’t have fireworks because the firework company gave us our deposit back. I found out just under 2 weeks before the day that only 9 mirrored table tops were available, rather than try and source another for me they just said it’s 9 so what do you want to do, I had to change my whole seating plan. I didn’t find out until the night before my wedding because I saw it set up that they only had the black and gold dance floor which is disgusting and on the contract said black and white dance floor. I understand it broke but it happened the weekend before my wedding! They should have communicated with me so I knew in the end after I complained they did source another black and white dance floor overnight but they should have done this sooner. I didn’t find out until on the day of my wedding during my wedding breakfast that they wouldn’t light the fire pits as promised and included in the contract, the garden lights didn’t work and the barman had left who promised us signature cocktails so that wasn’t happening either! The most disappointing thing on the day was the wedding breakfast. Our menu tasting was amazing and we were so excited for the food but on the day the meals were entirely different to what we tasted and the presentation was lacking, desserts were still frozen when served. Our allergies for our guests were not catered for with our guests being told they didn’t have desserts when other guests were receiving theirs! They knew about the allergies in advance but didn’t have the GF food! They then served chilli pizza for the buffet for the children leaving 2 in tears because “their mouths were on fire” they knew it was for kids as we discussed a week prior to the wedding!

    The staff complained all day about how they were treated with some overheard discussing quitting. They didn’t announce the hog roast, buffet or cake so not many people knew it was ready.

    Around 22.15 staff started moving guests items from the tables and removing all the linen and then wheeling the massive round tables out of my venue when I still had another hour and 15 minutes of my night left meaning the only seating was outside or in the back the other room.

    We didn’t get the feeling that our wedding matter to the crazy bear coordinator so we actually paid for our own on the day coordinator and thank god we did because so many of the issues she dealt with to lessen the blow to us.

    We paid for a truly amazing photographer who managed to save my wedding photos. I wanted all the theatrics of the lights, the fire works and the fire pits which of course I couldn’t get because of the venue but the photographer still managed to get me an album I love.

    We had an amazing day but we have our family and friends to thank for that

    I thought long and hard about leaving a negative review but when you are promised so much and it all falls apart it’s only fair to give others warning. Ensure you get everything that matters to you listed on your contract because otherwise they’re just a selling tactic used to get you to sign the dotted line and there isnt anything you can do if you don’t get it. If you want a venue that makes your wedding planning process and your big day feel like it matters and is truly special this is NOT the venue for you.

    It is a venue that is up in price compared to others but when you look at the treatment you receive and what they actually provide you with on the day it is NOT worth the money.

    I wouldn’t have left a negative review if the venue had of communicated their issues with facilities and services with me in good time, shown compassion and empathy that they were not able to provide me with what was promised and hadn’t of packed up my venue while we were still partying.
  • B
    Bella A. Sent on 09/05/2023
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Service as good as the surroundings

    Rob is a very smooth operator - we could not have wished for someone better to run the show. He and the team were everywhere they were needed, had handled any issue before you knew it and delivered on our personal requests and customisations like they'd done them a thousand times before. We appreciated the enthusiasm and friendliness, which was the same at the end as 12 hours earlier when we arrived. Likewise the painstaking preparations, which set the tone for a magical afternoon.
    Everyone loved all the food, to which I would add that the house wines were also excellent. Beers were standard pub price with a good choice of taps, as well as a nice range of cocktails for those who do.
    We loved our room and were only sad not to stay longer. Thanks for keeping hold of our gifts and wedding things overnight - it couldn't have been easier.
  • Calum
    Calum P. Sent on 04/03/2023
    4.8 out of 5 rating
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    Totally un-stressful

    The Crazy Bear is a special place. If you go there expecting to be pampered and treated like you’re royalty, you will likely be disappointed and you should stick to the Randolph. If you go there with an open mind for a totally different hotel experience, you’re far more likely to enjoy it.

    We held our wedding reception there (having stayed at the Beaconsfield hotel previously), and I can honestly say, that it resoundingly rose to the challenge of the occasion. The hotel staff are thoroughly capable of hosting big occasions, as shown by the regular raucous parties they throw for events like Halloween etc. From the beginning of the planning stage, right through to the execution of the event, they had it totally under control, offering advice and suggestions on how to make the night more memorable. They worked seamlessly with vendors my wife and I chose for the flowers/cake etc. They really are exceptional professionals.

    Although the food was mass catered by the kitchen staff, for the wedding party (120 people), you would never have guessed it. Countless guests approached me over the evening and the following days informing me that the food (the lamb in particular) was one of the best meals they’ve ever eaten. I shared that opinion. Really blew me away that mass catered food like that could compete for flavour with some of the best London restaurants.

    The rooms are, of course, eccentric. If you’re even remotely considering staying at the Crazy Bear then you’ve likely seen the pictures. All the reviews I’ve read talking about how the rooms are dark or over the top, with low ceilings etc, I really don’t understand. The Crazy Bear isn’t trying to be a sweet ordinary hotel. If you’re looking for a Holiday Inn style room, stay in the Holiday Inn. If you’re looking for a room dripping with individuality, that you absolutely, for definite, will find nowhere else, then the Crazy Bear might be for you.

    I cannot thank the staff there enough for making the best day of my life continue into solidly one of the best evenings of my life. I am absolutely elated that I took the risk in celebrating my wedding night at the Crazy Bear and not some run of the mill, off the shelf converted barn that was the runner-up option.
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  • E
    Emma Sent on 12/03/2020
    5 out of 5 rating
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    We had the best day ever!!

    What can we say about the wedding day apart from WOW! We had the best day ever! Thank you Guy, Con and Flori and all of the other staff involved working that day. Everyone was so brilliant and the day went just perfectly. We had so many comments from our guests about the venue, the food and how slick the running of the day was. Thank you for all of the planning and meetings leading up to the day and on the day itself. It has been an amazing start to married life. Thank you again (and again and again!)
  • D
    David Sent on 12/03/2020
    5 out of 5 rating
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    An Absolutely Fantastic Day

    We had an absolutely fantastic day with our wedding at the Crazy Bear. Nothing was too much effort for the staff. Flori & Con were warm and friendly to ourselves and our guests. From set up to the actual event, we were treated fantastically and the organisation behind the scenes was exemplary. Once again a huge thank you from both myself and Anne Marie
  • M
    Michelle Sent on 21/11/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
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    The Most Perfect Venue

    Guy we cannot thank you enough for how smoothly Friday went. We had an incredible day in the most perfect venue. Thanks also to Con and the rest of the front of house team. All of the staff were polite and nothing was a problem to sort out. As Crazy Bear members we will hopefully be back soon to catch up with you all and one of your event nights
  • L
    Lauren Sent on 21/11/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Thank You!

    Just wanted to leave a review to say thank you for our fantastic wedding day. It was everything we wanted and more. The staff were exceptional! We will certainly highly recommend your services to anyone. I think some of our guests have already been in touch for a wedding brochure! Thanks you once again Crazy Bear
  • S
    Sharon Sent on 16/11/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Our day was utterly special & perfect

    A massive thank you to Guy for making our day so special and perfect! We have been overwhelmed by it all and everyone has commented on how wonderful the food, decor and surroundings were and how superb, welcoming, friendly and helpful the staff were. We knew this already but to have our guests say it too is testament to the great gig you have going on there. We really cannot thank you enough and will never forget it! A day to remember for sure!
  • C
    Christian Sent on 28/08/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Thank You!

    We just wanted to leave a review for Guy and the team to say thank you so much for everything that you did for our wedding on Sunday. The day was much more than either of us expected and all of the staff were superb all day. We thought the venue looked amazing (we knew it would!) and obviously the beautiful weather was the icing on the cake! The English and Thai BBQ with the half lobsters was a real hit and it was just so relaxed and non formal which was exactly what we wanted. Thanks also Guy for the little touches that you did throughout the day. Thanks again and we will be back soon for one of your Christmas parties
  • K
    Katie Sent on 08/08/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Our wedding far exceeded all our expectations!

    My husband and I (eek!) have just had our wedding at the Crazy Bear and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done. We honestly had the most fantastic day without any issues at all! I want to say a massive thank you to Guy for organising everything from start to finish and a big thank you to all of the waiting staff involved. They were truly fantastic dancing along with us all and were so friendly and helpful. You all do a wonderful job there and you certainly know how to throw a party!
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