Your vitriolic attack on the Bear Hotel, its managers and staff, was unworthy of the Gazette and Herald.

Andrew and Angela McLachlan run an establishment which is an asset to this town – in fact they themselves are an asset.

I am far from being alone in finding them friendly, courteous, always ready to help anyone and (important for publicans) ready to share a joke.

With regard to the staff, I have always found them courteous and helpful. If they are busy, they obviously have no time to chat but, in my experience, friendly service is the rule at The Bear, even when it is not deserved.

The Bear is less expensive than many establishments in town. It is one of life’s pleasures to enjoy reasonably priced, top quality morning coffee in comfortable, tasteful surroundings and know that one can enjoy a half-price second cup.

Delicious lunches can be enjoyed at less cost and in nicer surroundings than many other places.

Thanks to the innovative Cellar Bar, Devizes has been put on the blues and jazz map. It has certainly made a difference to my life and I am far from being alone in my appreciation. Life without it would be “un-Bearable”!

Pauline St John Osland, Downlands Road, Devizes.