I was surprised and upset to read last week’s editorial on The Bear which amounted to an uncalled for and unsubstantiated attack on Andrew and Angela MacLachlan.

Friends and myself meet in the bar of The Bear several times a week and regularly attend The Jazz Cellar Bar. We have always found both husband and wife kind, helpful, cheerful and obliging and always willing to participate in anything going on in the town.

As for “lack of leadership”, what rubbish! You are quite wrong. Andrew leads by example, not asking staff to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. I do not know of a more hardworking couple, who are both willing to chat to customers at any time.

You say “The Bear should be a real asset to the town”. Quite simply, it is! It is one of the first places that tourists make for, clean and smart.

We can always rely on an enjoyable evening in the Jazz Club. The music is free for much of the time, because revenue from the drinks helps to subsidise the musicians. To see the same band in another town in the area, one can be charged £10 or more.

High prices? The drinks are not as high as in other pubs. Where else can a senior buy a Sunday roast lunch plus a dessert for under £7?

You say the main bars are underused. They are often so popular that we sometimes have difficulty finding a seat. Comfortable? It is the only place still running log fires, cosy and warm in winter and full of atmosphere.

Mrs J Legge, Tintern Road, Devizes.