Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1st September 2025

At The Bear, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

Who We Are

The Bear is a gastro pub in Tattenhall, Cheshire. We are the data controller for the personal information we collect about you.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information from you:

  • Contact details: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
  • Booking information: Check-in and check-out dates, room preferences, special requirements
  • Payment details: Credit card information (processed securely through third-party payment providers)
  • Marketing preferences: Your consent to receive promotional emails and newsletters
  • Correspondence: Any messages you send us through our contact forms or email

Cookies and Website Data

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience
  • Analyse website traffic and user behaviour
  • Enable essential website functions like booking forms

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser information
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referring website information
  • Device type and operating system

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

Service Delivery

  • Processing and managing your bookings
  • Providing accommodation and dining services
  • Responding to your enquiries and requests
  • Managing customer accounts and preferences

Business Operations

  • Improving our services and facilities
  • Analysing website usage and customer trends
  • Maintaining accurate business records
  • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may:

  • Send promotional emails about special offers and events
  • Provide updates about our services and facilities
  • Share news and information about The Bear

You can withdraw your marketing consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

  • Contract performance: To fulfil our obligations when you book with us
  • Legitimate interests: To operate our business, improve services, and maintain customer relationships
  • Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
  • Legal compliance: To meet our legal and regulatory obligations

Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal data with:

Third-Party Service Providers

  • Payment processors: To handle secure payment transactions
  • Booking systems: To manage reservations and availability
  • Email marketing platforms: To send promotional communications (with your consent)
  • Website analytics providers: To understand website usage and improve user experience
  • IT support services: To maintain and secure our systems

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights and interests.

Business Transfers

In the event of a business sale, merger, or acquisition, your personal data may be transferred to the new owners as part of the business assets.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against:

  • Unauthorised access or disclosure
  • Accidental loss or destruction
  • Malicious attacks and data breaches

These measures include:

  • Secure data transmission (SSL encryption)
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Staff training on data protection
  • Access controls and authentication systems

However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside the UK. When we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • Adequacy decisions by the UK government
  • Standard contractual clauses
  • Certification schemes and codes of conduct

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Booking records: Up to 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
  • Marketing data: Until you withdraw consent or we no longer have a legitimate interest
  • Website analytics: Typically 2-3 years
  • Correspondence: Up to 3 years unless ongoing issues require longer retention

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

Access and Information

  • Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
  • Understand how we process your information

Correction and Updates

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Update your contact details and preferences

Deletion

  • Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances
  • Withdraw consent for marketing communications

Restriction and Portability

  • Restrict processing of your data in specific situations
  • Request a portable copy of your data in a structured format

Objection

  • Object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Opt out of direct marketing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided above. We will respond to your request within one month.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, you can:

  1. Contact us directly to resolve the issue
  2. Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
    • Website: ico.org.uk
    • Phone: 0303 123 1113
    • Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending email notifications to registered users
  • Displaying notices during your next visit

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.