Refoy, who previously worked at award-winning site the Golden Cross Inn, Cirencester and the Falcon, Poulton, will provide an “eccentric” and “honest” menu at the pub.
He said: “The Bear has so much history to the place, it’s got character and it’s an old school, warm pub.
“When I first saw [the site] I thought ‘my god, I could really sink my teeth into this kitchen.’ I like really good pub food done well with flair. It’s all cooked to order, fresh and powerful on the plate. You won’t get any tiny portions here.”
During his career Refoy has also cooked for celebrities such as Blur bassist Alex James and ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
He said that public response to his move had been overwhelmingly positive and that the site had already seen a high demand for bookings.
David Terry, owner of the Bear Inn, said: “He is bringing something very different to what is already a very busy local pub. Toby has also started using different and older cuts of meat; the entrecote steak is a perfect dish for this 17th Century Inn.”