I lived in Bearwood about 20 years ago and still occasionally visit friends in the area. The High Street is very busy and the entrance to shop by the Bear will be VERY public. Poplar Road is busy enough but the vestibule entrance to the other place at least provides some discreet cover.
I agree with this. I was there last Saturday morning, poplar road was just ok, but it was still early when I went in. When I walked down to the other place by the bear, a hour later, it was streaming with shoppers and was very open. If you have to ring the bell and wait, could be very awkward IMO. I would still go in as I don't really give too much of a fuck (not from the area). I would imagine the nervous or the very local to the area punters would be put off by how open and busy it is. But it was Saturday.