We know how it is, after a while exploring the ancient market town of Huntingdon and its excellent activities and attractions such as Houghton Mill and the Cromwell Museum, it reaches the point where you’re feeling parched for some form of refreshing beverage. Drum roll, please: Feast your eyes on the finest pubs in town.
Pubs in Huntingdon
The Barley Mow
Huntingdon pubs
There are plenty of excellent pubs in and around Huntingdon for you to pop into for a pint, but our pick of the bunch is the exceptional Falcon. The 16th-century coaching inn is one of the most historic pubs in town, with a prime location facing the Market Square. It’s a proper CAMRA favourite with 18 real ales, 10 real ciders, and a whopping 30 fruit wines and meads on tap. When you consider that prices start at £2 per pint, and the food’s good too, why would you go anywhere else in the town centre?
If you’re after somewhere away from the town centre, your options are equally as strong. The Cockin nearby Hemingford Grey was named National Pub of the Year 2019 by The Good Pub Guide, plus it has a hard-won reputation for being one of the very best gastropubs in Cambridgeshire. It enjoys a beautiful riverside setting overlooking the Great Ouse and offers an exceptional array of drinks and modern British food. We recommend The Cock’s sausages; they’re handmade on-site and taste exceptional.
The name is a bit of a misnomer, as King of the Belgians doesn’t discriminate on where their beers come from. In fact, as well as some seriously tasty Belgian beers, you’ll find a CAMRA-pleasing selection of real ales sourced from all around. It’s one of the best free houses in the county and runs supremely popular beer festivals throughout the year. Check whether it’s on before you stay with us at our Huntingdon hotel, which is less than a 15-minute drive away. And while you’re here, call in for a drink at The Barley Mow at the end of the road. It has a large beer garden and hosts a popular quiz on Thursday.
Heading west away from Huntingdon, The Mermaid is a fantastic country inn on Ellington High Street. It’s owned and run by a Michelin star-trained chef, so you know the food is going to be exquisite. We could have easily listed The Mermaid among our favourite places to eat in Huntingdon, but we’ve kept it among our favourite pubs to encourage you to call in even for just a drink at the bar. Although seeing the food may quickly persuade you to stay for dinner.
One last honourable mention goes to The Crown Inn in the nearby hamlet of Broughton. It’s a beautiful rustic setting for an excellent gastropub. The building was formerly a saddlery and has heaps of character. Visit on Wednesday for steak night, and you’ll see why we’ve fallen in love with the place.