The Prince Albert, Ely

Traditional local that is surprisingly a Greene King pub. I remained in the small front bar for most of my visit, but did later venture to the side of the bar itself to the toilets, where I found a dining area stretching back quite a way. I think there may well have been a more formal dining room beyond that, which I didn't explore. Greene King IPA & Abbot are the regular ales. Their Bonkers Conkers was also proving quite popular. Also available were Black Sheep Best Bitter, St Austell Tribute, Timothy Taylor Landlord and my choice, the local Three Blind Mice Juice Rocket, which was as juicy as it sounds. In addition, they had a couple of Weston's real ciders - Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. Customers were a friendly bunch. Most seem to know one another. It was after 4pm, but some had stayed for post-lunch drinks. Others were arriving post-work, with others about to start an evening of drinking. Wifi is available here, if you need to connect. I only noted it, as the internet reception in this city is particularly poor, especially indoors. But it won't bother many. This is my kind of traditional pub and despite being owned by Greene King, its ability to select some beers free of tie is a bonus.

A jovial looking crew of locals were stood in front of the bar, on our visit. It was when they noticed our presence, trying to look at the handpumps, they all politely moved from the bar to let us in, which was a very mannerly welcome. Ten handpumps to choose from, so I went for the GK Rumrunner 5.2 which had a good taste of rum to it. The pub is traditional in décor throughout and extends, a good way back form the front, with a beer garden. The service was good and staff were friendly.

Traditional whitewashed brick back street pub, formerly the Officers' Mess for the local Militia. Interestingly, the houses across the street had the old War Department Broad Arrow device about them. Inside, a couple of small rooms opening off the central bar, devoted to drinkers and their dogs:further in, a room furnished with booths,well occupied with diners on our Saturday lunchtime visit. To the rear, down some steps is a more modern extension set up as a restaurant. This pub has all the hallmarks of being a Greene King tied house: not surprising as GK have historically been strong in this area. What was surprising to me was that the pub boasts around ten handpumps, the majority serving beers from micros from around the country.I was tempted by Greene King's wonderful and rarely seen XX Mild,but in the end limited myself to Sparta, from the fairly local Milton Brewery. (Malt does more than Milton can/To justify God's way to man...)however, this iteration of Milton went a fair way to ameliorate a rather damp January day.We were, on a rather circuitous route, on our way to Norwich, and food was on the agenda. This was seriously good, although as noted by earlier scribes,fairly pricey. A proper pub:friendly and efficient service on a busy session. There's also a large and inviting looking garden at the back.

Down a quiet side street just a short stroll from the cathedral, this is an up-market, three room Greene King house. The front bar is comparatively basic, offering some traditional décor and seating options and a simple, plain servery opposite the entrance. You move through to a lounge-style area which offers access to the servery on the right hand side. Standard seating is arranged to the front of the room with long banquette booths further back down the left hand wall. A series of shelves here offer a selection of board games and books whilst the walls have a few interesting bits on display including some that hint at the pubs former use as an officer's mess. Moving further towards the rear, steps lead into a recently refurbished formal dining room with plenty of standard tables and chairs ideal for those wanting to sample the pub's high quality cuisine. From here you can reach the rear walled garden which is reputedly the biggest beer garden in Ely and offers glimpses of the cathedral. We stopped off here for a bite to eat having heard good things about the food. The menu is certainly not cheap, but then I think it's fair to say that the food is a cut above your normal pub-grub fayre and we both enjoyed our meals very much. Despite being a Greene King tied house, the pub has a reputation for excellent beer and the guest ale policy means that an interesting selection beyond the core GK range is likely to greet you. I found the following available on this visit - Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and XX Mild, Wolf Golden Jackal, Milton Sparta and Truman Runner. Sadly the pint of Golden Jackal I sampled was a bit past it's best but I'm prepared to let that slide as one dubious pint does not make a bad pub. I quite enjoyed our visit here and whilst it's probably gone a bit too far down the gastro for many punters, I still found eating in the relaxed surrounds of the lounge was a pleasant experience. This is clearly one of the better ale houses in Ely and I'd happily return for food, drink or both.

Decent backstreet pub, retaining two bars and old fashioned furniture and decor. As a Greene King pub, IPA, Abbot and XX Dark (£3.00, and very good) were available on handpump, together with Holdens Buffalo Soldier and Nethergate Growler as guests. Overall, well worth seeking out. (NB - Review dates from August 2012.)