Falcon, Huntingdon

As described, a very old inn off a courtyard through an archway. Inside it is an old-school boozer, slightly rough round the edges and not making the most of its ancient woodwork and fittings. The saving grace is a fine row of handpumps with a good selection of mostly lesser-known brews, although for my taste a few more darker ones wouldn't have gone amiss. Not the most salubrious of pubs but good for the beer.

A 16th century coaching inn, the Falcon is accessed via an arch off the market square that leads to a row of picnic tables on a flagstone floor that runs up the front of this long and thin pub. Inside there’s a central wooden floored bar with a wooden serving counter across the rear that faces a couple of high tables on the front windowed wall. To the right of the bar is a carpeted area with a large table next to an old fireplace with an electric coal fire effect heater. To the left of the bar is a split-level wooden floored seating area with a sign pointing to the rear of the pub advertising pool and darts. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some background music that wasn’t really to my taste. Standard and premium keg products were available, and I counted 14 hand pumps, eight of which were in use, the offerings included Downton Brewery’s Moonstruck, Castle Rock’s Space Rock, Raedwall’s Gold, Harding’s Golden Ale, Adnams’ Old Ale and Vale Brewery’s Scarecrow. I opted for the Gold that was decent for a session beer, and it only set me back £2.20 for the pint. This place is certainly worth a look.

This is more like it. Set just off the Market Square and accessed through an arch, this old coaching house oozes history. (Oliver Cromwell recruitment station and jail, according to the Good Beer Guide - which it is a 2023 entry). Low ceiling main room - with roaring fire, tv showing the racing and a long bar with double digit cask on. A lot seemed to be quite conservative Marstons range but there were a few more unusual beers on. A comfortable pub experience, with friendly staff and regulars. Only thing - they weren't offering food, despite the GBG sating excellent home cooked food. They did suggest we could bring in food from the market. Significantly better than the other GBG entry in town.

Official site of Falcon - falconhuntingdon.co.uk

Official site of Falcon - falconhuntingdon.co.uk

Well described by BF, below, this superb alehouse is nicely hidden away from the main drag. It’s a bit frayed around the edges, and there were a few people in who had over-indulged, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Entertainment had been laid on in the form of a small lady throwing her (now presumably ex-)boyfriend against the wall and giving him a stern and somewhat kinetic explanation of his shortcomings. Ales on were Pride, Phipps IPA, Three Castles Corn Dolly, Beijing Black and Best Bitter from Potbelly, Banks’s Amber, Jennings’s Night Vision, Great Oakley’s Wot’s Occurring, Tiffield Thunderbolt and Abbey Stout. We tried them all apart from the Pride and Stout, and had no complaints whatsoever, aided by the late opening hours. This is by far the best ale venue in this town and I shall certainly come here next time I’m in the area

Multi pumped pub with 15 available but a number turned round. Nevertheless a good selection of ales and one to which I would revisit.