Market Inn, Huntingdon

Facebook page of Market Inn - www.facebook.com

Official site of Market Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of Market Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Facebook page of Market Inn - www.facebook.com

Tucked down an alley just off the Market Square is the 17th Century Market Inn that is now operated by Craft Union. The entrance opens into a seating area that runs towards the rear, and a step to the right drops into the bar area where a wood panelled serving counter across the rear faces some high tables along the front wall. To the right of the bar area are a few tables next to an old dirty red brick fireplace on the right-hand wall. In the right rear is a pool table and a dartboard, as well as the shortest most pointless little corridor that has been created due to poor planning when this aged pub was mutilated with a sledgehammer. Televisions are found throughout and Sky Sports is heavily advertised; the sport of choice was muted snooker via TNT Sports on a recent midweek early evening visit when some crap modern pop music was playing in the background. Standard and premium keg products were available and the three hand pumps were badged with TT Landlord and 2x London Pride. I thought the service was miserable and there was little atmosphere, which may have improved later when the football had started, but I didn’t hang around to find out.

There is a very good looking exterior to this half timber framed pub,tucked away up an alley behind the town hall.The window tiling pick out the names of the original layout,namely Saloon Bar,Parlour,Tap Room and Smoke Room.However the interior is a sad let down,and must be due to a refurb undertaken since Ale Monster's extensive review. The only entrance used is the corner door,and the interior winds around an island bar.To the left there is fine parquet flooring in what used to be the Saloon,but there is sparse furniture in here,it feels empty.Close to the bar is a large black sofa below a flatscreen airing daytime TV,while a side corridor leading to the rear pool table has a series of dining tables opposite an undecorated wall.At least a darts board survives,but fireplaces are unused.It just feels as if the current lessee can only afford a minimal amount of well used pub furniture. There are three handpumps ,only two working on my Thursday lunchtime trip with Old Rosie cider and Robinsons Trooper (not on great form,£1.45 half).No food available,it's a town centre boozer. Such a shame the interior is so bland,with more TLC (and some investment) this pub could be a real winner.Nothing much to draw the visitor in as things stand.

Busy pub near the centre. The Grand National was one during my visit. Two not so strong real ales. Pool room to the rear.