The Royal Oak, Huntingdon

A big Georgian building but there the promise ends, fairly modernised inside by Greene King. A single L shaped room inside with the counter along the left hand wall. Two hand pumps lurking behind an ad’ board in spite of Abbot and Old Speckled Hen advertised elsewhere in the pub. Yes GK has sold the Old Speckled brands to Damm. A range of solos carry the usual low end kegs, Moretti and Asahi perhaps a cut above the Fosters etc, the Wingman stuff is obviously on albeit on a Brewdog fount. The screen was competing with the piped music on Greatest Hits radio, no one was making other noises by playing the machine. The front arm of the L has banquette booths, old photos and arty prints. Seems small inside for the outside, garden at back, but I didn’t venture further than the front bar, apparently there are several levels.

The Royal Oak is L-shaped with a serving counter that supports standard keg alongside Birra Moretti and two hand pumps, one of which was drawing Hobgoblin. This counter, that runs up the left, faces seating to the right where banquettes along the front and rear wall face each other over some tables that are in turn overlooked by a television that was airing Champions League football via TNT Sports whilst some 90s rave music played. Opposite the counter in the right rear is a bit of mezzanine madness where steps lead down to a pool table and above are some armchairs and a dartboard. This is the only sports orientated pub this side of the Great Ouse, so I’d use it if I was a local through lack of options.

Interesting setting in the pretty village of Godmanchester, but a quick look around the door reveals a very ordinary sports bar with a couple of hand pumps serving nationally available bland beers. Did not stop to sample them.