Falcon, Huntingdon

Up a narrow passage off the Market Place with an undecypherable inscription over the arch, it’s so much a CAMRA pub that it’s odd it’s not GBG listed. Of course it’s not always that pump count trumps quality so hats off to the local Camras as I found the quality distinctly average, maybe because of the nine cask lines. I was drinking a 3.4% boys bitter of course which didn’t help. There’s a collection of Camra awards nonetheless on one wall. A good range but maybe their punters prefer the fruity ciders and dreary kegs on the five T- bars and Heinekin Mekon. A strange mix of old and new, the decor is scruffy and tired, offset by the loud piped music, screens (off) and machines. Seating is available in the side yard. Could be fun when busy and the beer is fresh. Pool table and darts upstairs and the toilets are at the back.

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