The Best Pubs in Ely

The Prince Albert is a hidden back street pub and restaurant, once an officers mess, known for its high standards of beer and a great reputation for food earned over the last six years. It works to a simple formula of offering good beer and good food, using fresh, seasonal, and local produce for creative dishes. A large range of real ales and a fine selection of wines are available, and the pub hosts special events like an annual beer festival and pizza and pint evenings from a new pizza kitchen in the recently added garden room. It also has a hidden beer garden and is celebrated by visitors as a welcoming village local in a city with great beer, food, staff, and conversation.

The Drayman's Son is Ely's first micropub, a homely and charming establishment that has improved significantly under new ownership. It offers a wide selection of drinks, including a rotating choice of quality real ales, craft beer, and farmers cider, all from small breweries. The friendly staff are happy to provide tasters if you are unsure what you want, and you can even mind the penguins while you enjoy your visit.

Welcome to The Cutter Inn, Ely's charming riverside pub nestled along the banks of the River Great Ouse. Our menu celebrates the best of British pub classics and modern classics, complemented by seasonal specials, local ales, fine wines, and refreshing cocktails. Whether you're here for a relaxed lunch, a cosy evening meal, or simply to soak up the scenic views with a drink in hand, we promise a memorable experience by the river. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating and watch boats go by while taking in the stunning waterfront setting.

This pub is a very nice corner spot away from the main tourist area, offering a good range of Adnams' ales. Inside, you will find a long, wooden floored bar with an eccentric collection of furniture, including what looks like a dentist's chair. It is an attractive pub full of character with great real ales, and a lovely open fire that is lit in the evenings. Outdoor seating is also available.

Minster Tavern is the oldest hostelry in the area and the heart of the local community. It is big on sports, covering all major events and serving as a key sponsor of the local Rugby Squad. The pub is known for its friendly staff, casual vibe, and excellent pies, making it ideal for a quick meal. It is also very dog friendly, even offering a dog treat and water bar for your pup.

This Greene King pub is a welcoming local where the feel is instant and every visit feels exactly what you needed. It is a place that brings people together, perfect for a midweek catch up, a big match, a competitive quiz, or simply an excuse not to cook. Outdoor seating is also available.

Welcome to the Royal Standard, the oldest building on Fore Hill, dating back to the 15th century. This popular dining and meeting place serves succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and traditional pub food, all complemented by an eclectic 60 bottle wine list, real ales, and cocktails. Guests rave about the delicious flat iron steak, awesome soup of the day, and crunchy chunky chips, while the dog friendly pub is praised for its warm, welcoming staff and great food and wine selection. With regular events, jazz evenings, and a special gin menu, it offers a home from home feel with excellent service.

This pub is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves a proper pint, offering a brilliant selection of real ales that keeps locals coming back. The energy here is fantastic, especially on weekend evenings when live music and DJs fill the space with a lively buzz. It gets wonderfully packed, creating a vibrant, bustling feel where you’ll want to arrive around 9pm to grab your spot before the bar gets lively. The food earns high praise, and the recent delivery of more pickled pig suggests there is a delicious, no-nonsense snack to enjoy with your drink.

West End House is a renowned Cambridgeshire pub that offers something for everyone, from a vast array of drinks on tap to accommodation and a wide range of events. It features a cozy garden and a fair sized beer garden, with locals and staff described as chatty, friendly, and warm. The pub is praised for its well kept real ales and fantastic pints, making it a great traditional local where you can relax and unwind in good company.