The Queen Edith Public House — Restaurant in Cambridge

A year ago, I gave this pub five stars because of the warm welcome and ability to sit and have a pint and some good grub on my own or with some friends.

The last year has changed a lot. I've often gone past and seen the doors shut as they've had to adjust hours and table layouts in line with ever changing covid regulations. They've been surviving by having evening opening with a rather tasty pizza menu.

But today I swung past on my way from work to home and noticed the doors were open. Lunch was being served. It was their first week open during the afternoon. In addition to the pizza menu, fish and chips were on offer.

A small haddock and small chips still made me feel gluttonous as I devoured it with only the occasional sip of my locally brewed ale. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with the perfect salty seasoning. The fish had a wonderful flaky, tender texture possibly explained by the fact that it's delivered on the day, but more likely the skill of the chef. To turn out simple grub in such a wonderful way takes skill we often take for granted.

The pub is still welcoming and still a great place to come with friends (less than six) or just pop in on your own. It's safe and comfortable with good beer and good food. What more could...

I have no idea how the local CAMRA voted this the best pub in the area in 2022. Yes, they have 6 Milton breweries beers and one guest beer, plus fizzy things. Yes, the service is good and the staff are very pleasant. But it is just a large room with a bar in the corner and ordinary tables and chairs. No atmosphere whatsoever.

However, the "food" they serve is total rubbish. £14 for a small pizza with almost no topping and whose base seems to have come ready formed and cooked from a cash-and-carry. And that wasn't the worst! "Loaded fries with mushroom and gorgonzola" they said. Mushroom in the singular - maybe only half a small one thinly sliced. And perhaps two crumbs of gorgonzola among the melted tasteless grated cheese that I assume they got from a bag of the cheapest they could find in their cash-and-carry. The "Caesar salad" was just a pile of shredded lettuce with a few of the cheapest croutons out of a bag and a very little cheap dressing. (We asked to have it without anchovies, but I doubt there would have been more than one!) Absolutely the worst, most rip-off, pub food I have ever come across.

If you just want to drink good local ales in a quiet room, with friendly and efficient service, this is your place. But eat...

One of the best pubs in Cambridge. Owned by the local Milton Brewery, their beers are always wonderfully kept including the magnificent Pegasus. Also milds, strong ales and IPAs. Always some tasty guest beers and a few ciders available. The food menu is not vast but the pizzas are highly recommended together with the fish n chips on a Friday and Sunday lunch. Always a pleasant bunch of fellow drinkers and the staff are always friendly and helpful. The pub was rebuilt a few years ago but has retained a traditional pub layout with two rooms, a larger room and a smaller snug area. Great outdoor space in summer with the lawn outside full of benches and surrounded by fairy lights. A great local with great beer, great food, great staff and a great clientele....