The Chequers Fowlmere — Restaurant in South Cambridgeshire

Historic surroundings, modern food and service

The Chequers in Fowlmere is one of my favourite places to eat around Cambridge (it's about 6 miles from the city - a short drive or slightly longer cycle). I've been coming here for about 15 years and whilst it has changed owners a couple of times, the management have always maintained an authentic feel to the place.

You can't visit without being struck by the sheer history of the place - Samuel Pepys stayed and ate here, recording the event in his diary. The architecture in the bar reveals hints of the building's role as a stop on the road between Cambridge and London. My favourite bit of history though are the photos of the airmen who drank here during World War Two (Fowlmere Aerodrome hosted squadrons of Spitfires and then P48s, as a satellite to Duxford) - it's amazing to think about the things they went through and this pub is an important connection to the village's role in the war.

The food is reliably excellent too, a satisfying mix of traditional British staples and dishes that you'd rarely see elsewhere. The current chef is a very talented guy - I really recommend you experience the "Jacob's Ladder" of beef.

It's currently family-owned and run, and extremely friendly and welcoming as a result.

Give it a try, you won't be...

Visited after Daffodil Festival in nearby Thriplow. We didn't have a booking and they very kindly squeezed us in anyway. The inn is beautifully and tastefully decorated. Lots of little details to spot everywhere including a cartwheel. Fantastic selection of books and games, you could definitely spend an afternoon here relaxing and nibbling. Separate children's menu. Was delighted to get an unexpected and delicious amuse bouche. Roast dinner was best I've had in a while. Huge Yorkshire pudding which had sage and onion in it for a lovely touch. Generous portions and well cooked. Very happy that we could get extra veg or gravy on request! Daughter had pasta she enjoyed and ice cream. I was driving so really enjoyed non alcoholic cocktails. Look forward to returning to try the regular menu. Staff were lovely, service very speedy despite them being incredibly busy! Highly recommended. Beer festival was fab, huge range of beers and cider. Lovely hog roast and fabulous chips....

Found as the result of a fortunate road closure that had prevented us from reaching our intended destination. Reasonable choice of real ale (3 possibly 4) and we'll stocked for wines and gins too. Food very nice indeed. More aimed the restaurant / meal out clientele rather than a traveller looking for a bite to eat, so no jacket potatoes, sandwiches here. Halloumi and chips incredibly well cooked, possibly the best of this favourite dish we've ever eaten and the fresh ingredients in the pick & mix pie deal was a genuine surprise and one which was very welcome. Not a place for a budget meal but one where the food is incredible good value for money. There is a garden room available for groups to use (ideal for big family get togethers) and the garden itself, when tidied up a bit, is no doubt a big draw in the warmer months. Building dates back to (I think) the 16th century and on this showing I can see it continuing to be successful for a long time into...