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Blue Ball Inn, Grantchester

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Opens at 12:00pm
Operator: Independent
57 Broadway, Grantchester, CB3 9NQ (View on Google Map)
(01223) 846004
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This cosy, authentic local retains its original two-bar layout and many old fittings. No TV, no games machines: good beer, good conversation and old pub games are the order of the day. Try your hand at ringing the bull. At the back is a small walled garden with a covered heated area complete with a piano and cricket memorabilia. Dogs welcome. "HQ" of Grantchester Cricket Club.

Long term regular, Toby Joseph, having purchased it from a pubco, carried out some essential repairs and sympathetic redecoration that retains the pub's charm. Refurbishments include B&B accommodation and new toilets, allowing a modest expansion of the bar area. The garden has also been extended with additional terrace and seating.

Real ales are from Adnam's, Woodforde's, Elgood's and other East Anglian brewers, served from four hand pumps. Adnam's dry-hopped larger is the first lager to be available here for many years. Cranes local cider is on draught. Soup, sandwiches and hearty, home-cooked food available lunch and evening. Children welcome. Credit cards accepted.

Historic Interest

Built in 1893 over the cellar of the 1767 original that was lost in a fire. It is listed on the National Inventory as having a historic pub interior of regional importance. The pub name is believed to commemorate the landing of a hot air balloon nearby in 1785. This being celebrated on pictures inside the pub.

Information for this venue is provided by the Cambridge Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
South Cambridgeshire District
Last updated
20/12/2023
Last surveyed
19/02/2023
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
individual
Pub ID
CAM/25
Asset of Community Value

Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest

Listed status: Not listed

The Blue Ball (whose name commemorates a balloon flight) is a small village local rebuilt in 1893. The two-bar layout is intact although the internal door has been removed. The quarter circle bar counter and bar back appear to be of pre-war date as does the panelling with bench seating in the tiny bar on the right, which is on a slightly higher level. In the bar on the left is the rare pub game of Ringing The Bull - see if you can swing the metal ring and get it to land on the hook on the wall.

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Noon - 10:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 10:00pm
Friday
Noon - 10:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 10:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 7:00pm
Monday
No Service
Tuesday
No Service
Wednesday
Noon - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Noon - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Noon - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Noon - 8:30pm
Sunday
Noon - 4:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
Adnams - Southwold Bitter
Adnams - Southwold Bitter Session Bitter • 3.7% Spotted 8 times
Adnams - Southwold Bitter
Adnams - Southwold Bitter

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.7%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 8 times
Woodforde's - Wherry
Woodforde's - Wherry Session Bitter • 3.8%
Woodforde's - Wherry
Woodforde's - Wherry

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.8%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.

Source: Regional

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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Accommodation Accommodation
2 Double en-suite rooms
Games Games
Ring the Bull, Shove Ha'penny
Real Fire Real Fire
Separate Bar Separate Bar
Smoking Smoking
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub Real Heritage Pub
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes (20m)
Whippet: 18, 118
Ordnance Survey Reference
TL383560

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