The building itself is actually an old farm house from the 18th century but has been much changed and extended in recent times. Many of those changes have happened in the five years since Ian (and Tracy) took over. The bar has been remodelled with big benches creating an assortment of drinking spaces plus a raised area with a more lounge-y feel. The plentiful use of wood gives a really warm and cosy feel added to, in winter, by a log-burning stove. Ian was keen to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where folk can relax and unwind in an old-fashioned pub atmosphere.

The permanent real ales are Greene King IPA and either Abbot or Old Speckled Hen with a guest ale on the third pump. The IPA is served with one of the devices which allows you the choice of a northern creamy head or a flat southern one. Interestingly Ian has noticed that his customers mainly prefer darker beers so the golden ale revolution has yet to hit Horseheath.

Next to the bar is the 55 seater restaurant, partly in a light and airy extension. The restaurant menu has a wide selection of dishes mostly around the £11-£14 mark, plus a monster mixed grill at £17.95. A new steak night is imminent where a couple can have a meal plus bottle of wine for £28. There's also a bar menu featuring "classic" pub dishes like Lasagne, Fish and Chips and Curry/Pie of the Day. All food is freshly cooked - nothing bought in here.

Outside a newly refurbished patio looks very smart and beyond it are the 12 en-suite bedrooms in two chalets. Also notable, at the time of my visit, was the amazing display of hanging baskets and window boxes, courtesy of the green-fingered Tracy.

Ian himself is proud to be an old-style publican. He originally worked as a miner but has been in the pub trade over 25 years, most of that time with Wolverhampton and Dudley (now Marstons), specialising in running newly-opened venues. He believes strongly that a landlord should be a real presence in the pub and makes sure that on at least one evening a week he spends time the other side of the bar with his customers.

Horseheath may seem a bit remote to those of us based in and around Cambridge but it's only a 20 minute drive and the Red Lion is well worth the effort.