Carl Woolf reports on pub happenings in the east of the Branch area.
The Legion, Bottisham – Always has four local real ales. A beer festival is planned for 9 – 11 September featuring Nethergate Old Growler and Elgoods Black Dog amongst the 16 beers. A jazz band will play Saturday evening.

Bell, Bottisham - One of the first Greene King pubs to feature Duke of Cambridge Ale, a clean, crisp 4.2% golden ale with a tart aftertaste.

Anchor, Burwell – Latest example of pub diversification is the mother-and-baby club every Friday morning. This is unrelated to the monthly pudding club which offers a variety of puddings at the end of the meal on an eat as much as you can basis.

Quy Mill, Stow-cum-Quy – The annual one-day beer fest plus is on 29 August. A Farmers Market, craft stalls, garden games, a BBQ and a hog roast will enable time to be passed away pleasantly whilst choosing from the 15 local real ales and listening to the three bands performing.

Crown, Linton – Greene King Hardy & Hansons Bitter continues as the house beer, reduced to £2 a pint during happy hour. Ten beers featured at the July beer festival.

Kings Head, Dullingham – A most successful Meet the Brewer evening in June when Cheryl Bullen introduced a variety of beers from Nethergate. The enthusiastic response has encouraged the landlord to contemplate a beer festival soon.

Chestnut Tree, West Wratting – Following the realisation that the dining room was depriving drinkers of much-needed space, the food operation has ceased. The dining room is now a comfortable lounge where, amongst other groups, a monthly beer club will meet to taste and discuss the merits of various brews (much on the lines of a book club). Another handpump has arrived to meet the demand for real ale, dispensing beers free of the Greene King tie.

Fox, Burwell – One of the biggest local beer festivals takes place in the very large garden over August Bank Holiday weekend.

Black Horse, Swaffham Prior – More diversification here with introduction of a deli counter in the under-used space facing the front door. A sort of ongoing Farmers Market is envisaged with customers invited to stay for brunch or afternoon tea.

Red Lion, Brinkley – Another beer festival success story over the Spring Bank Holiday when Swallowtail from Humpty Dumpty was voted best beer. A further festival is planned for August Bank Holiday weekend.

Crown, Burwell – A startling red, white and black redecoration here, with matching chairs and tables throughout and a dining room with tablecloths. Greene King seasonal beer alongside the bargain price IPA.

Three Tuns, Great Abington – Another August Bank Holiday bash. Sunday is party time with a steel band, BBQ and disco. 15 September sees Ron Finch from Fullers host a Meet the Brewer evening.

Waggon & Horses, Linton – The pub closed briefly when Jim Borland left but reopened in late April with Ben and Laura Kay taking over – their stewardship of the Wheatsheaf Duxford continues. Hours are now 4 – 11, Mon-Thur, all day Fri-Sun. Guest beers are on again.

White Swan, Stow-cum-Quy – Despite establishing a well-recognised reputation for first-class Tribute, Wherry and Adnams Bitter, Sandra and Colin are talking of calling it a day and moving to pastures new in the Autumn.