The Black Bull Inn

The positives: An attractive thatched historic building set in a smart village near to Cambridge. The negatives: We stayed for two nights, paying £144 per night bed and breakfast, which proved very expensive compared to other better alternatives we have previously stayed in close to Cambridge - sadly our preferred option was fully booked. Total we paid, including 2 dinners, was over £400. The room, in a very plain building to the side of the inn, was a good size, but poorly lit and very plain and basic. Most things were there, but no nice extras you might expect at the price and which would show that somebody cared about their guests. The over bath shower was of the weedy variety. Dinner on the first night was disappointing. I chose fish and chips, which was frankly terrible, and the first meal I have sent back for a long time. Burnt, and chips which I suspect were reheated from a day or two previously. A replacement was offered, I ordered a starter which I would describe as ok but not worth the price.My wife's ceasar salad was deeply ordinary but edible. Deserts however, were very nice. Second night dinner was ok, my wife's burger not very nice, mostly uneaten, and my salt fish fritters again nothing special. Again, desserts were very good. The most recent hygiene rating May 2025 is 4, but a sticker outside was still displaying a 5 rating. Generally, the building feels unloved. We only had breakfast on one day, which was probably the poorest we have had for a long time, having stayed at many different pubs and inns over the years, and not appropriate for accommodation at this price point. My poached eggs and bacon were ok, but served on burnt black toast. My wife's porridge was ok. There were no extras, no juices, no croissants, very basic cereal options. Will we be visiting next time we need to stay near Cambridge? Sorry but that's a definite no.

On a dark December evening, in a filthy mood and with rain lashing down, to walk into the Black Bull was a life saver. The bar was bright, cosy, and buzzing with locals (a good sign); and there were reassuring smells of woodsmoke and cooking somewhere in the background. We settled into a warm room - plain, but spacious and spotlessly clean, then made straight for our table. Service was friendly and attentive, the menu fairly short (another good sign) but imaginative, and the food when it came was perfectly cooked. We retired to our room and a restfully quiet night in a comfortable bed. Breakfast next morning was excellent. Will we go back? Yes, in September, which is when we when expect to be next in the area. By the way, Balsham is perfectly placed for outings to Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Audley End, etc etc.

Amazing food - spectacular starters, Goat’s cheese and pear, and grilled watermelon with a chilli pineapple jam and avocado - followed by delicious beef burgers and the best fries. I never photograph my food, but I did this time! Great beer too.