If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Pubs and Taprooms in Peterborough: A Unique Exploration
A day exploring various pubs and taprooms in Peterborough, each with unique atmospheres and histories. Starting at The Shed, which features vintage railway memorabilia, the journey continues to The Wonky Donkey, known for its community feel, and The Yard of Ale, showcasing a rich backstory. Other spots like Palmerston Arms and Charters Bar offer historical charm and details, while others, like Bottle and Board and Tap & Tandoor, highlight modern concepts like craft beers and Indian cuisine fusion. Each venue boasts friendly welcomes, diverse drink selections, and a commitment to local culture, making the exploration a delightful experience.
The Shed – Taproom & Deli
My first stop of the day is just a quick 15-minute stroll from the Railway Station to The Shed – Tap Room & Deli at Fletton Quays. It opened in October 2024 and has already become a hit. The place is the creation of Karen Perks and David Nightingale, who also run another local spot called The Woolpack in Stanground. They have a personal connection to the area, as both of their grandfathers worked in the railway industry at the East Peterborough station. The building originally opened in 1848 as the “Engine Shed” of the Eastern Counties Railway before ownership changed in 1862 to Great Eastern Railway and 1923 to London and North Eastern Railway.
The vibe inside The Shed is all about rustic charm. The founders wanted to fill the space with genuine vintage railway memorabilia, and they’re still on the hunt for more. You’ll find cool stuff like working signal lamps and a big ‘Peterborough East’ station sign. A lot of the furniture is recycled or repurposed from other places, including wood from a closed ranch house and bar materials saved from a venue in Wirral. They’re also committed to sustainability, keeping some items left behind by Greggs Bakery, the previous tenant.
A lovely warm welcome upon arriving, and a bar that stands out, showcasing a choice of 3 cask ales, including one from Cambridgeshire based Tydd Steam Brewery which I went with. “Barn Ale,” and it was a tasty and smooth pale session ale that went down really easily.
The Wonky Donkey
A quick 15-minute stroll to the edge of Peterborough takes me to The Wonky Donkey Micro Pub nestled in a spot on Fletton High Street that didn’t have any pubs before. This place was brought to life by brothers Dave and Andrew Williams, who wanted to create a friendly hangout for locals to sip on some great beers and ciders sourced from nearby.
The vibe at the Wonky Donkey is all about comfort and community. You can tell it’s an independent spot, with a décor that showcases local culture and craft brews. The wooden furniture and cosy lighting set a nice, inviting mood. Micropubs like this one usually focus on creating a more intimate atmosphere rather than catering to big crowds, making it perfect for friends and families to kick back and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, there’s a lovely little outdoor seating area in the back.
The pub just snagged the City Pub of the Year award, so big congrats to them! As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome from Dave, his son, and some friendly regulars (and a shoutout to Dave for the ride to the next spot). They’ve got an awesome selection of 5 cask ales, plus some craft keg choices and plenty of other drinks to pick from. I went with “Mosaica” from Mile Tree Brewery in Peterborough today. It’s a tasty pale ale made with Mosaic hops, and it really packs in some great flavours. Super refreshing!
The Yard of Ale
The Yard Of Ale, found on Oundle Road in Peterborough, has a fascinating backstory that showcases how pubs in the area have changed over time. It started out as the New Inn, built on what used to be the stable yard of the Palmerston Arms. Throughout the years, it went through various name changes and even had some closures, but it made a comeback in July 2017 as The Yard of Ale.
When they renovated it in 2017, the aim was to breathe new life into the place and bring back its charm. The interior looks fantastic, featuring big windows that let in plenty of natural light, cosy booth seating replacing the old wall benches, and an impressive bar setup. They really wanted to create a welcoming vibe where people could catch live sports, enjoy some music, or just hang out with friends, and they definitely nailed it.
You’ll get a super friendly welcome from the bar staff here, plus an awesome choice of 5 cask ales with different styles to enjoy. I went with “Legacy” from Lacons Brewery in Great Yarmouth today. It’s a tasty pale ale that’s super citrusy and hard to resist!
Palmerston Arms
The Palmerston Arms, also located on Oundle Road in Peterborough, is thought to have been around since the 19th century. The name “Palmerston” is likely a nod to Lord Palmerston, a well-known British politician who was Prime Minister in the mid-1800s. Back in the day, it was pretty common for pubs to be named after political figures or local sites.
This pub has kept its charm by blending modern tastes with classic values. When you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm and friendly vibe that encourages chatting and community, steering clear of distractions like slot machines or blaring music. The interior has that classic pub feel, featuring wooden furniture and a cosy colour scheme that makes it feel inviting. Plus, they’ve added a cool touch with a big window into the cellar, so you can check out how your beer is stored and served—something you don’t usually get to see at a pub.
A super warm welcome upon arriving here and a lovely small beer garden at the rear. A superb selection of 6 cask ales ranging in style to choose from. I decided to try something new from Lincoln’s FAB (Ferry Ales Brewery) and went for a Winter Ale. “Toasty Roasty” turned out to be a tasty ruby brew packed with amazing malty and fruity notes, making it super cosy.
Charters Bar
Charters Bar is known as the biggest floating real ale spot in the UK, set on an old Dutch grain barge that’s permanently docked in the River Nene, right by Town Bridge in Peterborough. “Leendert” was built in 1907 and worked on the rivers and canals of Holland, Belgium and Germany carrying Cargo and Sand right up until 1990. It’s become a go-to place for both locals and tourists, especially those who love real ales.
When you step into Charters, you’ll find a roomy bar area that still feels cosy. The interior has bench seating that gives off a vibe reminiscent of classic community pubs from the mid-20th century, making it a welcoming place for everyone. The bar itself is located in the boat’s hull, which adds a unique twist. While you won’t get sweeping views from inside, you can soak in the beautiful sights of the River Nene from the upstairs restaurant or the outdoor beer garden, which is often called “Peterborough’s largest beer garden.”
Inside a fantastic choice of 8 cask ales alongside a brilliant keg beer selection. I went with a beer from Nene Valley Brewery in Northamptonshire called “Blond Session Ale.” It’s got a fantastic mix of hops that brings out some nice light and citrusy flavours, making it super easy to drink.
Bottle and Board
Bottle and Board kicked off in April 2020, right in the middle of the tough times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eddie and Gina Baines, who had a thriving bottle shop in Borough Market, London, decided to make the leap to Peterborough. They transformed an old recruitment agency office into a cool spot that highlights a wide range of beers, especially from German and Belgian breweries.
The inside of Bottle and Board is pretty straightforward but has a cosy, rustic vibe. It’s just one room filled with a few tables, decorated with beer signs and a barrel that gives it some personality. Even though it’s simple, the place feels welcoming for anyone wanting to try out various beers.
A fantastic choice of beers to choose from in a number of fridges alongside an interesting selection of 7 keg beers with a huge variety of styles and strengths. I went with “Rodenbach Fruitage,” a delicious fruit beer from Brouwerij Rodenbach in Belgium. It’s a mix of aged and young ale, plus 7% cherries, which gives it a nice sweet and sour fruity flavour.
The Stoneworks Bar
The Stoneworks Bar opened its doors on July 4, 2016, after transforming a former Ladbrokes betting shop. Nestled in a basement, it boasts a unique underground vibe while still being a Grade II listed building.
As you step into Stoneworks, you’re welcomed by a long space that showcases a striking bar at the far end. The walls are adorned with artwork, and there’s a classic Pac-Man arcade game in one corner, creating a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere. The historic stone walls add to the charm, reminiscent of bars in cities like Brussels with similar underground feels. The seating options include comfy sofas and stalls, plus there’s an outdoor area for standing or smoking.
There’s an awesome selection of 28 keg lines with a variety of beer styles and ciders. Plus, right next to the bar, you’ll find a fridge loaded with even more unique beers for you to enjoy on-site or take home. I had to think it over for a bit, but I finally chose a sour beer from Hackney Brewery in London. “Millions of Berries” is a really tangy, fruity delight packed with blackberries and blackcurrants.
Tap & Tandoor
Next on the list is Tap and Tandoor. This spot is pretty cool because it fuses a classic British pub vibe with Indian flavours. The idea came from wanting to give the traditional pub scene a fresh twist by serving up top-notch food and craft beers that pair perfectly with Indian dishes. The Peterborough branch opened in 2019, following the success of the original in Solihull, which kicked off in 2018. This move was a big deal for the brand as it aimed to tap into the rising trend of ‘desi pubs’—places run by British-Indian owners that celebrate diversity through their food and drinks.
When you walk in, you’re welcomed by a colourful hand-painted beer mural that really livens up the space. This is paired with vintage mirrors and doors from India, adding to the cultural flair. You’ll also find classic British pub features like a cosy fireplace and a stag’s head, making it a warm and inviting spot. The overall vibe mixes comfort with a fun variety of styles, making it a great place to enjoy delicious food or hang out with family and friends.
There’s a tasty food menu to check out, plus you can choose from 11 different keg beers at the bar, with several coming from UK craft breweries. I went with “Simpatico” from Unity Brewing Co in Southampton. It’s a really fresh and delicious pale ale that features Simcoe and El Dorado hops, which bring some awesome flavours to the table.
Blind Tiger
A quick stroll takes me to Blind Tiger Peterborough, which opened its doors in 2021 after transforming from a dessert lounge. The name “Blind Tiger” harks back to the Prohibition days when secret bars, or speakeasies, cleverly disguised themselves with unique names and symbols to avoid getting caught by the cops. The name really hints at something secretive and exclusive, plus it gives a fun nod to the hidden vibe of these spots. Basically, a blind tiger is a place where you can sip drinks in a cosy, undercover atmosphere, similar to how today’s craft beer and cocktail bars strive to offer one-of-a-kind experiences for their customers.
Inside, the bar is thoughtfully designed to foster a warm and lively vibe that matches its fantastic drinks, music, and social scene. The décor strikes a balance between modern and cosy, offering plenty of seating options for everything from intimate hangouts to bigger get-togethers.
I got a super friendly welcome when I walked in, and the service was lightning fast. The bar has an awesome variety of beers, featuring about 25 taps with different styles and strengths. Plus, there’s an even larger selection of cans and bottles available for sipping on-site or taking home. Another sour beer to check out, this one from Pastore Brewing and Blending in Waterbeach. It’s called “Ripple Cherry Cinnamon,” and it’s a session pastry sour that’s been aged with cherries, cinnamon, vanilla, and honeycomb. It’s really delicious, fruity, and has that nice sour kick.
The Bumble Inn
Onto The Bumble Inn. This is recognized as Peterborough’s first micropub, opening up in June 2016 after transforming from an old chemist shop. The place was brought to life by Tom Beran and his wife, Michelle. Before diving into the micropub scene, Tom spent a decade running the Coalheavers Arms Pub in Peterborough. His goal with The Bumble Inn was to create a unique experience, prioritizing quality over quantity and offering a rotating selection of beers from both local and national breweries.
The name “Bumble Inn” captures a warm and inviting vibe, which is reflected in its design. With metal chairs and high tables, the pub encourages guests to kick back and enjoy their drinks in a laid-back atmosphere before heading out for the rest of their night.
Today, when I arrived, Tom gave me an awesome warm welcome, and it was really nice chatting with him and a few regulars (have fun in Norwich!). The bar had a selection of 4 cask ales with different styles, plus a couple of keg options and a fantastic variety of ciders. Check out this beer from Three Hills Brewery in East Sussex. Their “Best Bitter” is just what the name implies—a classic English Bitter that’s incredibly flavourful and super smooth to sip on.
Hand and Heart
Taking a stroll to the edge of Peterborough leads me to to Hand and Heart. Built in 1938, it stands out as a prime example of late Art Deco style. Since it first opened, the inside of the Hand and Heart has kept its vintage vibe, giving off a historical feel. The main bar area features a cosy real fire, adding to its classic appeal. There’s also a war memorial on-site being one of only around 60 such memorials located inside pubs in the UK. The layout includes a drinking lobby that leads to a back smoke room, showcasing the typical features you’d find in old-school pubs.
It boasts some really cool unique aspects, like an off-sales area with a bell-push and a glazed screen to the serving area, plus original seating in the smoke room at the back. The main public bar still has many original touches, including a bar counter with a stylish Moderne-style front, a bar-back, and fixed seating.
Bram gave me a super warm welcome today, and it was awesome catching up with him and Susan. The warmth from the fire felt amazing, especially with the chilly weather outside. Plus, the bar had a fantastic variety of cask ales from different breweries that keep changing all the time. kicked things off with “Disco Bear” from Rockingham Ales in Cambridgeshire. It’s a tasty pale ale made with Waimea and Sabro hops. After that, I switched to “Trillian” from Tydd Steam Brewery, also in Cambridgeshire. Another awesome, flavourful, and super drinkable pale ale!
The Butchers Arms
I made my way over to Werrington, a suburb of Peterborough. The Butchers Arms is a fresh spot that just opened in mid-2024, taking over an old butcher shop and keeping a nod to its history with the name. It’s run by Holli Posnett and her partner, Andy Simmons, who used to manage The Ploughman in Werrington before it shut down in January 2023.
The inside is a spacious room that feels warm and welcoming, and it was packed this evening, showing just how much this place has become a part of the local scene, which is awesome to see. The bar boasts a fantastic lineup of 6 cask ales, plus a great variety of ciders and other keg beers. I went with “PiXie” from Xtreme Ales in Peterborough. It’s a light and refreshing pale ale that really hits the spot, thanks to the Bravo and Antanum hops that bring some awesome flavours.
The Blue Bell
A quick stroll takes me to Blue Bell Werrington PE4, nestled on The Green in Werrington, offering a charming spot for visitors. This place has been around since the 1890s, originally built as a pale blue brick pub. Inside, you’ll find a bright and airy front bar area, plus a cosy lounge restaurant that serves up delicious homemade meals.
Outside, there’s a spacious beer garden complete with its own bar for those sunny days. The garden is divided into different sections, featuring individual pods for a more private experience. And get this—there’s even a retired Army Lynx AH7 helicopter (XZ655) on site! Not many beer gardens can boast having an actual helicopter.
Today, I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome. The bar has a fantastic selection of four cask ales to choose from. I decided to try “Barnstormer” from Elgood’s Brewery in Wisbech. It’s a super smooth and flavourful tawny ale. Really good beer!
The Frothblowers
I need to mention the next spot even though it won’t be open until Tuesday, but I’ve been there before. The Frothblowers is a cool micropub in Werrington, Peterborough, that opened in 2017. It was started by two buddies, Steve Williams and John Lawrence, who switched careers—Steve was a telephone engineer and John worked as a travel agent—to chase their love for craft drinks. The pub got its name from the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers, a fun beer-drinking charity that started back in the 1920s. This name really shows the pub’s dedication to traditional values and community vibes.
The décor mixes rustic charm with modern touches, giving the place a unique character while keeping that classic pub atmosphere. It’s super welcoming, making it feel both laid-back and cosy. The bar is the main attraction, featuring a variety of taps with different ciders and ales on offer.
Ostrich Inn
Heading back to the centre, I found myself at Ostrich Inn. Built in 1837, this spot holds the title of the oldest purpose-built pub in the city centre. It really took off as a nightlife hub, especially from the early 1900s, drawing in big names from the film industry like Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, who were regulars during its prime. Over the years, The Ostrich Inn has gone through several changes, shifting from just “The Ostrich” to a home brew shop and then to “Bogarts.” After a major renovation in August 2009, it reopened as The Ostrich, bringing back its classic name and history.
Inside, you’ll find a U-shaped bar and a cosy little room for games like pool and darts. Plus, there’s a nice enclosed patio out back which looks fantastic. The walls are decorated with interesting historical titbits about the pub and replicas of posters from famous performances that have taken place in Peterborough.
Tonight at the bar, we’ve got a lineup of 4 cask ales, plus a wide variety of ciders and keg beers for you to pick from, all with different styles and strengths. I went with the “Meraki Stout” from Bruha Brewery in Suffolk. It’s a deep black stout topped with a nice creamy head, and it has some fantastic flavours that really stand out. Super enjoyable!
The Brewery Tap
Last call was to The Brewery Tap. This place kicked off its journey in September 1998, thanks to Paul Hook, who had a vision of turning a rundown building into a lively spot for beer lovers. This place has a cool backstory, as it used to be Peterborough’s Labour/Employment Exchange back in 1934, which really adds to its charm. It’s also the home of Oakham Ales, which started brewing there right after the tap opened. Oakham Ales was originally founded in 1993 in Oakham, Rutland, but moved to Woodston to keep up with the growing demand.
The vibe inside is a mix of industrial chic and cosy comfort. You’ll find exposed brick walls and original iron beams that give it that authentic brewery feel, while the wooden furniture brings in a warm touch. The lighting is just right for a relaxed evening, with pendant lights over the tables and softer lights scattered around. There’s a variety of seating, from high-top tables by the bar for a laid-back hangout to traditional dining tables perfect for bigger groups or families. Plus, there are comfy booths for those looking for a more private dining experience.
You can pick from four different cask ales, all from Oakham Ales, plus a variety of keg beers to enjoy. I wrapped up my day with a “Citra” from Oakham Ales. It’s a tasty light gold ale that’s packed with citrus and tropical notes, making it super refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 