The Blue Ball Inn | Pub in Cambridgeshire | Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay

It looks like you are using a web browser that we no longer support. Please update to a modern browser to improve your general internet experience on our site as well as others.

We're sorry, earlier versions of Internet Explorer have become too unsafe to use, and we can not allow them access to the secure part of our website. We highly recommend switching to a much more secure & modern browser such as the latest versions of any of the following, Opera, Safari (Apple users),  FirefoxChrome, Internet Explorer (11 or above).

Menu
Pub

The Blue Ball Inn - Pub in Cambridgeshire

Last cache: 11:35:27, Thursday 28 March 2024

Broadway, Grantchester, Cambridge, CB3 9NQ, Cambridgeshire
England, United Kingdom

Toby & Angela Joseph
www.blueballgrantchester.co.uk
+44 (0)1223 846004(landline)

Overlooking Grantchester Meadows, this pretty pub serves home-cooked fare with a warm welcome, enjoy a glass of wine in the heated pavilion

Read guest comments

252 years old this year and reigning champions of the annual Boxing Day Barrel Race, the Blue Ball with its bright whitewashed walls, bay window and flowing flower baskets is postcard-perfect. Ideally placed, with Granchester Meadows for a front garden and views across the river to the spires of Cambridge's colleges, the pub is thriving under the care of Toby and Angela. Inside all is spotless, scrubbed and poised to welcome hungry locals, walkers, twitchers and tourists. Tuck into shepherd's pie topped with cheese crusted leeks, or a bowl of hearty soup with a sandwich. At the back is a heated pavilion, shrine to the local cricket team, where you can while away a happy afternoon with a pint of Aspall's Harry Sparrow cider. Stroll across the Meadows to spend the day in Cambridge. Bliss.

Features
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair access to some public rooms and to wc's.
Children welcome
Children of all ages welcome in some public rooms (highchairs not necessarily available).
WiFi
Wireless internet access available in the bar.
Public transport
Within 2 miles of a bus/train station.
Vegetarian meals
Good vegetarian options on the menu.
Dogs welcome
Dogs welcome in some public rooms.
Handpumped ales
Pub serves four or more handpumped ales.

Local points of interest from Toby & Angela Joseph:

Local points of interest from
Toby & Angela Joseph:

  • 250 years old in 2017 , The Blue Ball looks over the famous Grantchester Meadows, a favourite haunt for Rupert Brook , Pink Floyd and Lord Byron, punt up the river cam from Cambridge, walk or cycle across the meadow.
  • Used as the set for the recent series of Grantchester on ITV, starring James Norton
  • Described as "near perfect " by The Sunday Times and featured on the BBC Good Food web site guide to Cambridge eateries.
  • The reigning champions of the annual Grantchester Barrel Race , held every Boxing Day when teams from the 4 pubs in the village hold a relay race in the street rolling a 36 gallon wooden beer barrel
Points of interest

Guest feedback
View More (1 of 2)
"We had a great visit and were royally welcomed by our hosts. Highly recommended."

David - Whitley Bay, United Kingdom

September 2021
"Wanted a place to rest up for a few days in Cambridge having visited with my girlfriends daughter and husband there to do a masters degree. Greeted from the moment we arrived by enthusiastic landlady Angela and staff. Beautiful room, cosy pub and attentive bar staff. Lady came in to cook breakfast and catered with ease for my vegetarian girlfriend Both food and beer excellent. Quiet village pub is a must away from a vibrant city. Dog friendly and local musicians. Will definitely be calling back, thank you Angela,Toby and staff "

Ted - Bury, United Kingdom

October 2019

Have you visited The Blue Ball Inn?

Tell us your thoughts.

Details

Meals:

Starters from £4. Lunch from £9. Mains from £9.

Closed:

Open all day.

Paw prints Bringing your dog
Handy to know:

Fenced back garden ‘dog proof’; river 200 yards for dogs to get wet in (as ours does). Garden hose for dogs who’ve rolled in cow pats on the meadow. Watercolour montage of all our ‘regular’ dogs!

Dog treats:

A dogs welcome sign at the front of the pub, dog biscuits behind the bar and bowls at the front door and in the back garden.

Bringing your dog
Address:

Broadway, Grantchester, Cambridge, CB3 9NQ, Cambridgeshire

Directions:

The Blue Ball Inn is also a Special Place to Stay


Inn
  • 2 Doubles

Price: from £120

Places to Stay Nearby