If you’re looking for a proper country pub with bags of history and charm, The Three Blackbirds in Woodditton should be top of your list. Nestled in the heart of horse-racing country, just a trot from Newmarket, this 17th-century inn has been beautifully restored after a devastating fire in 2018 — blending heritage beams and inglenook fireplaces with fresh bursts of colour and modern style.

The food is reason enough to visit. The menu champions the best of East Anglia’s larder: expect hearty pub classics alongside seasonal dishes that make the most of local meats, award-winning cheeses and Fenland veg. Pair it with a pint by the fire in the dark-wood beamed bar, or linger longer over a relaxed supper with friends.

Want to make a night of it? The Barn houses nine stylish bedrooms, many overlooking the paddocks. Cosy yet contemporary, they include dog-friendly and family options — so no one has to miss out.

And it’s not just about eating and sleeping — this is a pub that knows how to put on a show. From live music in the garden to immersive murder mystery suppers with The Pantaloons, The Three Blackbirds is as much about entertainment as it is about fabulous food and drink.