The Haywain in Huntingdonshire

Once again holidaying in St Ives we returned to the Haywain which we always visit when in the area. So pleased to find it still a lovely friendly place and the food is great. The lasagne was super and piping hot and the gammon was delicious. We were caravanning with friends and I arranged for 14 of us to go for a meal. We were asked to pre order due to the number which we did. Our table was ready and we were shown to table by the time everyone had collected their drinks, the food arrived everyone was extremely satisfied with their meals and the desserts were oh so naughty but nice.😋 Thanks to all staff and look forward to returning on our next visit.

The pub is fantastic value , and has a great family atmosphere was clean and tidy and the staff were very friendly and happy

Great food, brilliant service....thoroughly recommend !! As always we were served promptly, food was great and the choice of draft beer was super.

Amazing food for the price. Large portions and a great variety on the menu. Thank you it was really lovely and I will definitely eat here again.

We had a 50th birthday party here. Can’t thank Steve and the lovely staff for their hospitality and all the helped . We had a meal that was very good. Great place to have a party or just chill and have some nice food.

Staff lovely but… food used to be good before they changed chefs and over the last 12 months it’s become more disappointing, we used to really like coming here but we’ve now said we will keep away for a few months and then try again. Certain condiments not available because they had ran out. 2for£11 deal only available on about 6 meals. Their meals are not worth full price as one portions are not great and you could cook it better yourself at home. Also massive wait between starters and second meal. The main thing that got us was the foul language allowed by the people in the pub playing darts were we were eating and then the chef walking out of the kitchen to join them, his clothes were scruffy and filthy. Not what you want to see from the person who handles and cooks your food, as well the amount of people walking in and out the kitchen, pretty sure a couple were not staff. No professional at all, I know it’s a pub but seriously needs to improve its standards. When we left we all said “We should have just gone to McDonalds”. WE DON’T EVEN LIKE MCDONALDS.

Have been here a few times and standard very good . Best around for a grill particular there sizzlers . Surprised it was. Not busier on a bank holiday . On edge of town . Well worth going and prices are very reasonable and parking no problem . In my opinion a better alternative to Wetherspoons in town .

All Covid restrictions are being followed and ammended as the rules change. Table service or order on an app, there has been some great deals on the app too so worth getting just for them. Really friendly staff, who are very polite. A local feel pub but one that welcomes everyone, don't feel like the music is going to stop and everyone will stare at you when you walk in. The menu is amazing with a great choice of food, would highly recommend the katsu burger or the mega mix grill. Plenty choice of drinks all reasonable priced. Very safe feeling pub well spaced out masks worn by staff and when moving around in the pub too. Would highly recommend for drinks or food. Good to support this industry at the moment, don't feel it isn't safe.

I never have a bad time at the Haywain, whether with friends or family. The atmosphere is great and the staff are super friendly

Good grill menu . Good covid 19 practices here . Very reasonably priced under normal circumstances but with the current govt offer it is excellent value . Went lunchtime and not particularly busy . Food was delivered hot and steak was tender .

Not been here since lock down food was lovely nice and hot and good price staff great as usual will be back

The food here is excellent value and very tasty. However, other than being 'checked in' by a member of staff upon arrival, the only evidence of Covid safe procedures were a couple of posters on the walls and hand sanitizers dotted around.We were surprised that we did not see any of the staff wearing PPE - even when we were served our food, and the bar was just open as 'normal' - no perspex screens near the till when you paid. Hence the Average rating, otherwise we would have put this as Very Good.

My family wanted to eat here for a birthday lunch. As I went to work in the morning I popped to the Haywain to book a table but the pub was shut. I phoned from outside and a staff member met me at the side door. She very kindly sorted it out so I was able to reserve a table and put money behind the bar to pay for my family's meal, as I was unable to attend. It was a surprise for them and earned me some major brownie points! :)Really appreciated the help. It was genuinely above and beyond especially as they were shut. Great meal, great price, great time had by all (apart from me who was stuck working!).Thank you

Had a day out to call at the Haywain for dinner after such a successful meal at one of the other Sizzling pubs.We all chose just what we had at the other pub. Couldn't wait for the splendid food to arrive.The older lady waitress arrived moaning about the Christmas music and she's had enough! well we loved it, so she should moan to someone else not the customers.The meal was awful. The last sizzling steak i had at the other pub had fried onions on a hot black slate with the steak on top, it came to the table sizzling. This one had a cold black slate with boiled onions on the top. The steak was ovdercooked and had no flavour, it was just a lump of bland meat. It was left. I ate the chips off that plate. The best things that was cooked that day for 4 meals was a fried egg and the chips. Total waste of money. We had planned on pudding, but when the firsts was such a disaster we left pudding off we didn't want to waste anymore.

The wonderful landlord/owner of The Haywain pub gifted 3 little girls an area of the pub to hold their joint 4th birthday party after the Burleigh Hill Community Center next door left us with no venue at the time of the party! The little girls had a wonderful party, joined by 2 princesses and 20 of their friends. Without the wonderful kindness of The Haywain we would of been left with no choice but to cancel their party! The staff were all so amazing and helpful... they really did turn it around of us & a great time was had by all. Thank you all so very much! We honestly couldn’t of done it with you!

Was visiting family in St.Ives and visited on saturday evening for drinks and food, and was very happy with the food drinks and service, so much so we returned on sunday for breakfast and same again very nice food very nice staff I highly recommend you try for yourselves.

Started coming here in 2018, random visit for breakfast with family. We were all surprised how well priced & well prepared the food was. Very good breakfast. Came a 2nd time solo, then started bringing friends for breakfast/lunch, all really good meals. Then I brought my mother for breakfast. Really rated the place so kept bringing new people in to eat. I'm vegetarian but don't eat eggs. Always ordered large veggie breakfast, with the same staff member, who'd take the eggs off & put an extra sausage/hash brown on the plate, never an issue & really simple. This visit however, she refused to exchange the eggs. I genuinely thought she was joking at first as she had done this every other visit. I was told new managers were in, she doesn't replace item's taken off a plate, the managers wouldn't allow it. Once I ordered I reminded her that she had served me for all my breakfast visits & was the one that had always done this. She then stated there was a new chef & he wouldn't do anythng different to what was listed on the menu, but she'd have a word with the kitchen. It was mid morning, pub was quiet, yet she was stressed, combative & seemed to be looking for a problem! Breakfasts came out and my large veggie breakfast, no eggs, was almost the same meal as my mother's small breakfast, but with the full cost. The staff member put the plates down, seemed really unhappy, didn't say a word about the "large" veggie breakfast I had gotten. Not even an extra baked bean! The pub food is far better than the St. Ives & Huntingdon Wetherspoon's with meal pricing that practically matches and a better menu selection. But I no longer visit for breakfast, only having lunch once every few months now. After that visit, I don't recommend the venue as I did previously. So unpleasant.

Great food and great staff always made to feel welcome from the first time we went in and the best pub for great food and service in st ives

Wow What a find this was, friendliest pub I have visited in many a year.Good choice of drinks and food was so good we called back for a breakfast in the morning and that was the best decision ever, breakfast was fantastic and filled us up for the rest of the day.The staff deserve a special mention as well

we travel 20 miles every wednesday for a family meal great food and good service always a warm welcome even with our rowdy children in toe

We often visit the Haywain to catch up with friends for coffee or as a family for a meal. The staff are so welcoming and very efficient. The food is always good and the choice that the menu offers, caters for everyone.

We have been visiting the Haywain for about 4 years to the excellent Monday quiz and on a number of occasions with our young grandchildren.We have always found a warm welcome, good food and a great selection of drinks. The landlord obviously loves being a landlord and because of this he is an excellent host. We found the place very child friendly and our grandchildren are completely at home when we take them.

Just moved to the area and I shop at the Co Op next door. I’ve always wanted to go in and so we decided to go for dinner and some drinks. Lovely decor, very homey, local feel to it. Food was quick and staff were lovely.

Qué este fue, más simpático pub que he visitado en muchos años. Buena selección de bebidas y comida era tan buena que nos llamaron para un desayuno en la mañana y que fue la mejor decisión de mi vida, el desayuno era fantástico y nos llenó para el resto del día.

Unplanned visit to this pub which does a large variety of meals . The service is prompt with ale at a reasonable price . The golden years offer for the over 60's is a bargain at £4.79 for 2 courses with generous portions .

A pesar de estar ocupados debido a el fútbol el equipo del bar era amable, educado, y tenía gran conocimiento del producto y estaban felices de y se tomaron su tiempo para responder todas mis preguntas con respecto a la carta. Pedimos el surf and turf, los cazadores de pollo a la barbacoa, pollo y costillas Combo y el deshielo como nuestros platos principales y Mexicano el Posset Crunch para el postre. Toda la comida estaba bien presentada y sabía increíble, Felicitaciones al chef y su equipo. El camarero era muy atento y nos registramos volver a asegurarse de que estábamos contentos con nuestra comida en un tiempo adecuado y aclaro nuestra mesa en tiempo y forma. Sin duda volveré al haywain, personal fantástico, buena comida y un gran ambiente.

A right little home from home for a few of the stives lakes anglers. Good food, friendly locals, Good location for the local shops. Extensive selection of ales and lagers...

Estaba realmente decepcionado como fuimos para el almuerzo pedimos una hamburguesa y patatas fritas. Se tardó una hora para la comida para llegar, luego, cuando no había un gran pelo largo negro. Entonces tomó otra diez minutos por otra. No estaba lleno, así que me sorprendió que tardaron mucho tiempo

We visited here while staying with relatives. The Staff were helpful and friendly. The meal was very good and a reasonable price. We enjoyed our visit.

Como Sizzling Pub recibes lo que esperas, caliente la comida rápida con un menú estándar y largo a precios ridículamente bajos. El personal es muy atento y servicial, haciendo todo lo posible para ajustar mis opciones una vez que supe que tenía un problema de la dieta.

Fuimos para una bebida tranquila con un par de amigos y llegó a la mesa vi que estaban haciendo la comida! Fuimos al bar y al parecer la cocina estaba cerrado aunque el menú dice 10 y era 9:30 aparte de que el pub es encantador y el personal era encantador

Excellent pub family run great and such a freindly atmosphere and good deals on the stella 'food is great good value for money cant be beaten anywere

Lunch on a Monday. Quiet. Ordered chicken & steak. No steaks. Half rack instead.Plus fishcakes & house saladMain food arrived in 15 minutes, chips a few minutes later.Chicken overcooked and stringy, rack good. Fishcakes overcooked. , salad lacking onions, slaw & onion flakes.

Nice beer garden, which was lovely and clean. Staff were lovely and the cute dog station outside was great for hot weather. Decent price for drinks.

Was at the CHARITY school quiz night mentioned above. The pub GAVE the prizes and beefburgers for free so the primary school would raise even more. The quiz was well supported and so the pub was heaving. The staff bent over backwards to accomadate everyone and keep the copius number of food orders flowing from the kitchen. They are all very friendly and any issues would have been dealt with immediately. Shame they got slapped in the face for their kindness. I'm currently enjoying yet another meal in the fun and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend!!

In the area for bank holiday. The Haywain was recommended by nearby campsite warden. So thought we'd pay a visit on the Sunday. Was hugely disappointed that although they were still advertising Sunday lunch on every table we saw, when I actually went to bar to order Sunday lunches I was informed they weren't doing Sunday lunches that day. Bit of advice to owners take the advertising cards off tables. We were going to try and find somewhere else who was doing Sunday lunches but unfortunately don't know the area and we were hungry. As i stood at bar waiting to place new order, I heard atleast 5+ other people ask about roasts. My chicken and ribs combo were quite nice, but my OH had the pie. Bit sloppy and didn't look very appealing. It actually looked as if it had been thrown on the plate. The atmosphere is good, probably more locals than visitors but lucky them having a food pub on their doorstep.

Whenever I'm back home in Cambridgeshire I find time to visit this lovely pub. The staff are really friendly the food is fabulous and the landlord Steve Lowe can't do enough for you.. It's a great place for family and friends to eat and meet and the pub also does lots of things in the community for charity well done to all involved I will be returning every time I'm back ... Jean Overty Teesside ...

Second visit in 8 days. First visit for a recommended Monday quiz night which was brilliant fun with great bar staff and really nice local / regular participants that really make you feel welcome and a nutty Landlord who was outstanding. Whilst there we perused the menu which is extensive and cheap to say the least so a second visit required. Second visit for a spot of lunch, greeted at the bar by Sue J and Sue P who took the drinks order whilst we took forever deciding what to choose on the menu (patience of saints those two x). Finely decided,ordered and bums on seats in the beer garden. Food delivered to the table,eating irons, serviettes and more condiments than you can shake a stick at ! Brilliant freshly cooked no rubbish measured portions piping hot large portions WOW fat boy heaven. Must say the beer is great, good selection of real ales,well kept as well as silly cheap prices, wine list good as well. All in all the best value for money any where I have visited. Love the atmosphere day or night, well nice people both sides of the bar.

I have been in the haywain a few times and highly recommend it, the staff are always helpful and friendly. I have eaten there on numerous occasions and the food has always been fantastic.The only thing I dislike about the pub is the occasional man utd fan that can be seen when they are playing and the pub has their games on! But I guess that most of them are Leicester fans now!

Although we are not locals, the welcome we get makes us feel local. We have been going to the excellent quiz most weeks for a year, The landlord and staff are friendly and professional, making a great atmosphere to relax and select from the extensive range of excellent real ales and other drinks.

We came here with the family for a school quiz night, so we decided while waiting for the quiz to commence we would get a few nibbles.We ordered onion bits, house seasoned fries, and boneless southern fried chicken.The onion bits were small pieces of onions that had been dipped in batter then fried, they were black like the oil hadn't been changed in a while and soggy! Moving on to the so called house season fries, lol what a joke! Some frozen thick chips with the most minuscule amount of seasoning which you could not even taste! The chicken was dry and bland! The menu looks appetising, but the food and the price don't sit hand in hand! Overpriced Frozen rubbish! Strongly would not recommend!

My wife & I had lunch at The Haywain and were extremely disappointedOur order was for a Southern Fried Chicken Burger and a Chicken Tikka Masala.The chips with the burger had been cooked in what was obviously old and rancid oil, as had the onion rings.The Chicken Tikka Masala had very poor quality meat and two pieces of the chicken could not even be cut with a knife. The rice was in what can only be described as 'globules' and it was not really very warmThis is one of the worst meals we have ever had the misfortune to have been served.Needless to say, we shall not be returning.

Pub recently refurbished, lovely clean confortable surroundings. Large menu, good value food. Staff friendly and always happy to help.

We brought our two young grandchildren here for an early evening meal. The pub was very popular, busy and noisy and we had some difficulty finding an available table. We were pleased to find a separate menu for the children, and also colouring pens and activity sheets were provided. Our meals were served on sizzling skillets and were absolutely delicious plus plentiful in quantities. The children's menu has the usual favourites but with a choice of vegetables and chips, mash or jacket potato. Desserts were also very good, my partner was delighted to find Sticky toffee pudding on the menu, and my grandson enjoyed building his own Ice cream sundae with lots of marshmallows and chocolate chips. Newly decorated, this is an excellent value pub with good food.

The place is off the beaten track but the whole place is excellent .The place is very clean and easy to enter even for disabled people. Staff helpful and friendly and aimed to make our visit enjoyable,The food was far better than expected as the price was very low i,e four meals and four drinks £24 .The manager was helpful and spent time with us when we asked questions.The place was nicely set up easy to get around.This is ideal for any age my father is 88 and Friends 70+

Enjoyed every part of the meal! I had a dirty beef burger, a nice thick burger with pulled beef and melted cheese in a fresh bun. It was exactly what it said on the menu and tasted amazing. They was happy to change sides for what we asked for. We decided to have a slice of cake to finish off, did not expect half a mountain of cake but it was a chocolate heaven. Highly recommend to all family and friends. Even if you don't want to eat the beer is good and they have sports on TV.

Had a meal here on Christmas Eve. There was 13 of us both adults and kids, we had preordered as requested although only for 11 of us. We ordered drinks on arrival and were shown to our reserved table, they then took the order for the other 2, they had told us that they were only cooking for us at the time. Within 15 minutes the food was on its way everyone got exactly what they had ordered we got some extra sauces and chips and the food was piping hot and very tasty. Food drinks for every one including 5 bottles of house wine (well it was Christmas) came to under £150. Rumour has it that they are doing Christmas Day next year if that's the case you will find us there. Give this local pub a go as the food and drink are great and it is very child friendly

I popped in here for breakfast with a colleague whilst working locally.I understand that it has recently been taken over by "Sizzling" chain. This being so i assume it takes on board the corporate offering, however i felt it either was not enthusiastic to do so or is in no way ready yet for the changeover,Despite a printed menu card with many options we were informed only the classic breakfast was available. Extra items available at a cost per item.Tea/coffee for £1 was unlimited however i was given a dirty mug and the coffee was lukewarm. The breakfast itself was of fair quality if a little greasy. Overall a good value option if you are not too fussy...I am afraid would probably not return.

Absolutely shocking experience. Went for breakfast and it was horrendous. It was the unfinishable breakfast, well it was right in a way because I hardly started it. Wasn't what it said it was on the menu. I emailed the establishment and had no reply and this was well over a week ago. Cold, horrible and would not recommend it to anyone ever.

The Haywain has reopened and I must say it looks really impressive. They now advertise cocktails, brill ,love them, so do all my friends. So we asked for one on Friday, the barman told me he never had the ingredients, fair enough they were busy. Went back Saturday asked for one, got they same reply they couldn't do them. Went in on Sunday, when they were quiet and still no cocktails! You don't have to be Tom Cruise to make a cocktail. The bar stocks rum and pineapple for a Pina Colada if it has no coconut just pop to the co op its literally next door. If its too much effect simply don't advertise them!

A fascinating pub dating back from the early 15th century. There are some really interesting pictures on the wall, including a piece of the bayeux tapestry believed to be a gift from a descendant of William the Conquerer. The food here is delectable , and I strongly recommend the pigeon & venison pie. The only negative with my visit was the service from our waiter, Trevor. On more than one occasion he felt the need to remark on the size of my wifes breasts, which I regard to be both perverse and unproffesional in equal measure.Inappropriate comments aside, this place is a real gem in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales.

There's just something about this pub that makes it a pleasure to go to. The Haywain is so welcoming and warm and the staff are so friendly that it just feels how a pub ShOULD feel. This pub was my local for a number of years and now, even when I've moved house, I still drive to it to do the quiz with my friends on a Monday and get a taxi for a good night out here. The landlord, Steve, is hilarious and an all-round lovely guy. Honestly there are very few pubs in the St Ives area that even come close to being as good as the Haywain. Pros:- Pub Grub is excellent and they always try to please, it always comes out hot and the prices are very good.- Drinks are reasonably priced and make for a very affordable evening of drinking- The Pub Quiz is brilliant - a lot of fun!- Landlord and Staff are simply amazing and will always try to help when they can.- Good outdoor area (with TV in summer) for drinking and smoking- Deceptively large, plenty of seating and goes back a long way - it's a pub TARDISCons- Can be a bit rough on occasion (but the landlord always swiftly deals with any problems so you still feel safe anyway)

nice pub, good food, good prices! Loud sports bar! Live music. Menu is very extensive for pub food with lots of deals. Plenty of seating.

I went here for dinner with my daughter it was terrible. Luke warm food chicken wings were so tough couldn't eat them potatoes cold. Won't be eating there again

This used to be a decent boozer, but over the past few months the landlord has allowed this pub to be taken over by some unsavoury types. Nice touches include the drugs warning signs in the toilets and the fact all the ornaments/vases etc have to be superglued down. Food is served when it is felt like it, and entertainment comprises fights and arguments - or footy on the big screen. Such a pity as could be a really nice community pub (and used to be; I have been coming here for years and used to be really nice). It would seem the pub is more interested in attracting those on long term benefits to sit in and drink all day. If you like hanging out with down and outs and druggies head here; if not, take the short walk in to St Ives town to a pub much much nicer.

I, the missus, and our best chums go to The Haywain every Monday night for the pub quiz and I think it's fair to say that we always have a good time there. A few of us have eaten there and the food is really good quality at a really good price. There are various ales on tap, as well as a charity ale that changes every week. There is a reasonable selection of single malt whiskey's and other spirits too.There's an outside terrace that has plenty of tables and chairs. The pub is actually located next to the Co-Op supermarket and an Indian Takeaway which is rather convenient. They have all the sports channels, in my opinion a big bonus! Friendly staff and land lord. All in all, a very good pub!The only thing that would make this pub better is if the toilets were refurbished (Men's). They're kept clean, however they're due for an upgrade!

Visited here with our kids and some friends. Very nice menu for a pub and the food was very cheap. Like a 'spoons but a lot better. Will go here again on our next visit to St.Ives.

I have been drinking in this pub since I moved to St.Ives in 2003 when Dave and Margaret were running it. Since then we have seen a few interesting landlords and ladies but thankfully since Steve and Julie took over the pub is back to being the friendly and inviting place we all know.I have written lots of reviews on here and never about the local.It's clean, service comes with a smile, there is hardly ever any trouble and drink and food is very reasonably priced. They have all the sport channels as well.Well worth a visit whether you're local or just passing through...

Good local pub serving decent enough food, but I've had to take a few pints back as the beer has been funky on at least 2 different occasions.Good points include location, sky sports and bt sport, cheap beer, cheap food, friendly staff.Bad points only one really the toilets, have they ever been cleaned?? They Need a major refurbishment I'd say the worst toilets I've used outside of London although the women's must be ok as the wife has never mentioned them?

This has been my local for many years, when it was the Pickle skittell to today's, beverage house the Haywain. Haywain is where the exclusive "A Listers" in this quaint market town drink. I am regular on Fridays, great prices and great food. I love busy, hustle and bustle pubs, ones which are lively fun good looking people and food which is basic easy and filling. There are shops outside the Haywain so accessible for Smokers if they run out of cigarettes, a place to go whilst the wife shops in the rainbow and there is a newspaper shop not only for smokes but if you drinking alone you can purchase a newspaper or magazine. Larger fab, wine great, barmaids hotties 10/10

A great pub, any one running a social organisation should take a leaf out of this pubs guide. Some rather beautiful bar staff, friendly hello all round the pub, fast quick slick service. The food was served quickly, was hot very filling. I fully recommend this public house as excellent

Great local pub, friendly staff nice food, very good prices. Weekdays I would suggest going in there to eat and drink, as the clientele at weekends is a little rough to say the least, and very rowdie and threatening as we found out!