The Sportsman in Fenland

Poor management We went for a family meal to celebrate a birthday. Whilst paying for the bill, one of the members knocked their head on the low ceiling leaving them sweating, pale and very distressed. The manager was not to be seen on sight however albeit this, the two young bar staff were attentive and helpful. When the manager arrived, the lady responded saying it the low ceiling meets the health and safety requirements and there was nothing she could do about it despite claiming that the “🦆” sign indicated to mind your head whilst one of the members were sat with ice and a towel wrapped around their head in a lot of pain. Very disappointed with the way the manager dealt with the scenario and the fact that the young girls had to call a member of management to the scene suggested that no member was health or safety trained. Thankfully, he is ok however if the scenario was a lot worse we wouldn’t know what to expect has of he needed extra help.

great atmosphere and good staff, also such flavour in the food was mouth watering. definitely coming back, felt very taken care of at this establishment.

Hi guys just wanted to say a huge thank you too you all for being so welcoming to us and our dogs! You are all amazing and we laughed so much! Food was gorgeous thanks for putting up with us xxx

Eight of us attended the Sportsman today for lunch. There was a choice of pork, beef and chicken. It was served with 5 veg and everything was very well cooked and full of flavour. The service was also excellent.

Amazing lunch, absolutely amazing staff and chef, food is always so good, hot and home cooked, they are so friendly and welcoming, and so dog friendly, thank you ☺️

Popped in on a Saturday for a spur of the moment meal. Couldn’t of been happier. The burgers and chunky chips were delicious, obviously fresh as piping hot which is always a good sign. The bar staff were friendly and polite , drinks were served quickly. Gem of a pub , usually have just drinks but will now be returning for food too.

Beyond disappointing. Been a few times to this lovely pub when visiting family that live locally. Tonight was an extra special night celebrating a 60th birthday. A table was reserved for 8pm, we arrived early and started our meal early a, approx 7.30pm. Main meal was fine. When the plates were collected we asked for the dessert menu. We we told the that he thought the kitchen was now closed but would check with the chef. The 'chef' then came out and said the kitchen was closed. Unbelievable!! We were beyond disbelief that we were not offered a dessert, and that the 'chef' thought we were out of order to ask for one. The lovely barmaid offered to get something out of the kitchen if we wanted it, but at this point we felt the meal was ruined. A truly lovely local pub that needs a manager to sort out the chef (kitchen boy) to realise that a meal out is more than 1 course!

Lovely warm atmosphere, good food and friendly staff what more could one ask for. We enjoyed our visit very much, even treats for Primrose our little dog

A superb, friendly pub that not only has excellent staff the food is of an exceptional quality. Nothing is to much trouble. As a regular visitor the food cannot be faulted.

Very friendly and helpful service. Food was excellent quality and really delicious. Good choice of drinks. Alcoholic and Non. Have been here before and will gladly come again. Highly recommend this Gem of a pub. 10/10 👍😊😋

Dropped in fo an impromptu lunch and was not disappointed! Good food and drinks, friendly service. Well done! Look forward to dropping in again!

Lovely country pub dating from 1663. The welcome from all staff was so warm & friendly I just knew we were going to enjoy our lunch. We went for proper staple pub grub of fish & chips & ham, egg & chips. The cod was cooked perfectly & the batter was beautifully crisp throughout (can’t stand soggy batter) The ham was a quality piece and delicious & the chips of random shapes & sizes were lovely & crisp. I like my beer but not a Doom Bar or London Pride fan but they had a lovely session IPA, Wonderland, from New Bristol Brewery which was crisp & refreshing. Most importantly, if you are a dog owner, this place is very dog friendly. Will most definitely visit again as a pit stop on our way to the Norfolk coast.

Not having been here before, we decided to try out The Sportsman and booked a table for lunch. We got a warm and genuine welcome from the team, who were attentive without being intrusive. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food was without question the best we've had in a pub for a long time. It was also very reasonably priced and the portions generous. There is a good choice on the menu, plus a specials board. And the chips, oh, the chips! Top marks, The Sportsman, and we look forward to our next visit!

Cracking pub lunch and service with a smile. Visited on a bike ride for a few drinks which were excellent and pretty fast service. Ordered some lunch which tasted great just the service was a bit slow and my ploughmans was served without the main attraction, the cheese. This was quickly rectified though.

We had an impromptu lunch today and it was delightful! Friendly staff , great food and drinks, we could not want more! Well done the Sporty!

Good atmosphere in the Sportsman. They do a good range of spiced rums so if that’s your thing then it’s well worth a visit.

Had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Jake Baldry and Ben Day, get yourselves down there you might meet them. They make the pub what it is today!

Its one of the best pubs around . Its a place where you arrive as strangers and leave as friends.Great ales , great food, brilliant staff. This place encapsulates everything the great British pub should be. Well done everyone at the Sporty.

Visited for the first time today. Very welcoming and friendly bar staff. Food was very very tasty. Bread and butter pudding was really nice. Even tried the pineapple cider! Could easily get drunk on that. Will definitely be back. First impressions. Excellent.

Have been on several occasions for lunch as they do not do food in the evenings. First time I had a tuna baguette which was really nice fresh and a good size. Second time I had a pasty it’s cooked fresh so had to wait 45 mins but definitely worth the wait, also has some skin on fries which were amazing. Go for lunch well worth it.

Excellent refurbishment,atmosphere same, very friendly staff, plenty of different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can't wait to try weekday lunch menu.

Friendly staff, nice atmosphere and great village pub! Good selection of drinks. The team have done a great job of bringing this old pub back to life

This is my second visit to the sportsman since it reopened in November. Quality of the refurb is outstanding. Having a modern twist, without taking away from the character of the historic building is fantastic. Well what can I say about the staff..they are phenomenal, friendly, fun and happy to be there. I have felt welcomed and at home with each visit. Definitely recommend!!

Brilliant to have the good old sporty back - menu has been parred down but is so much better, can highly recommend the mushroom bruschetta and the burger. Nice warm friendly atmosphere now.

Had a family party in back room,could not had a better experience,absolutely good food and service,Keith lovely man and friendly,will definetly go again for mid week meal.

Mi novio y yo nos detuvimos en una copa y lo que es un terrible lugar!La decoración es tan descuidado, papel empezando a despegarse, muy poco atractiva.El propietario era extremadamente grosero, muy displicente y cuando entramos en este continuó durante toda nuestra época en el pub.Definitivamente no lo recomiendo.

Entró a la Sportsman para comida en diciembre con mi pareja ya que estábamos de paso, y fue un terrible error.La comida no era muy buena y era principalmente frío. Aunque nuestras quejas se cayó a oídos sordos con el propietario que sólo puede ser descrito como un hombre viejo muy arrogante y eso es colocarlo bien.La decoración es muy de moda y el lugar parece que necesita ser desechado y comenzó otra vez y quizás es mejor para todo el mundo si era! Lástima que no es una opción 0 estrellas como el propietario solo merece eso!Por favor evita este lugar como la peste.

(Estoy aquí sólo para revisión de la patata asada) y fue muy decepcionante!Era como una patata hervidos y piel oscura en el exterior, sin crujido, y ni siquiera muy bien preparado.Nunca solía tener un problema antes de que creo que hay un nuevo chef. . . Que necesita. Para aprender a hacer un buen asado Tattie.

We were passing through the village looking for somewhere for lunch and spotted the sportsman.It does not look that appealing from the outside or inside but would only need a quick makeover to make it much more attractive.There is a decent selection of beers and lagers and a good selection of food from the menu.We selected 4 different dishes and were pleasantly surprised by the ample size of the portions and they were tastey too.Yes it does neet a lick of paint but the quality of the beer, food and service would warrant a return visit.

Mi marido y yo tuvimos una cena y las comidas eran asquerosas. Tuve pollo a la barbacoa, que supuestamente tienen bacón crujiente en la parte superior. El tocino era simplemente descuidadas de grasa y la de pollo fue horrible. Mi marido tenía un plato de carne en salsa rara que parecía porquería perro! Dura, pero verdadera. La ensalada tenía unos 10 días de antigüedad!. comida pésima a precios chocante. Yo creo que necesita un nuevo chef, ya que la comida es que pobre. Dejamos todo. Sin duda, no comería allí. Asqueroso. Sin embargo, el personal era encantador y amable una pena sobre la comida!

La mayoría de nuestro grupo tenía el asado del domingo, que estaba disponible en 2 tamaños. Eso es una buena idea y adecuada para nuestro grupo. Tenía cordero y la carne estaba deliciosa. Otro amigo tenía un cangrejo con ensalada y que era muy generoso.El servicio era bueno y los postres parecía increíble, pero estábamos demasiado lleno.Me encanta el escenario para un corto paseo a lo largo del río.El sol brillaba y era maravilloso en el conservatorio.Muy bueno,

Lovely Quaint Village Inn, good selection of Ales and some dry old local characters.. Did not sample the food..

7 de nosotros visitamos recientemente un sábado por la noche. El bar no estaba lleno, así que pedimos una bebida y se sentó. 3 de nosotros pedimos Bruschetta que es pan tostado tipo baguette con tomate, cebolla, albahaca, vinagre y aceite de oliva.Lo que nos dieron era un rojo cebolla aproximadamente picados, algún tomate, un chorrito de vinagre y aceite de oliva con un pedazo de 1 pulgada de tostadas en el lado. Pedimos más pan tostado y recibido 4 piezas de pan blanco con algunos ajo y aceite de oliva pegar. Nos enviaron todos 3 volver después de la camarera nos dijo que el chef había acabado de pan para Bruschetta. Así que, ¿por qué no nos dicen antes de que orden en lugar de tratar con nosotros a pagar por algo que no pudieron entregar.Mi amigo pedimos un pastel de carne que no podía comer. Nos envió otro plato principal, ya que no era lo que anuncian. Pedí solomillo pero parecía aspecto y sabor culata. 2 compañeros tenía la parrilla de mezcla y el bistec era el mismo que el suyo.Probamos un desierto pero éstas eran muy decepcionante. No puedes fastidiarla con tarta de manzana pero esto parecía la pastelería no había sido preparado y las manzanas no tenía sabor.Cuando nos quejamos al director, quien había en este tiempo que se consumen varias pintas de cerveza, fue grosero, abusivo y terminamos salvo mi suegro del pub.El director no deben estar corriendo un negocio licenciado cuando está claro que tiene un problema de bebida y el chef realmente debe comprender que esto no es lo suficientemente bueno.Hemos tenido una comida razonable aquí antes, pero nunca de nuevo con la gerencia y personal de cocina actual.Simplemente no es lo suficientemente bueno.

Just a normal pub, landlord Keith is an ex-professional boxer. Been there many times, either with partner or with friends. Good food, well-priced and special reduced prices for old "gadgies" like me Mon-Thurs.

Went with friends for a "seniors meal" great value for money, nice beer and comfortable surroundings what more could you ask for ,we will be back!!

Great seniors menu can't do it at home cheaper. Clean good service great staff. Senior lunches Monday to Friday, most other pups only provide senior meals one day a week. Always busy, it's a good idear to book to avoid disappointment.

Extensive menu. Great food and service. Recommended but you must book in advance - very popular Public House.

Utilizamos para beber en el Sportsman como adolescentes, algunos 20-25 años, y parece que sólo me eso ha cambiado.Este pub podría ser un verdadero atractivo, pero pierde a la raza nueva pubs gastrointestinal que están surgiendo en su puerta.selección de comida es aburrida y es presentado a la 70 estilo, así que si eso es lo que estás llenar estás botas, pero si no busca en otro lugar.Se intentará de nuevo en otros 25 años!

solíamos ir a el restaurante una vez al mes el miércoles cuando lo hicieron dos cenas de carne por £15.00 . No estaba mal, pero no hay nada que destacar. Siempre parecía un poco lúgubre y a veces la música era más alto que queríamos mientras charlando. Fui para una comida en septiembre ya que estaba pasando y si tiene hambre. El menú era demasiado caro para mi gusto.Todos los bares y restaurantes estos días es bastante amable, quieren su encargo, pero hay mejores lugares en la zona para una buena comida razonable. Me alegré de salir y volver a casa. No me importaría volver con amigos si invitados pero no tirados.

Only popped in for a beer but was very welcoming atmosphere. Landlord was very friendly and it felt very comfortable. Alas, we did not have time to try the food but the menu looked good and was quite reasonably priced. Would definately re-visit

No dejes que los techos bajos, pero ten cuidado si eres alto! El personal es amable y atento, fui recientemente con mi hijo y disfrutamos de un par de bebidas en el bar. Tuvimos una conversación con el personal encargado. En general, fue una experiencia agradable.

Great value for money !! Been few times over the years , staff are great , polite and friendly, the food is the main thing that pulls the people in large portions and tastes amazing!!! The chef Jez is a great man! will be back again soon!

The guiness was like vinegar very unexceptable will never go there again and the landlord is a arrogant individual that wonts to learn how to look after his beer

We have had very nice and good meals at this little pub, The people who go are nice local people. The inside is very quaint with an open fire in winter it is also part listed building. We have always had nice service from the staff and landlord.

We booked a table for a family lunch here, last week. We all noticed that the music being played was from a radio channel, and was very loud so we politely asked the waiter for it to be turned down. He got quite unpleasant about it and remarked"you do realize this is a pub". However,he turned the radio off eventually, but his attitude was rude and very off hand towards us all throughout the time we were in the pub. It was a very uncomfortable experience. Although the food was good, we shall not go to the Sportsman in Elm again!

The food is crap the landlord serves beer slops when you are not looking his manner is apauling he's just a command needs health and safety to look into this business if his kitchen is like his manners he needs closing down I hear staff all ways leaving so that tells you a lot one to give a miss

All depends on the mood of the landlord and if you are one of hie "in" crowd. After ordering we waited nearly an hour before we cancelled our meal and walked out

7 of us went to the Sportsman last night for a birthday meal. 4 had starters, all apart from the mussels arrived with half of the plate covered in salad so the actual starter itself was quite small. It didn't seem to matter what your starter was you had to have salad all over your plate. This didn't go with mushrooms in stilton sauce, which also lacked in flavour. 3 of the group had steaks which when cut into were not cooked as requested all being well overcooked. My friend, told who I believe was the landlord and waiter, that she didn't want anything doing about it and would eat the steak but she thought he would want to know that the steak was over cooked and not medium rare. He pulled a very rude face behind her back which she didn't see but I most certainly did, leant over her prodded her steak and told her that it was medium rare, albeit there was no sign of any redness what so ever. He said that he had been in the business and cooking steak for years and that she didn't know what she was talking about. I then put my two pennyworth in saying that no way was it medium rare to be told that it was nothing to do with me as I was eating steak cobbler. We told him how rude he was and he may have been cooking for many years but we had also been eating for many years. The final thing that I didn't like about this man was that I noticed he kept popping outside the front door, I then found out what he was doing out there when he came over to our table, leant over to take plates reeking of smoke. Very unpleasant and he certainly hadn't been anywhere near a sink to wash his hands.As you can gather we didn't leave a tip and we won't be returning to The Sportsman, I don't pay good money to be insulted by such a rude man.

Went as a party of 8 the atmosphere was great a proper pub bar staff very friendly restaurant service awesome and the food best pub meal I have had in ages well worth a visit I will certainly be going back

I've just got back from a fab meal at The Sportsman. The Chef who cooked my steak deserves a medal - cooked to perfection!!! A good all-round menu at very good prices. Well presented with good unobtrusive service. I have been there now both at lunch times and evenings and would recommend either highly. I'm not a veggie but I noticed that rather than the token one veggie dish there were three to choose from. Definately another visit on the cards. Thank you to all the staff there for a lovely meal.

The food was excellent and the barmaid efficient and pleasant. This is a real country pub, which has memories for me of sawdust on the floor and the two elderly ladies - Maud May and her sister - who were the licencees in the early 1960s. Elgood's beer was served and it was very olde worlde.The current landlord has done a comprehensive job of bringing it up to modern standards and it is well worth a visit.

A little gem of a pub just outside Wisbech. Good selection of beer and food at reasonable cost. Great service from the bar staff and management. Cosy and warm would defintely pop in for a beer when passing.

Wednesday nights is a steak special for two, very good value. Good sized food portions always. Advisable to book for Sunday lunches.

We came as a party of five on a busy sunday, just before christmas. A good choice of the set lunch or ordering off the normal menu. We went for 2 courses for £9.99 excellent value these days. The food was honest pub grub, with an array of well cooked veg. Drinks were a good price (3 cokes for under a fiver- I didn't order the first round!!) The general atmosphere was buzzy and friendly. Would be happy to revisit and recommend.

Having been recommended to give The Sportsman a try we popped in on the off chance of finding a free table and although it was almost full we managed to find a small table for two. We were made welcome and were very impressed by the choice of meals available. The food arrived piping hot with a large selection of freshly cooked vegetables in a separate side dish. The quality was excellent and the service was good despite them being very busy in the lead up to Christmas. We would certainly recommend anyone to give The Sportsman a try, we will be going again next time we are in the area.

This venue was booked for our Christmas night out.The landlord was miserable to say the least. The first pint of beer I had was off and the way he looked at me was like 'you don't know about beer'.Then he moaned that 2 people could not attend for various reasons. We only found out that they could not attend when we got in the pub. Not a good start.Our group was split onto 3 tables but with a bit of thought we could have been on one long table.We had to wait for our starters and they were 'still serving other tables in the pub'.They did arrive and within 1 second of us finishing them the main courses arrived.There was a short gap between the mains and dessert.After the dessert, the tables were cleared almost immediately.We asked if the music could be changed to a bit more festive. The answer that we recieved was a swift 'NO'.The food was at best OK. Most pubs in the area would offer the same standard for the same price.We left without leaving a tip. Surprise surpriseI rated this pub as poor because at no time what so ever were we made welcome. Get them in, FED, and get them out.

Having been going to the Sportsman now just over 4 years thought it was about time that I endorse all the positive comments about this great pub. My family travel down to Elm on a regular basis and from Stockport to stay at our house in the village, whenever we can we try and get to have a meal and drinks and take in the hospitality and friendly atmosphere given by the bar ladies and owner. We have never had a bad meal and would alwayd recommend the ribs , try and make sure you have lots of napkins your going to get messy!! Big thanks to the Sportsman for making the journey worthwhile when we know that if we go the Sportsman my Son, Daughter, Wife and Myself a guaranteed good evening is to be had. We have been to other hostelry's in the area but in our opinion none are as good .Worth a try .

Went today with friends who were visiting from Essex, great meal and price for the four of us, friends could not believe the Seniors Menu prices compared to their home town. Vegetables fresh none of this frozen stuff, meals hot, service very good, will go again for sure. Try the Fudge dessert umm!!! yummy.

Used this pub for the first time today the food was excellent and a vast choice on the senior menu. My friends I had with me were very impressed with the food,service infact the whole experience and they couldn't belive how reasonable the prices where and next time they visit me they said they want to visit the sportsman again. I certainly as a local will use it again

Been a few times to the sportsman now - a friend recommended to us - normally early evenings after work - really nice food and a friendly village pub atmosphere. always been busy when ive been - which is a good sign.Reasonably priced - and big portions - highly recommended (Ribs are huge by the way!!)

Great pub grub with fast and courteous service. Very popular eating place.

Good food. Could do with a make over in the Loo area. Quiz nite Tuesday so beware, gets busy.

good value for money quality and quantity very quaint settings

Fabulous food, well cooked proper English pub food! Would recommend the fillet steak! Good value for money and plenty of atmosphere

I have eaten here a couple of times and always been very happy with the quality and price. It is also a nice non-chain pub and perfect for popping in for a pint or two after a hard day. OK so the barman could smile more but I always find him polite.

Great for lunch, staff freindly and polite, huge portions and great chips. Pensioner menue is great formy folks. Reading other reviews , never eaten in the back room but looks fine, cant coment on the rest but , andybody I have taken here has nothing but good to say about this village pub.

Don't pay up front and make sure someone else sees you paying I was accused of leaving without paying which I know i never did,there was also a work colleague of mine that saw me there that day,I went back to the restuarant to speak to the owner and was spoken to in an appalling manner.

My parents phoned TWICE to ensure we had a table for four available, on both occasions were assurred there would be, they were never asked to leave a name, thinking this to be odd, (hense the two phone calls) . Anyway we travelled the 50 miles from home to have a much recommended meal, on arrival a funeral party were in enjoying a buffet lunch, we went to ask about our table and a very unhelpful gentleman basically said you didn't give a name so tough you can't eat here. would never recommend such a poor attitude to anyone.

A large group of us ate in the restaurant in the back room. The food was generally good and the staff coped with the large numbers.The room let the establshment down. There was a ack of coordination in the fixtures and fittings. The lamp shades were burnt and dirty. A curtain was draped over a quanitiy of furniture. The room is sad and neglected and badly in need of a makeover.Coming out of the restaurant at night we were immersed in blackness, although there is good lighting at the front of the building.