Cambridgeshire pub once a favourite of WW2 airmen now loved for ‘delicious’ food

Not only was the pub popular during World War Two, it has also earned a strong reputation in recent times

A long-lived tradition for many people has been to enjoy a drink at the end of a long day at work. The Plough in the pretty village of Duxford frequently hosted airmen from the nearby Duxford airfield during their breaks between flying Spitfires and Hurricanes in World War Two.

Duxford Airfield was built during World War One. A key role of its airmen in World War Two included fighting off Luftwaffe attacks on London during the Battle of Britain.

The airfield has since been transformed into Imperial War Museum Duxford, housing extensive collections of aircraft, military vehicles, and hundreds of personal stories of lives impacted by conflict. Visitors at the museum can learn about the aircraft used during wars and watch incredible air shows.

The museum is also only around five minutes away from the pub by car. A visit around the museum followed by a dinner at The Plough sounds like a lovely day to spend steeped in history.

The pub dates back to 1851, so has been frequented by locals and visitors for more than 150 years. Nowadays, the team prides itself on serving homemade pub food and a choice of roast dinners on Sundays. Traditional pub grub including the classic battered cod and chips as well as pie of the day are among the options.

Pub entertainment and games are also on offer such as darts, crib, cards, pool, and dominos so guests can indulge in some light-hearted competition with their loved ones.

It seems that this pub wasn’t only popular in war times, but it has also earned a strong reputation amongst guests more recently. One guest wrote on Google: “Dropped in after a visit to the IWM, they were very welcoming and friendly. Lots of choice of beers. The food choice was very good, from light bites, rotisserie chicken to pie specials. The portions were huge and absolutely delicious.”

Another wrote: “Wow. If this was our local we’d be here twice a week. Alas we only popped by after visiting IWM for a pint and rotisserie chicken. Super large delicious portions even in the sides, good prices, and craft beers on tap. It’s a must after IWM!”