The Cambridgeshire pub with ‘hidden gem’ garden that’s ‘most loved’ in the region

It has been crowned as best local pub in the region

A Cambridgeshire local pub with a “hidden gem” garden has been named as the ‘most loved’ in the region. As it does every year, Muddy Stilettos has announced the best of what the region has on offer.

One of these categories is the ‘most loved local pub’ across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The lifestyle magazine crowned The Pheasant in the village of Keyston as the ‘best’ in the region.

The pub acts as a meeting point amongst the community – especially as it is the only local amenity in the village. It is a restored thatched country pub where “thoughtful hospitality, seasonal cooking and exceptional wines come together in the Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire countryside”, according to its website.

It added: “The bar remains at the heart of The Pheasant, with cosy corners, roaring fires in the colder months, local ales on the pumps, carefully crafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in and stay awhile.

“Beyond, our light-filled restaurant overlooks the gardens and surrounding countryside, offering a relaxed setting for everything from long lunches to evening dining. When the weather allows, our south-facing garden is one of the area’s hidden gems.”

The finalists for the Muddy Award 2026 were:

• The Boot (Freston);
• The Burleigh Arms (Cambridge);
• The Crown (Bildeston);
• The Crown (Stoke By Nayland);
• The Debenham Lion (Debenham);
• The Greyhound Inn (Pettistree);
• The Three Blackbirds (Wooditton);
• The Three Hills (Bartlow);
• The Wild Rabbit (Harkstead).

The Pheasant offers a wide variety of dishes. From battered fish served with triple-cooked chunky chips, crushed minted peas and tartar sauce to a pan-seared duck breast with roasted apricot, pomme dauphine, heritage carrots and apricot chutney, the menu is diverse offering each customer a choice they can enjoy.

Its dessert menu is a big crowd-pleaser with options such as a sticky toffee pudding or brown sugar, chocolate and espresso tart. For true savoury-lovers, a cheese plate from Rennet & Rind, Cheesemonger and Affineur of Cambridge, served with crackers, membrillo, celery & grapes is available to please your tastebuds.

Reviews on Google highly recommend the pub, with 4.6 stars out of five. One customer wrote: “A beautiful little pub with a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive and clearly passionate about both the food and the overall experience.”

Another previous diner wrote: “This was a great find. Just off the A14. So welcoming. The food was great and the location stunning – including Highland cattle in the field next door.”