Originally, the Ancient Shepherds, in Fen Ditton just north of Cambridge, was three cottages, built in 1540.

In 1805, the tenants of the first cottage which is now the Fold Bar, took out a beer licence and subsequent tenants gradually extended into the middle cottage.

It was not until 1954 that the owners of the third cottage, having taken over the pub, converted the ground floor of their cottage into the Shepherds kitchen. The fire-place and the two cross beams are all part of the original structure of 1540, uncovered during the conversion.

We arrived as tenants in July 2000 and have enjoyed every minute of our time here. The Ancient Shepherds is a quintissentially English pub with an excellent range of beers, wines and fine food. We are happy to cater for well-behaved children anywhere in the pub - and dogs (that's our Billie on the left) are welcome in our garden or Fold Bar.

If you like piped music and fruit machines then the Ancient Shepherds is not the place for you but if you want excellent, locally sourced and freshly prepared food or just a drink in peaceful surroundings, then come along and see us - you'll be pleased you did.

Susan and John Harrington