Review

Seven miles south of Cambridge lies the small picturesque village of Great Abington - Wysteria-clad cottages and flower boxes exploding with colour. Located on the River Granta, the village features a church, a primary school, a village institute, a recreation ground, a cricket club and a Public House, The Three Tuns. Nice alliteration but "what's a tun", I hear you shout? It's the vessel used to hold the grain and water mixture during the mashing process and the said "three tuns" stand proudly on the roof of the back

... reasonably priced Thai food ... definitely worth the charming drive on a fine evening

entrance to the pub.

The Three Tuns owners Chris and Karen (previously landlord and lady of The Hoops in Great Eversden) take their ale seriously. There's much to tempt the real ale connoisseur with Greene King IPA and Abott, Nethergate Sheep's Eye, Adnams, Archers Gold and Woodforde's Wherry all on offer, not to mention the full-bodied floral fruit of Oakham Bishop's Farewell and the smooth, crisp tasting golden City of Cambridge Sunset Square.

Watch your head as you enter the small dining room adjoining the bar with its low ceilings, old beams and traditional "olde worlde" furnishings that befit the oldest building in Great Abingdon, dated 16th century. Food is also served in the main bar area and all of the tables were full by 8pm on our week night visit, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Thai chef, Oi, prepares an impressive array of chicken, prawn, beef, duck and seafood dishes, most served with a timbale of plain rice. A limited number of vegetarian options are also available. The small but varied wine menu features half or dozen or so each of low to medium priced red and white wines and a couple of Champagnes for celebratory occasions.

We tried the appetising corn cakes (from the specials board) and flavourful (if strange-textured) Thai fishcakes seasoned with fresh lemongrass, both served with a moreish sweet chilli dipping sauce. Decent sized portions of truly exceptional and gloriously sticky duck Pad Thai followed. Curiosity ensured we tasted the Chocolate Junkyard dessert, a sinfully rich chocolate mousse tower topped with slivers of chocolate bars and white chocolate shavings. After dinner, try the café mocha with its wonderful amaretto finish from the special Italian coffee menu.

English fayre is served on Saturday lunchtimes and a traditional roast on Sundays (for £6.95). With reasonably priced Thai food on the menu all other days The Three Tuns is definitely worth the charming drive on a fine evening.