The Minster Tavern
The Minster Tavern
1 Minster Place
ELY
CB7 4EL
Tel: +44 (0)1353 652901
Situated in the centre of Ely, next to the Cathedral, the reputedly haunted Minster Tavern has been in existence as a pub since 1817. The Minster Tavern has a long association with Ely Cathedral.
The site of the present day Minster Tavern was close to the Palace Green where, in 1250, a chantry of four priests was established by Bishop Northwold to sing masses for the souls of Henry III, Queen Eleanor, their children and the Bishops and Monks of Ely.
There are claims that this building dates back to the 10th Century when the Bishop’s Monks were in residence during period when the Cathedral was being built. This could explain the various sightings of a ghostly monk that occasionally haunts the pub at night!
Originally The Minster Tavern was known as the Greyhound and was first referenced in the 1817 Victuallers' Licenses for St Mary's Parish, Ely. In the census of 1851 ‘John Hills Jr – wine and spirit merchant’ is listed as living in Minster Place. The Greyhound continued in the hands of the Hills family until 1914.
It is not known exactly when the name changed to the Minster Tavern, but it would appear to be in the second half of the 20th Century, as it is still referred to as The Greyhound in The City of Ely's Red Book of 1943.
Ales and Malts
The Minster Tavern always stocks three cask ales, which includes London Pride, IPA and one guest ale.
Food
The Minster Tavern is renowned for its quality and delicious food, which includes a range of traditional fayre, such as Steak Pie, freshly battered Fish & Chips and Ploughman’s Lunch.