Thursday 29th August 2024

Ian Rogers

When hearing of Henlow, you may be aware of the RAF Henlow base or Champneys Spa resort at Henlow Grange, but the Engineers Arms is another destination worthy of a visit.

Indeed, it is rumoured that many well-known guests at Champneys have sought sanctuary at the Engineers Arms.

On arrival at the pub, you will see a few benches at the front, leading to the entrance at the right, up a couple of steps. In front of you will be an array of keg taps for a variety of lagers, Guinness plus a couple of ciders.

If you turn left through a doorway, you will be in the front bar, which is unusual being curved at one end and rectangular at the other.

There is a line-up of 7 handpumps with another 1 to the right plus another 2 to the rear, making a total of 10, all of which are under 5%.

These are all displayed on a board, showing what is on, listing name, type, abv and price – at time of visit £4 to £4.30 per pint.

All of the beers sampled during the visit were in good condition – Brew61 – Brambling Best, Nethergate – White Stout and Bass – Premium Ale. On the same board are displayed options for Cider and Perry.

Towards the rear is another area which contains more seating & a large television, plus a small alcove for CAMRA literature.

This then leads on to the toilets and also the doorway to the beer garden, some of which is covered.

A lot of social events take place a Gin Festival, a Beer Festival, Open Mic nights, Quiz nights and Coach trips.

The history of the pub can be traced back to 1830 and a detailed list of owners and Licensees is shown on their website. In 1989 the current Licensee purchased the pub from Charles Wells Ltd.

Important Information:

Engineers Arms, 68 High Street, Henlow, Bedfordshire, SG16 6AA
Tel: 01462 812284 Web: engineersarms.co.uk

Pub hours: Sunday-Saturday: 12.00-23.00
with a later finish on Fridays & Saturdays

Public Transport:
Train – there are 3 main options:
1) Thameslink/Great Northern to Arlesey station, then a 30-minute walk.
2) Thameslink/Great Northern to Hitchin station, then walk or take a connecting bus into the Town Centre,
before taking a Grant Palmer 74 or Stagecoach 9B or 9C which will stop almost opposite the pub
(15/20 minute journey).
3) Thameslink/Great Northern to Biggleswade
then a Grant Palmer 74 towards Hitchin will stop a few yards beyond the pub (13 minute journey).
Buses:
Grant Palmer 74 runs between Bedford and Hitchin hourly during the day Monday to Saturday.
Stagecoach 9B/C runs between Bedford and Stevenage mainly hourly during the daytime Monday to Friday
and every 2 hours on Saturdays.