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Beyond the Colleges: A Proper Cambridge Pub Crawl
I spent two days exploring Cambridge’s pubs, starting at the Kingston Arms and working my way through a wide mix of historic and characterful venues. It was great to meet CAMRA members Alistair, Will and Ingvar along the way. Each stop offered something different, from railway heritage at the Old Ticket Office to revived locals like the Royal Standard and Devonshire Arms. I also visited The Bank Micropub, a cosy former bank focused on good ale and conversation. I enjoyed a strong range of cask ales, ciders and keg beers throughout, with day two adding brewpubs, taprooms and a trip out to Northstowe.
Cambridge has a long, gentle history that stretches back to Roman times, when it began as a small settlement by the River Cam. Over the centuries, it grew into a market town, and in 1209 scholars arrived, laying the foundations for what would become the University of Cambridge. The city slowly filled with colleges, cobbled streets and quiet green spaces. Today, Cambridge blends its deep past with everyday life, where historic buildings sit alongside busy pubs, cafés and shops, giving it a friendly, lived-in feel that’s easy to enjoy.
The Kingston Arms
Friday was my first of 2 days in Cambridge and I was joined by Alistair from Cambridge & District CAMRA. My first visit was to The Kingston Arms. The Kingston Arms opened its doors in the early 1870s as the area was rapidly growing. Local landlord Thomas Kingston, who was often called the ‘Miser’ due to his shy demeanour and charitable actions, originally built the pub. In 1873, George William Todd got a license to sell beer there. Over the years, the pub changed hands multiple times, including a stint as the Haslop Arms from 1881 to 1895 under James and Caroline Haslop. By 1901, John Wallis was running the place, and in 1911, it was taken over by William and Alice Swann. The Panton Brewery bought it in 1918, followed by Bailey & Tebbutt in 1925, and eventually Greene King. Today, the Kingston Arms is a free house that prides itself on being a community hub with a classic pub vibe.
Inside, it feels warm and full of character, with wooden floors, a compact bar and every inch of wall space covered in vintage beer signs, local photos and old festival posters. Pump clips line the ceiling and bar, showing off a strong range of ales and ciders, while chalkboards and hanging mugs add to the lived-in feel. There’s a mix of small tables and quiet corners, plus a fireplace that makes it especially inviting on cooler days. Out back, the beer garden has plenty of picnic benches, with a covered section under a wooden canopy as well as open seating.
It was fantastic to meet and chat to Mark and the team who gave a fantastic warm welcome. On the bar a brilliant line up of 8 cask ales, alongside ciders and keg options. Lots of choice! I went for Backyard Blonde by 52 Degrees Brewing, a blonde ale with light malt sweetness and a fresh, clean finish.
Old Ticket Office
Next up was a short walk to the Old Ticket Office. Old Ticket Office at Cambridge Railway Station, opened in June 2018 as part of the City Pub Company’s expansion across the city. Housed within a carefully restored historic ticket hall, the pub makes the most of its railway heritage while offering a welcoming and relaxed setting. Much of the building’s original character has been preserved, with thoughtful design details that echo traditional station bars of the past. Its central location, right by the station, makes it an ideal meeting point for travellers arriving in the city as well as locals looking for a convenient and characterful place to enjoy a drink.
Inside, it opens into a bright, airy space centred around a large wooden bar, with high ceilings and deep green walls giving it a smart but relaxed feel. Original features like the old ticket office and tall windows looking onto the station add plenty of character, while railway photos and signs keep that link to its past. Seating ranges from small tables and stools to booth-style spots by the windows, with a few quieter corners tucked away. Outside, there’s a row of tables on Station Square with parasols, making it a great spot to sit with a drink and watch the trains and people pass by.
A cask ale line up of 5 options, along with a great choice of keg options. I went for Screaming Goose by Three Blind Mice Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hops and a lively, refreshing finish.
The Royal Standard
My next visit was over the other side of the railway in Cambridge to The Royal Standard. The Royal Standard has stood on Mill Road since 1881, built as the area grew with new Victorian housing east of the railway. Interestingly, its angled position shows it predates much of the surrounding street. It served locals for decades before closing in 2004, after which the building took on other roles, including a restaurant and charity shop, and was briefly called Kitty Dunphy’s. After about ten years without a pub, it reopened in October 2015. Since then, it’s settled back into life as a relaxed, welcoming spot with good beer, great food, and a loyal local following.
Inside, it feels cosy and full of character, with plenty of natural light from the front windows and a mix of small tables and seating that keeps things relaxed. The décor leans a bit eclectic, with mirrors, signs and colourful touches dotted around the walls, giving it a lived-in feel. It’s easy to settle in, whether you’re near the windows or tucked into a quieter corner. Out the back, the beer garden has a mix of covered and open seating with picnic benches, making it a handy spot to sit outside whatever the weather.
It was great meeting and chatting to Rob in here who gave us a really warm welcome. A fantastic selection on the bar with 4 cask ales, a wide variety of ciders and a line up of keg options. I went for Don’t Worry Be Hoppy by Facer’s Brewery, a pale ale with fresh citrus hops and a bright, zesty finish.
Devonshire Arms
A walk back over the railway in Cambridge brought me onto Devonshire Arms. The Devonshire Arms began life in the mid-1870s as the Midland Tavern, likely the first building on Devonshire Road, serving railway workers as the area grew around Cambridge station. It was later renamed the Devonshire Arms and became a long-standing local. By the late 20th century, it had a lively, alternative character and a loyal following. After a period of decline, it was refurbished and reopened in 2010 by Milton Brewery. Since then, it’s settled back in as a friendly, easy-going pub, still reflecting its roots in the railway community and the changing life of the area around it.
Inside, it feels relaxed and full of character, with a slightly old-school charm and a few quirky touches. There’s a mix of wooden floors, traditional tables and chairs, and cosy corners, including a snug room with a wood burner that makes it especially inviting. The décor is a bit eclectic, with plants, posters and small details dotted around, giving it a lived-in, personal feel without trying too hard. It’s easy to settle in, whether you’re by the bar or tucked away at the back. Outside, the beer garden is a small, laid-back space with picnic benches and a few umbrellas for cover.
It was great meeting to Nat and the team in here, a really warm welcome. On the bar I should start with the outstanding line up of Ciders, far too many to count but has over 60, along with a selection of cask ales from Milton Brewery, and a few keg options. I went for Justinian by Milton Brewery, a golden ale with gentle citrus notes and a smooth, rounded finish.
Salisbury Arms
Another short walk brought me to Salisbury Arms. The Salisbury Arms was first licensed in 1886 as the Salisbury Hotel, built to serve the growing Victorian streets around Cambridge station. It became a steady local for railway workers and nearby residents, rooted in the everyday life of the area. In the 1970s, it was taken on by CAMRA Investments during the early real ale revival, giving it a wider reputation beyond its immediate surroundings. That link has lasted, and some still call it “the CAMRA pub.” Over time it has been updated, but it remains closely tied to its late-19th-century origins.
Inside, the space has a warm, slightly eclectic feel, with exposed brick, timber beams, and a long, narrow layout that draws you through the room. The bar area blends into the seating, with shelves, greenery, and soft string lighting adding detail without feeling cluttered. Wooden floors, mismatched tables, and bench seating give it a relaxed, lived-in character, while the mix of wall art and vintage-style posters adds a bit of personality throughout. Toward the back, the room opens out with higher ceilings and hanging lights, creating a brighter, more open spot to sit. Outside, there’s a small beer garden tucked alongside the building, with colourful benches and an informal setup that suits warmer days.
A selection of 3 cask ales on the bar along with a selection of keg options. I went for Double Star, Bedford Bitter by Brewpoint Brewery, a classic bitter with soft malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
The Live and Let Live
My next visit on Friday in Cambridge was to The Live and Let Live. This is a beloved pub tucked away on a side street, boasting a rich history of almost 150 years. It started as a small beerhouse and gradually took over nearby spaces, becoming a free house in the late ’80s. Known for its dedication to traditional pub culture, it provides a welcoming spot for chatting and connecting with others. The name and sign draw inspiration from a 19th-century painting called ‘The Man Loaded with Mischief’ by Richard Hopkins Leach, highlighting its strong ties to local history.
Inside, the pub has a warm, traditional feel, with timber panelling, exposed beams, and worn wooden floors throughout. The layout runs through a series of connected rooms, giving a bit more space while still feeling intimate. A wood-burning stove set into a brick fireplace adds a natural focal point and a gentle warmth. Seating varies from sturdy tables and chairs to quieter corners, including a snug with bench seating and stained glass for a more tucked-away spot. Framed prints, old signage, and soft lighting add character without overwhelming the space, creating a relaxed setting suited to both quiet pints and easy conversation.
Was fantastic meeting and chatting to Adam and had a great warm welcome from both behind the bar when I arrived. On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales, along with a range of keg options. I went for Nene Valley Bitter by Nene Valley Brewery, a traditional bitter with gentle caramel notes and a steady, rounded finish.
The Petersfield
A short walk in Cambridge brought me onto The Petersfield. This has a fascinating history that goes back to at least 1879. It was originally called the White Hart and moved from King Street to its current location in 1873 to cater to the expanding community. Over time, it changed hands multiple times, with notable owners like George Cooper and Richard Bigsworth. In 2004, it became the Backstreet Bistro, a popular restaurant, before reverting to its pub identity in 2017 as The Petersfield, now part of the City Pub Company.
Inside, it feels bright and sociable, centred around a long bar lined with leather stools and backed by a striking ceiling filled with wine bottles. The layout flows into a more relaxed dining space with panelled walls, soft lighting, and comfortable seating that suits both drinks and longer stays. There’s a lively, polished feel without losing its pub character. Outside, the courtyard adds another dimension, with bench seating, greenery, and a colourful Cambridge mural that gives the space a playful, local touch.
Drinks wise on the bar there is selection of 4 cask ales, alongside a range of keg choices. I went for Young’s London Special by Eagle Brewery, a rich dark ale with deep malt flavour and a smooth, warming finish.
The Cambridge Blue
Next in Cambridge was to The Cambridge Blue. This is a pub with roots stretching back to the 1870s. It originally opened as the Dew Drop Inn, among the first pubs to serve the growing Gwydir Street area as it developed. In 1950, it secured a full licence, marking its transition from a modest beerhouse into a more established local. During the mid-1980s, it was renamed The Cambridge Blue in tribute to the university’s iconic sporting colours. Inside, the pub reflects this heritage with rowing-themed décor, including a Cambridge Eight boat suspended from the ceiling and signed by the crew, adding a distinctive historical touch.
Inside feels warm and welcoming, with a single-bar layout that opens into a series of cosy, characterful spaces. The walls are packed with vintage brewery signage, tobacco adverts, and framed prints, while pump clips and beer mats line shelves and even the ceiling, giving it a lived-in, collector’s feel. Wooden tables, benches, and tucked-away booths create plenty of places to settle in. Beyond the main bar, there’s an extension leading out to a large garden, where a covered marquee with long benches provides year-round seating. It all comes together to create a pub that feels full of history and personality.
A huge line up of 9 cask ales, a wide choice of ciders alongside keg options to choose from. Even more choice available in the fridges packed full of bottles and cans. I went for Royston Red by Buntingford Brewery, a red ale with light caramel notes and a smooth, balanced finish.
The Alex
Around the corner brought me to The Alex. The Alex is a historic pub which was established around 1870 and named after Princess Alexandra. It was a lively community hub, once home to a popular skittle club. Despite widespread redevelopment in the 1960s, the pub remained a favourite with locals, many of whom returned regularly even after moving away. The Alex is known for its friendly atmosphere and community gatherings, like the yearly ‘Alexfest’ music festival that highlights local artists in its outdoor patio.
Inside, The Alex has a warm, welcoming feel with a mix of rustic textures and light industrial touches across its split-level layout. Dark wooden floors, solid timber tables and a mix of benches, leather chairs and stools make it comfortable and relaxed, while soft filament lighting adds a gentle glow against textured walls and white tiling. There are cosy booths and window seats, plus a snug corner with a small stove, board games and retro signs. A large vintage-style map shows the area as it looked when the pub first opened, and outside there’s a covered garden with shared tables for easy-going drinks.
4 cask ales on the bar to choose from, alongside a choice of ciders and keg options. I went for Gold by Wylde Sky Brewing, a golden ale with soft fruity notes and a bright, easy finish.
The Blue Moon
A short walk brought me next to The Blue Moon. This pub has a fascinating past that goes back to the 1800s. It started out as the Norfolk Arms and has changed names a few times over the years. In 1964, it was rebuilt and became the Man on the Moon, featuring a cool space theme with astronaut murals and model rockets. Then in 1998, it was called The Office, but by 2000, it switched back to the Man on the Moon. In 2013, it got a fresh makeover and reopened as The Blue Moon, joining the Cambridge Blue family. Nowadays, The Blue Moon is famous for its welcoming vibe and lively events like live music, comedy nights, and themed parties.
Inside blends traditional pub features with a colourful, slightly eclectic edge. Wooden floors and teal-painted panelling run throughout, with mismatched tables and chairs arranged across the space. Warm pendant lights and strings of fairy lights soften the room, while the walls mix contemporary artwork with framed prints, giving it a slightly gallery-like feel. Toward the bar end, the atmosphere becomes livelier, with long tables and a more social feel. The ceiling above the bar and parts of the surrounding area are covered in pump clips, while a separate wall is filled with a dense collage of photos, adding a playful, well-worn character.
A huge choice of drinks in here with 20 keg lines and 3 cask lines to choose from, offering an array of styles and strengths. I went for Generic Greeting (2025) by Neon Raptor Brewing Co., a hazy pale with juicy tropical fruit and a soft, rounded finish.
The pizzas from Oscar’s Pizza on site are delicious also and well worth visiting for.
The Geldart
Next up in Cambridge on Friday was to The Geldart. This is a unique corner pub tucked away on a backstreet, boasting a fascinating history that goes back to the 1870s. Named after James William Geldart, who was once a Fellow and Vice-Master at Trinity Hall, this pub has been a beloved part of the local scene for ages. It’s well-known for its community involvement, even snagging a runner-up spot in the Cambridge & District CAMRA Community Pub of the Year awards. The Geldart is famous for its dedication to live music, frequently showcasing local bands and artists, which has helped it become a lively cultural hotspot in Cambridge.
Inside has a relaxed, music-filled feel, with a few different spaces to settle into. The main bar has warm red walls, wooden floors, and guitars hanging above the fireplace, with small tables by the windows. There’s also a bright dining room with long tables, bench seating, and an upright piano in the corner. One snug is packed with vintage audio gear, posters, and old records, while another room is lined with vinyl from wall to wall. Instruments are dotted all around, even hanging from the ceiling. Out back, the covered courtyard has wooden seating and retro touches, making it a great spot to linger.
8 cask ales available on the bar, alongside a range of keg options to choose from. I went for Gold by Wylde Sky Brewing, a golden ale with soft fruity notes and a bright, easy finish.
Calverley’s Brewery
Another short walk around the corner brought me alongside Calverley’s Brewery and its taproom. Founded in 2014 by brothers Sam and Tom Calverley, the brewery was established in a converted stable yard just off Mill Road. Like many such outbuildings, the space evolved over time and was later used as garages and workshops before being repurposed for brewing. What began as a modest setup gradually expanded, with the taproom developing alongside the brewery itself as interest grew, turning a once purely functional yard into a place centred around modern, small-batch beer production.
Inside has a bright, relaxed taproom that feels lively without being crowded. Long wooden tables and bench seating encourage people to gather, whether for a quick drink or to settle in for a while, while the bar sits at the far end of the room. Whitewashed brick walls, skylights, and soft industrial lighting keep it light and open, with plants and small framed prints adding a bit of character. It’s the kind of place where groups chat over pints and board games, creating an easy, sociable atmosphere that reflects the brewery’s laid-back approach.
A fantastic mix of keg options to choose from, showcasing lots of different styles and strengths. All brewed right next door. I went for Strawberry Fair by Calverley’s Brewery, a sour ale with sweet strawberry notes and a tart, refreshing finish.
St Radegund
My next visit in Cambridge on Friday was to St Radegund Pub. The pub sits on land once linked to a 12th-century nunnery dedicated to St Radegund, later becoming part of Jesus College Cambridge after the dissolution of religious houses under Henry VIII. Over time, the area shifted into inns and pubs, and St Radegund became one of them. More recently, it’s had a few ups and downs — closing in 2019, reopening in March 2024, shutting again that October, and opening once more in January 2026. It’s a pub with a long past, still finding its feet in the present.
Inside it feels lively and close-knit, with people gathered around small wooden tables and along the bar. The walls are packed with framed photos, beer pump clips, and bits of local history, giving it a personal, slightly cluttered charm. Strings of flags hang across the ceiling, adding colour above the room, while warm lights and tall windows keep it bright. Seating is snug, so conversations spill easily between tables. It’s the sort of place where strangers end up chatting, and the room fills quickly with a steady buzz of voices and laughter.
A great line up of 5 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options to choose from on the bar. I went for Sackcloth by Milton Brewery, a bitter with gentle malt flavour and a clean, easy finish.
The Tram
My final call of my first day in Cambridge on Friday was to The Tram. This historic building began life as the stables and offices for the Cambridge Street Tramways, which ran horse-drawn trams across the city from 1880 until 1914. After the tram system closed, the site was put to a range of practical uses, including a fish market and later a furniture warehouse. In the late 1980s, it was carefully converted into a pub by Earl Soham Brewery, giving the building a new purpose while keeping its character. It was later taken on by Everards in the 1990s and remains a well-known local spot today.
Inside The Tram Depot, the building’s past is still easy to spot. Exposed brickwork, sturdy timber beams, and sections of tiled flooring all hint at its earlier life as part of the tramway depot. The space feels open and full of character, with a layout that makes the most of the original structure. There’s a mix of seating, from larger tables to quieter corners, giving it a relaxed, welcoming feel. Out at the front, you can still see the old tram lines set into the ground, a small but clear reminder of its working past.
On the bar 4 cask ales, a couple of ciders and a selection of keg options to choose from. I went for Pendulum by Everards Brewery, a golden pale ale with light biscuit malt and a gentle, easy finish.
King Street Brew House
Saturday saw my second day exploring Cambridge, starting at King Street Brew House. This place kicked off in January 2013 as a brewpub with its own microbrewery. This spot has a cool history, having been home to pubs like the King’s Arms, the Bun Shop, and the Jolly Scholar. Brewing here goes way back to at least the 15th century, with a brewer named John Chapman popping up in records from 1446. The current building, built in the 1970s, got a makeover to create a roomy interior with a big bar downstairs and two upstairs spaces, including the ‘Locker Room’ for private gatherings.
Inside feels warm and relaxed, with a mix of tan leather booths, dark green banquette seating and sturdy wooden tables set across well-worn floorboards. The long bar runs down one side, lined with taps and backed by soft lighting, while high tables and stools give it a sociable edge. Big front windows bring in plenty of daylight, balanced by hanging lights and exposed fittings overhead. Elsewhere, wood-panelled walls, framed prints and a few plants add character, and TVs showing sport keep things lively without taking over the space.
A great line up on the bar of 4 cask ales, alongside a wide range of keg options. I went for SESH by King Street Brew House, a hazy pale ale with fruity hop notes and a light, easy finish.
Thirsty
My next visit on Saturday in Cambridge was a bit of a walk out from King Street to Thirsty. Thirsty opened in August 2015 on the site of a former Threshers off-licence, which had closed in 2009. From the start, it was set up as something a bit different, combining a bottle shop with space to drink in, reflecting the growing interest in craft beer at the time. Early features included growler fills and shared tables, giving it a social feel from day one. Over time it expanded, adding more taps, events, and regular food trucks outside, and helping shape the local craft beer scene around Mitcham’s Corner.
Inside it feels relaxed and informal, more like a welcoming bottle shop than a traditional pub. Long wooden bench tables run through the main space, with stools by the large front windows looking out onto the street. Shelves and fridges packed with cans and bottles line the walls, giving you plenty to browse while you drink, while chalkboard menus and a small bar at the back keep things focused on the beer. The décor mixes clean, bright front-room light with warmer touches further in — from hanging filament bulbs and plants to a softer, more tucked-away seating area with rugs and murals. The layout naturally brings people together around shared tables, making it an easy-going spot to settle in with a drink and good company.
It was fantastic to meet Will and Ingvar from Cambridge & District CAMRA, along with Gladys the dog. On the bar a huge lineup of keg lines offering lots of styles and strengths, alongside a cask ales and a huge choice of bottles and cans. I went for Zuppa (Raspberry, Rhubarb, Strawberry) by Pastore Brewing and Blending, a thick fruity sour packed with berry flavour and a tangy, dessert-like finish.
The Handsome Prince
I headed back to King Street to visit The Handsome Prince by Baron Brewing. The Handsome Prince stands on a site with a long connection to brewing and pubs. In 1866, George Scales set up the Cambridge Brewery here, later known as Scales Brewery, with brewing taking place behind the street frontage. By around 1901, the front had become the Cambridge Arms pub, serving locals and visitors alike. Brewing stopped in the early 20th century, but the building remained part of Cambridge’s drinking scene as names and uses changed over time. Reopened in November 2025 by Baron Brewing as a taproom, it continues that long tradition on King Street.
Inside, it’s bright and open, with big windows letting in plenty of light from King Street. There’s a mix of long wooden benches and high tables, giving it a relaxed, social feel where people can sit together or perch with a drink. The exposed pipes and industrial-style lighting add a modern touch, softened by warm wood floors and simple furnishings. Along one wall, a bold black-and-white mural brings a bit of character without overwhelming the space. It feels airy and easygoing, somewhere you can settle in for a pint without fuss, whether you’re with friends or just dropping in.
A fantastic line up on the bar of 18 keg lines featuring their own beers alongside a number of guest beers. Even more choices available in the fridges full of cans and bottles. I went for Harry’s New Wheels 2026 by Baron Brewing, a hazy pale with juicy tropical hop notes and a soft, fruity finish.
BrewBoard
A short walk away brought me to BrewBoard. This is an independent craft brewery founded in 2017 in Harston, just outside the city. Known for its small-batch beers and experimental approach, it built a strong local following before expanding into central Cambridge in 2024 with a pop-up taproom and bottle shop on Peas Hill. The move brought its beers closer to the heart of the city, offering a place to try fresh pours as well as take bottles away. Since then, it has been looking to build on that success and turn the space into a more permanent home.
This cosy spot blends warm wood, soft lighting and a relaxed, easygoing feel. The space is filled with character, from chunky barrel tables and low stools to a worn leather sofa perfect for settling in. Walls are lined with framed artwork and shelves of board games, giving it a lived-in, friendly charm. Towards the front, large windows let in plenty of natural light, with trailing plants adding a fresh touch and connecting the space to the street outside. It’s an inviting place that feels comfortable straight away, whether you’re staying a while or just popping in.
A great warm welcome from Clarissa and Oliver when I arrived. A great keg line up on the bar showcasing a variety of different styles. I went with a tasting tray of three beers by BrewBoard – Wickaman (hoppy and citrusy), Solëro (tropical and fruity), and Bambino (light, soft and easy-drinking).
Pint Shop
Literally over the road in Cambridge was Pint Shop. Pint Shop kicked off in November 2013, breathing new life into a historic Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse at 10 Peas Hill. This building, which goes back to around 1830, has had a colourful history, serving as a merchant’s residence, a bank, a cabinet maker’s workshop, and even a university office. It was also the residence of novelist E.M. Forster and has ties to the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. The Pint Shop takes cues from the beer houses of the 1830s, known as ‘Tom and Jerry Shops,’ which popped up after the Beer Act of 1830 allowed folks to brew and sell beer right from their homes.
Inside, the Pint Shop feels warm and welcoming, mixing old features with a relaxed, modern touch. The main bar is bright and sociable, with big windows, parquet floors and a beamed ceiling lined with industrial-style lights. There’s plenty of seating, from tables to a handy ledge with stools along green-painted walls, perfect for a quick drink. Upstairs, bold vintage murals add a bit of character, while at the back a small courtyard terrace brings in fresh air, with benches, plants and colourful details making it a pleasant spot to sit outside for a while.
A great choice of 17 keg lines, 4 cask lines and a selection of ciders to choose from on the bar. I went for Ruby by Wylde Sky Brewing, a red ale with fruity malt notes and a smooth, rounded finish.
The Elm Tree
Onto The Elm Tree in Cambridge next. The Elm Tree on Orchard Street is a much-loved Cambridge pub with a rich and slightly dramatic past. First recorded in 1886, it has long served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The building survived a serious fire in the 1970s, which forced a temporary closure and led to significant refurbishment, shaping much of its present character. Its name comes from a prominent elm tree that once stood nearby, a well-known landmark until it was removed in the 1950s after disease took hold. Today, the pub retains a strong sense of history alongside its welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, the pub feels warm and full of character, with something to catch your eye wherever you look. The low ceiling is covered in colourful beer mats and old designs, while shelves of bottles and glasses line the walls. There are vintage signs, postcards and photos of regulars that give it a really lived-in feel. Little details—like hats hanging from the ceiling and tankards behind the bar—add to its charm. Soft lighting, patterned carpets and close-set tables make it feel snug, and it’s the kind of place where people settle in, chat easily, and stay longer than planned.
It was great meeting both Matt and Jenny in here and was fantastic chatting to you both. On the bar a selection of 7 cask ales, alongside a cider and a variety of keg choices. I went for Oscar Wilde by The Mighty Oak Brewing Company Ltd, a dark mild with nutty malt flavour and a smooth, mellow finish.
The Free Press
Another walk brings me to The Free Press. This is a historic pub that first opened its doors in 1834. Its name is thought to be a playful nod to a temperance newspaper that was launched around the same time but only lasted for one issue. The pub narrowly avoided being torn down during the redevelopment of the Kite area in the 1970s; it closed in 1975 but made a comeback in 1978 after a careful restoration that kept much of its original charm. Nowadays, The Free Press is celebrated by CAMRA for its remarkable historic interior, which includes original 1940s handpumps and a snug that used to host 59 students from Downing College.
Inside, the pub leans into its age with low ceilings, dark wood panelling and a series of tightly arranged rooms that feel more like a collection of corners than one open space. A cast-iron fireplace sits beneath a wall of framed maps, photographs and newspaper cuttings, while the snug is tucked away with green-painted timber seating, worn tables and softly lit wall lamps. Elsewhere, long wooden tables and bench seating fill the timber-lined rooms, with framed prints, old clippings and bits of memorabilia covering the walls. At the back, a covered courtyard and garden area add extra space, edged with brick walls, vintage signage and a slightly improvised, lived-in character.
A selection of 6 cask ales on the bar (the 7th had just run off), alongside a couple of ciders and a range of keg options. I went for Robin Goodfellow by Papworth Brewery, a strong bitter with dark fruit notes and a rich, smooth finish.
The Bank Micropub
I ventured out from the centre of Cambridge on the busway to nearby Willingham to visit The Bank Micropub. The Bank Micropub opened in late 2012 in a former village bank on the High Street, a building that had long served everyday local needs before standing empty for a time. It found a new purpose as the first micropub in Cambridgeshire, with a name that keeps a clear link to its past. From the start, it offered something a bit different, centred on good ale and easy conversation in a cosy, welcoming setting. More recently, it has been taken on by five owners who have brought fresh energy while keeping its character intact. They now host weekly food trucks every Saturday and run a themed Sunday afternoon once a month, adding a bit more to enjoy while keeping it a well-loved local spot.
Inside it feels warm and inviting, with a layout that’s small but full of character. There’s a compact wooden bar with chalkboard menus behind it, shelves lined with bottles and glassware, and exposed brickwork that gives a gentle nod to the building’s past. Seating is a mix of tables and a long bench along the wall, with people often standing at the bar, chatting while they wait for a drink. Soft lighting from wall lamps and a striking wagon wheel-style light overhead adds to the cosy feel, while framed photos and local prints bring a bit of history into the space. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily and the room quickly feels familiar.
It was fantastic to meet Neil, Jo, Andy and Becky on my visit and really enjoyed chatting about the fantastic spot you have. On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, both gravity dispensed along with a selection of craft keg options. More choices available in cans from the fridge. I went for Loop Daddy by Nene Valley Brewery, a light pale ale with gentle hop flavour and an easy, refreshing finish.
Northstowe Tap
My final visit on Saturday was to Northstowe Tap & Social. Northstowe Tap & Social opened in April 2024 as one of the first proper places to eat, drink and meet in the new town of Northstowe. The area itself has grown on the site of a former RAF base and barracks, and for a while residents had very few local amenities. The taproom was created to change that — bringing together craft beer, fresh food and a welcoming space for people to gather. Since opening, it’s become a popular local spot, helping give the growing town a sense of connection and everyday life.
Inside feels open, bright and easy to settle into. Long wooden tables and benches fill the space, with people chatting over drinks under soft string lights. The dark walls, posters and big tap board give it a laid-back pub feel. The bar sits at the back, lined with taps and bottles, with staff pouring drinks and chatting. There’s also a mezzanine above with extra seating looking down over everything. It’s a friendly mix of shared tables and quieter corners, busy but comfortable, and somewhere you can happily sit, chat and stay a while.
I arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of the “Bermuda Triangle” bus heading off — a moving event linking Thirsty, Handsome Prince and Northstowe Tap. I also grabbed a pizza from Pizza Mondo while I was there, and it was superb.
A huge selection of 20 keg lines to choose from, showcasing a massive variety of styles and strengths. Even more choices available in cans and bottles from the fridges. I had a tasting tray of three beers – Skinny Dip by Stump Rat (light and easy), Sunsmasher 2026 by Holy Goat Brewing (sharp and citrusy), and Fluff Stuff – Raspberry by Drekker Brewing Company (sweet, fruity and smooth).
Micropub Adventures 