13 Great Pubs in Cambridge

Cambridge is home to around 110 pubs so there really is one to suit every person and every occasion. Here are our favourite pubs in Cambridge as voted for by our local friends and family who have had the pleasure of eating and drinking in these wonderful establishments. Good food and drink means good times after all!

The Eagle:

8 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Dating back to 1667 when it was originally a coaching inn, the Eagle is one of the oldest pubs in the city. Steeped in history, you can enjoy a pint knowing that you are in the place where in 1953, Francis Crick publicly announced that he and his colleagues had “found the secret of life” when they discovered the structure of DNA. A favourite with RAF servicemen in World War Two too, who left their legacy with their graffiti of names and squadron numbers on parts of the ceiling in the pub. A firm favourite with locals who love the cosy nooks and nostalgia. This lovely pub is also close to the River Cam, the Market Square and the Museums of Zoology and Earth Sciences” comments Ruban Selvanayagam of Property Solvers.

The Cambridge Blue:

85-87 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LG

This Multi-CAMRA-Award-Winning Freehouse the Cambridge Blue describes itself as a traditional pub serving modern beer. What a lot of choice they have for beer too, with up to 14 real ales, 12 keg beers and 7 real ciders on at a time, alongside their bottled drinks, gins and spirits. The food is good old fashioned pub grub, including a tasty Pieminister pie menu to enjoy with your drinks. Lots of outside space with heaters too.

The Punter:

3 Pound Hill, Cambridge, CB3 0AE

Also featured in our Best Gastro pubs, this old coaching house The Punter is full of character with its 1930’s art work and low beams. The pub aims to give their punters (terrible joke sorry!) a ‘jolly and homely kind of atmosphere’ and they most certainly do. The garden courtyard and converted barn adds to the cosy ambiance of this city centre pub. Cask ales and home cooked, fuss free pub grub- summed up as ‘good beer, good food and a good atmosphere.

Live and Let Live:

40 Mawson Rd, Cambridge CB1 2EA

Real ale pub Live and Let Live were Cambridge CAMRA Pub Of The Year winners in 2020. Alongside their ales you will also find a pretty amazing selection of rum. A charming, old fashioned pub and a local gem that is enjoyed by many a local drinker. Serving pub snacks.

The Pint Shop:

10 Peas Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PN

Gastropub, The Pint Shop took over an empty Grade 2 listed office building and opened in the city centre in 2013-much to the delight of their customers. Here you will find plenty of choice of craft beer, interesting gins and more. The food is great too, making this a top choice venue for a ‘drink and a meal’ type of night out. Choose from the bar or restaurant menu.

The Salisbury Arms:

Salisbury Arms, Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW

Serving up some seriously good beer, The Salisbury Arms also serve delicious food. Be sure to try their freshly made pizza cooked in their impressive pizza oven to complement your drinks. A good selection of drinks, great service and a friendly atmosphere. The bar area is dog friendly too- what more could you want?

The Boathouse:

14 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3AX

Nicely located the river Cam, the Boathouse offers a relaxed atmosphere and good quality food and drink. Friendly service and a great place for a evening out with friends. Sitting outside is a favourite with locals due to the pretty outside aspect. A great venue for live weekend entertainment when restrictions allow.

Town and Gown:

8 Market Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PF

Pub and theatre Town and Gown opened shortly before lockdown and converted the original Arts Picture house Cinema into its cool interior and terrace. Describing itself as a space to ‘eat, drink and revel’, it serves locally brewed beers, spirits and cocktails with entertainment including theatre, DJs and pianists. Described as ‘truly atmospheric!’Loads of monthly events her too- check out our monthly Cambridge guides to see what is on.

The Mill:

14 Mill lane, Cambridge, CB21RX

This 18th century mill, now traditional pub The Mill Pub, serves cask ales and craft beer. Another riverside choice with plenty of outdoor space to unwind, relax and catch up with friends. Good food too. A very dog friendly pub inside and out so take your furry friends with you for a pint.

The Brew House:

1 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LH

A welcome addition to the city centre in 2013, the Brew House is a buzzing pub boasting its own range of ales from the on-site micro-brewery alongside local and international craft beers from their ever changing range. Its a favourite for those wanting to meet with friends and watch the game and also has good food.

The Granta:

14 Newnham Rd, Cambridge, CB3 9EX

The beautiful riverside views from the Granta make this a popular choice in the summer. The heated terrace directly overlooks the Cam and the pub have their own punts! Tasty homecooked food and a great drinks selection including gins and ales.

The Plough Fen Ditton:

Green End, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8SX

dog friendly pubs in Cambridge

You (and your dog) will be given a warm welcome at the Plough. Get cosy in the bar area and warm by the open fire. Alternatively, enjoy the lovely garden area. A great venue for really good quality food and drink. Just under 3 miles from the city, why not have a long dog walk and take a refreshment break at The Plough? Book in advance if possible.

The Green Man, Thriplow:

2 Lower St, Thriplow, Royston SG8 7RJ

Community owned The Green Man combines great food with a really cosy atmosphere. A great venue for a catch up with friends. Based in the pretty village of Thriplow in South Cambridgeshire, the Green Man serve a generous tapas and large plates menu alongside a great quality drinks selection. Dog friendly with a beautiful garden too!

Each of these great Cambridge pubs have their own décor and style. Some are traditional whilst others attract people with their Custom Bar Neon Signs. Whichever you choose, we hope you have a fabulous experience!

neon sign

Let us know you your favourite pubs in Cambridge in the comments below. If any of the pub websites don’t open, try VPN server. We would love to hear where you love to go and why.

Taking your furry family? See our favourite dog friendly pubs in Cambridge here. Want an overnight? Pubs with rooms here. Our ultimate Cambridge restaurant guide here.