best bars in Cambridge

What makes a bar a bar, and a pub a pub? Whatever your definition, there are many excellent Cambridge pubs to visit and catch up with friends over a quality drink. Here, we have categorised bars as somewhere where you can grab a classy cocktail alongside a tasty pint and maybe even some snacks. Here are our top ten of the best bars in Cambridge in no particular order!

1. 2648:

14A Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB

Cambridge
Image courtesy of 2648

Basement bar 2648 is a cool venue for enjoying cocktails, great drink, food and music. Expect DJs playing a range of music including; house, soul, funk and techno. You will also find pop up street food vendors to compliment the cocktail offering.

2. 196 Cocktail Bar:

196 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3NF

cocktail bars in Cambridge
Image courtesy of 196

Mill Road based 196 is a top choice for cocktails, great wine and small plates. The cosy, refined premises and wonderful cocktail selection are perfect for a classy night out and catch up with friends. Excellent food, drink and service. Outdoor seating available.

3. SIX Brasserie Rooftop Bar:

24 Thompsons Ln · In The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

Cambridge
Image courtesy of SIX

Enjoy top notch gin, wine and cocktails with stunning views over Cambridge at SIX.  Perfect for a romantic or special occasion venue. Great food in the River Bar Steakhouse and Grill too.

4. Novi:

12 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DB

dog friendly pubs in Cambridge
Image courtesy of Novi

City centre based Novi is a coffee bar by day and offer beer, wine and botanical cocktails alongside their other quality drinks by night. Perfect for a fun night out in the historic city centre. Enjoy the tasty food offering while you are there! Novi is also dog friendly.

5. Town and Gown:

8 Market Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PF

cocktails
Image courtesy of Town and Gown

Pub and theatre Town and Gown converted the original Arts Picturehouse Cinema into its cool interior and terrace. Describing itself as a space to ‘eat, drink and revel’, it serves locally brewed beers, spirits and some really delicious cocktails with entertainment including theatre, DJs and pianists.  Described as ‘truly atmospheric!’

6. The Smokeworks Tap:

13 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Cambridge cocktails
Image courtesy of SmokeWorks Tap

Fans of SmokeWorks food will enjoy the SmokeWorks Tap. It shares the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant and is a great ‘stop in’ venue for a drink or two. Snacks at the bar or pop next door for some of that great BBQ food while you are close- it would be rude not to!

7. The Pint Shop:

10 Peas Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PNpubs in Cambridge

OK, so it is a pub, but The Pint Shop has 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.

8. The Lab:

90 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DP

Cambridge cocktails
Image courtesy of The Lab

Science themed, luxury cocktail bar The Lab has recently reopened after a major refurbishment.  Here you will find classic and bespoke cocktails which, as the science theme suggests, are the creations of the scientist owners. A beautiful 1920’s décor completes the experience.

9. Parkers Tavern:

52-42 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1ADbars in Cambridge

Parkers Tavern has decadent surroundings and good quality tasty food and drink. Enjoy classy innovative cocktails alongside classic combinations. Lots of space for larger groups. Situated inside the grand University Arms Hotel, over looking Parkers Piece.

10. The Graduate Cambridge:

Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RTbest bars in Cambridge

The Graduate has a beautiful riverside setting and is home to The Garden House offering grill focussed cooking of seasonal, locally sourced East Anglian and British produce. The cosy and quirky bar is a great choice of venue for a classy meet up.

What are your favourite bars in Cambridge? Let us know in the comments below!