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
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
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
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
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
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
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 3PN
8. The Lab:
90 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DP
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 1AD
10. The Graduate Cambridge:
Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RT
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!