The Best Pubs
in
Cambridge

Tucked away on a quiet backstreet, The Free Press is a gem of a traditional pub where award-winning beers and locally sourced, seasonal menus shine. With its cozy nooks, crackling winter fires, and a sunny courtyard garden, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a Sunday roast to a perfectly poured Guinness. The place is wonderfully dog-friendly and welcoming for groups, and its quirky history—dating back to 1834—adds a layer of charm that makes every visit feel special. Whether you’re here for the legendary scotch egg, the crispy fish and chips, or just a round of cocktails with friends, this is a local you’ll want to return to again and again.

Nestled on a side street, The Cambridge Blue is a beloved local institution and a true paradise for anyone who loves a properly poured pint. This multi award winning freehouse boasts an incredible and ever changing lineup of up to 14 real ales, a vast selection of Belgian and European bottles, and one of the city’s finest collections of single malt whisky. The sunny outdoor seating area is a joy in good weather, and with a fantastic new kitchen serving up brilliant pub food like delicious burgers and Sunday roasts, there’s something for everyone. It’s wonderfully dog friendly and perfect for groups, making it an easy, happy choice for a relaxed afternoon or evening out.

Steeped in over 400 years of history, The Pickerel is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved pubs, where low beams and original brickwork create a wonderfully cosy setting. It’s a fantastic spot for any occasion, offering a superb selection of real ales, craft beers, and cocktails, plus a menu of elevated pub classics like outstanding fish and chips and steak and ale pie. With a lovely beer garden for sunny days and a warm welcome for both dogs and groups, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a relaxed drink or a delicious meal.

From the moment you walk in, The Portland Arms feels like the perfect local, with a welcoming buzz that makes you want to stay all night. It’s a proper hub for live music and sports, with a fantastic lineup of craft beers, wines, and cocktails to keep everyone happy, plus a sunny outdoor garden for warmer days. The pizza here is genuinely outstanding, with a thin, chewy crust and fresh toppings that hit the spot every time. Whether you’re settling in for a gig, catching the game, or just enjoying a relaxed pint with your dog by your side, this place delivers on every level.

Step into the Eagle and you’re walking into a living piece of scientific history, where Watson and Crick first announced the discovery of DNA. This 17th-century pub is wonderfully dog-friendly and offers a welcoming beer garden, making it a perfect spot for groups to gather over a well-poured pint or a glass of wine. The menu delivers hearty, satisfying pub food, from a delicious mushroom chili to a classic fish and chips, all served with genuine warmth by the friendly team. Whether you’re a scientist soaking up the legacy or a visitor enjoying the lively mix of locals and students, the Eagle is an absolute must.

Welcome to The Mill, an absolute gem of a riverside pub that perfectly balances historic charm with a lively, welcoming spirit. With its idyllic grassy bank overlooking the beautiful Millpond, this award winning spot is a true local favourite, serving up an exceptional selection of real ales, fine wines, and creative cocktails. Whether you’re settling in for a delicious seasonal meal, watching the big game in their famously huge garden, or simply soaking up the sun with your dog by your side, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends and make any afternoon feel special.

Sitting between a peaceful green space and the city centre, The Maypole is a family-run freehouse that has been winning CAMRA awards for its exceptional real ales and craft beers since 1982. The menu is a true highlight, with outstanding homemade Italian food from wood-fired pizzas to rich, hearty pasta dishes that keep guests coming back for more. With multiple inviting spaces including a large covered beer garden decorated with local murals, plus a secret saloon bar and an upstairs dining area, there’s a perfect spot for every occasion. Whether you’re meeting friends for cocktails, enjoying a meal with your dog by your side, or settling in for a leisurely afternoon with a top-notch beer, this award-winning pub delivers on every front.

Right on the riverfront, The Tivoli is a four floor wonderland where you can sink a putt on a neon crazy golf course, challenge friends to shuffleboard or augmented reality darts, and grab a slice of top notch pizza or a juicy burger between games. With a bar on every level, the drinks flow freely from great beers and cocktails to a crisp glass of wine, and the rooftop terrace is a brilliant spot for a Spritz on a sunny afternoon. It is an absolute blast for groups, whether you are booking a birthday blowout, a team social, or just a spontaneous night catching live sport on the big screens.

With over 100 gins, 20 rotating craft beer lines, and handmade sourdough pizzas, The Blue Moon is a true haven for anyone who loves great drinks and food. The lively schedule of events from monthly tap takeovers and comedy nights to goth club evenings and open mic sessions means there is always something new to discover. Its dog friendly policy and outdoor seating make it an easy, welcoming spot for groups to gather, while the friendly team keeps everything running smoothly. Whether you are diving into a mini tiramisu after your pizza or settling in for quiz night, this pub delivers a brilliant time every single visit.

By the banks of the river with stunning views over Jesus Green, Byron’s Bear is your new go to for everything from a morning coffee to late night cocktails. This lively spot serves up proper pub classics and craft drinks, with a menu that shines whether you’re diving into a comforting Sunday roast or a spectacular pan fried sea bass. It is wonderfully dog friendly, perfect for groups, and the outdoor seating is ideal for soaking up the sun with a pint of local ale. With a buzzing schedule of quizzes and live jam sessions, plus all the World Cup action on the big screens, it is a fantastic place to relax, feast, and celebrate.