Today, we’re focusing on the best pubs in Cambridge with beer gardens to enjoy a summer tipple.
Best known for its world-renowned university, Cambridge is a picturesque city that is home to both gorgeous greenery and beautiful architecture. The latter dates back to the 13th century, but Cambridge is also a place bursting with new ideas and fresh faces.
The city hosts approximately 8.1 million visitors a year with attractions, including the river Cam, the bizarre activity of punting, and King’s College Chapel. There are also an estimated 49,400+ students during term times. This combination has given birth to a bustling and diverse hospitality sector, with over one hundred pubs and numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
Whether you’re looking to while away an hour with a chilled glass of wine, have a meal or enjoy some live music, these are our picks for the 10 best beer gardens in Cambridge.
The Corner House
The Corner House, 231 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JE
Locals and tourists agree that for a cold beer in the sunshine, The Corner House is hard to beat. Chill out in the attractive decked area and sip one of over 50 gins and cocktails, order a delicious Mediterranean board or some good old fashioned pub grub and enjoy.
There’s live music and space for big groups and functions, and dogs and children are welcome until 9 pm.
The Mill
The Mill Pub, 14, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB21RX
Converted from an 18th-century mill, this traditional pub benefits from its location overlooking the river Cam. Customers can take food and drinks out onto the Mill Pond and Sheeps Green to enjoy the natural beauty of the tranquil location.
You’re also ideally situated for watching the punting. Full of character and charm, this gastropub offers a fantastic range of local cask beers and plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food options too.
The Prince Regent
The Prince Regent, 91 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AW
Situated overlooking Parkers Piece Park, you’ll find the traditional British pub, The Prince Regent. The spacious heated beer garden accommodates large groups, and serves appetizing food until 9 pm.
Choose from a wide selection of nibbles or enjoy fresh fish, steak, burgers or other well-cooked pub fare. The proximity to Cambridge train station and the frequent two for one cocktails have helped make this a perfect stop-off, either before a night out in the city or a train ride home.
The Cambridge Blue
The Cambridge Blue, 85-87 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LG
A Multi-CAMRA-Award-Winning Freehouse, The Cambridge Blue has the tagline ‘traditional pub serving modern beer’. That they do, with up to 14 real ales, 12 keg beers, and seven real ciders, all of which can be enjoyed indoors or in the large beer garden, complete with picnic tables and a heated marquee in case the weather takes a turn.
Delicious food is provided by Gorilla and Lamb, and the pub boasts one of the largest whiskey collections in the city.
The Punter
The Punter, 3 Pound Hill, Cambridge, CB3 0AE
Two minutes from the Quayside and a five-minute stroll into the city centre, The Punter might be the pub on the list with the best claim to a true ‘beer garden’.
You will find a lovely flowered courtyard perfectly complementing the homely atmosphere and hearty pub grub on offer. Mismatched seating encapsulates the ‘certain scrappy authenticity’ the owners pride themselves on, and everyone receives warm welcome. There’s even a ‘pooches watering hole’.
The Salisbury Arms
The Salisbury Arms, Tenison Road, Cambridge, CB1 2DW
A highly-rated local pub/artisan pizzeria, The Salisbury Arms also offers a glorious beer garden and the whole place is dog friendly. Time and again, customers respond to the quality of the freshly made pizzas and the warmth and friendliness of the staff.
Long wooden benches and different-sized picnic tables offer group seating, where you can enjoy Brewpoint beers, real ales, quick bites or ‘pots’ such as mac and cheese.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse, 14 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 3AX
Another pub set on the river Cam, The Boathouse offers a sunny decked terrace with scenic views, live entertainment, fish tacos, burgers and bites. Part of the award-winning Green King Local Pubs, the Boathouse is known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.
Allergies are catered for, and student discounts are offered, making it popular for nights out among the city’s student population.
The Granta
The Granta, 14 Newham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EX
With a heated terrace overlooking the river Cam, the Granta is popular with locals and tourists during the summer. Home-cooked food ranges from a full Sunday roast to fish and chips, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
There’s a wide choice of gins, ales and wine so customers can relax and take in the natural beauty of the river. Taking full advantage of its stunning location, the Granta even has its own punts.
The Plough
The Plough Fen Ditton, Green End, Fen Ditton, Cambridge, CB5 8SX
Just three minutes from the city, you’ll find a warm welcome at The Plough. Dog friendly and boasting a large garden area, it is ideal for a quick stop off or a relaxed evening. Self-described as ‘luxurious country pub charm’ the Plough sits within a former paper mill and coaching inn and is full of character with a modern twist.
There’s a good range of food and drinks, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a top choice for al fresco dining.
Old Bicycle Shop
Old Bicycle Shop, 104 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DP
After 173 years trading as legendary bicycle shop Howes Cycles, the much-loved institution closed down, in 2013. The shop claimed to be the oldest bicycle shop in the country, with Charles Darwin rumoured to have been a customer in the 1800s.
Today, it is a quirky bar and restaurant with an attractive courtyard. Bikes and bicycle parts have been incorporated into the décor, creating a unique setting for visitors to enjoy fresh locally-sourced food with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Cambridge in the sunshine
That concludes our roundup, and remember, this is only the pick of options within Cambridge. You will find many more beautiful beer gardens located in the surrounding towns and villages, so get exploring!
