8 Best Gastro Pubs in Cambridge (Tried by a Local!)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST GASTRO PUBS IN CAMBRIDGE?
Then you’re in the right place! Living in Cambridge, I’ve had the pleasure of dining and wining in almost every gastro pub in town, and I’m here to share the crème de la crème with you.
Whether you’re on the hunt for gourmet pub grub in the heart of the city, an ale lover seeking out the finest brews, or someone craving a meal with riverside views, this guide is your passport to the top gastro pubs in Cambridge.
While many of these offer tantalising dishes that elevate pub food to an art form, others capture that genuine Cambridge spirit with a lively local crowd.
With a plethora of options in the city, I’ve curated a list of only the absolute best gastro pubs. So, if you’re looking to treat your taste buds and ensure a memorable experience, any of these picks are sure to hit the mark.
The Petersfield
📍 2 Sturton St, Cambridge CB1 2QA
🍺 Website
Nestled in the heart of the city, The Petersfield is more than just a traditional gastro pub – it’s a culinary destination. The interior combines intimate spaces with its various nooks, and for those who favour al fresco dining, there’s a sunlit courtyard garden to enjoy.
While you’re there, delve into their expansive drinks list and perhaps choose a board game to entertain you as you ponder over the gourmet offerings in the inviting ambience.
One of the highlights is their themed nights, especially the renowned Supper Club during winter. These special evenings present a set menu with drinks, often revolving around captivating themes like Burns’ Night – an event I never miss!
While The Petersfield stands out as a top-tier gastropub, those looking to just savour a drink are always welcome.
You’re also welcome to take your dog, with treats available at the bar.
😋At a Glance:
friendly service and great food
The Free Press
Best Gastro Pub for a Couple’s Night Out
📍 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge CB1 1DU
🍺 Website
The Free Press is like a pub tardis – it looks much smaller from the outside than it is on the inside, with a decent courtyard garden at the rear.
Steeped in nearly two centuries of history, this establishment has garnered the affection of both the academic elites and local enthusiasts.
Its discreet location on a side street shields it from the typical tourist crowds, yet it holds its prime position in the city centre.
While drinks are a given, The Free Press stands out for its culinary offerings. Couples seeking an intimate dining experience will cherish the “snug” – a private seating area for four with its own exclusive entrance. Be advised: it’s in high demand, so prior booking is essential.
😋At a Glance:
cosy night out at a gastro pub in the city centre
The Architect
Best Gastro Pub for Fish and Chips
📍 43 Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AH
🍺 Website
The Architect was my local place for fish and chips when I lived on this side of town, and it was fantastic.
It’s more of a gastropub serving fancier fish and chips than you would get in a regular fish and chip shop, but that’s no bad thing.
They also serve pies which are very good, but I prefer the Cambridge Blue if you are specifically wanting pies.
The Architect has a decent selection of beers and ciders, with a 3 x 1/3 pint tasting paddle available, but fish and chips is definitely the focus.
I recommend the scotch egg starter and the whitebait, and you can then choose the type of breadcrumbs and sauce for your fish – I always go for the panko breadcrumbs and remoulade and have never regretted it.
😋At a Glance:
fish and chips plus real ale.
The Punter
Best Gastro Pub in Cambridge
📍 3 Pound Hill, Cambridge CB3 0AE
🍺 Website
The Punter, a vintage coaching inn, seamlessly blends its shabby chic aesthetic with an impressive culinary selection, particularly emphasizing wines – though ale aficionados won’t be disappointed.
For evening dining, especially on weekends or Fridays, reservations are a must, but lunchtime is usually fine for walk ins. The greenhouse on the other side of the courtyard from the pub is my favourite spot to eat.
Because The Punter is not quite on the Backs, but a bit further round, it doesn’t tend to get overloaded like other more obvious tourist hotspots like the Eagle. This gives The Punter a more relaxed feel, even though it’s really still in the centre of Cambridge.
The Punter is also dog friendly.
😋At a Glance:
gastro pub with real ales
The Mill
Best Gastro Pub by the River
📍 14 Mill Ln, Cambridge CB2 1RX
🍺 Website
The Mill is a small, traditional gastro pub that also serves food, and as the name suggests, is right next to the River.
There’s plenty of wooden beams and fireplaces inside, but the real reason The Mill is on this list is because they offer takeaway pints in the summer, which you can carry over to Laundress Green and Coe Fen.
The whole area gets absolutely full of people picnicking in good weather on Friday evenings, and it’s a really pleasant atmosphere. If you want a drink by the river in Cambridge, The Mill is where you should go.
The beers are pub-standard, so you’re not really going to find much in the way of real ales or craft beers here, but there is a good gin selection and plenty of summer cocktails.
This is really the pub to visit on a nice summer’s evening.
😋At a Glance:
drink a pint by the river.
The Cambridge Blue
Best Real Ale Pub in Cambridge
📍 85-87 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LG
🍺 Website
The Cambridge Blue is a little out of the centre of town, but is the place for real ales and cider!
Unlike many of the other pubs in Cambridge, they don’t take table bookings so you can just turn up and get a seat, although as with all the pubs on this list, expect it to be busy in the evenings and weekends.
They have up to 14 real ales on tap, along with 6 or 7 ciders. Their bottled beer list runs to 8 (!) pages, and you can see every one of their bottled beers here.
Food is by Gorilla & Lamb, and ordering operates the same way as the Blue Moon sister pub – you need to use your phone to order via their WiFi.
😋At a Glance:
cider and bottled beer!
The Hole in the Wall, Cambridge
One of the Best Gastro Pubs in the Country!
📍 2 High St, Little Wilbraham, Cambridge CB21 5JY
🍺 Website
Craving gourmet pub food in an authentic setting?
Look no further than The Hole in the Wall, nestled in the scenic parish of Little Wilbraham, just outside Cambridge.
This historic gem has been quenching the thirst and satiating the hunger of villagers since the 16th century. And here’s a fun fact: it’s not just any pub. Estrella recently honored it as one of the top 50 gastro pubs, and it proudly stands among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.
At The Hole in the Wall, you can unwind by a cozy fire. Sip on a hand-selected ale or dive into a delicious dinner. To ensure a spot in this gastronomic haven, you will definitely need to book ahead – it’s that popular.
Delving into its rich history, this 16th-century, Grade II-listed establishment carries an intriguing tale. The name “The Hole in the Wall” isn’t just for show. Back in the day, weary workers fetched their ales through an actual hole in the wall, a quick respite before heading homeward.
😋At a Glance:
high-end gastro pub
The Plough, Coton
📍 2 High St, Cambridge CB23 7PL
🍺 Website
Nestled in the enchanting village of Coton, just 3 miles from the bustling heart of Cambridge, is the renowned gastropub – The Plough.
With a rich tapestry of history dating back to the 18th century, The Plough stands as a beacon in the scenic Coton landscape, with an acre of lush meadows and trees making you feel as if you are miles from any major city, let alone Cambridge.
As you step inside, you will be immediately greeted by the inviting aromas emanating from the kitchen.
The menu, curated by the talented Chef Matthew James, is a feast for the eyes – a harmonious blend of contemporary gourmet dishes and beloved traditional favourites. It’s evident that each dish is crafted with passion, highlighting only the finest, handpicked ingredients from top-notch suppliers.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, then the highlight of your visit will definitely be the famed Sunday roast at The Plough. Bathed in sumptuous gravy, accompanied by light-as-air Yorkshire puddings and all the quintessential sides, it truly is a meal to remember.
Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of wine – and they do have an impressive selection, claiming to offer the widest range of wines by the glass in Cambridge – or a handcrafted gin and tonic perfected by a time-honoured family recipe, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you, either bathed in sunlight in their lush garden or nestled beside the inviting warmth of the fireplace.
😋At a Glance:
upmarket village gastro pub
What are the Best Gastro Pubs in Cambridge City Centre?
If you don’t want to venture too far out of town, then the best gastro pubs in the centre of town are:
- The Punter for a quiet bite to eat.
- The Mill for a lively local crowd.
- The Free Press for a couple’s night out.
- The Architect for fish and chips.
There are so many quality gastro pubs in Cambridge that you can’t really go wrong. If you want something more for locals then you’ll have to go out of the city centre, but prices and quality are broadly the same wherever you go in Cambridge.
If you’ve got a favourite gastro pub, let me know in the comments below!
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You’re providing a valuable service to the public Tim! Thank you for a great website. I’m visiting Cambridge next week and will be guided by your recommendations for lunch.
Thanks! Glad it’s helpful.