I Tried The Best Pub Food in Cambridge

Living in Cambridge, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a lot of the pubs in town, either for a basic pub lunch, Sunday roast or gastro pub dinner.

I’ve broken this down into a handful of the absolute best places for pub food, and included a few pictures of the food I’ve had and the menus.

I’ve also included details on which is the ideal place to eat for birthday gatherings, work meetings, or even just a quiet night for two of you, so that you can find the pub that’s right for you.


best pub food in cambridge

The Petersfield (Best for Large Groups)

📍 2 Sturton St, Cambridge CB1 2QA

the petersfield cambridge

🍺 Website

Nestled in the heart of the city, The Petersfield is more than just a traditional pub – it’s the kind of place you go for a cosy meal along with beers and wines from all over the world.

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.

Although it’s a really good option for couples, they do also have a private space which is perfect for larger groups, and they have plenty of bigger tables in the main pub section, so even if there are a few of you, you can still usually rock up and get a table on most nights.

There are board games available at the bar to borrow, and dog treats if you’ve brought a little friend.

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!

the petersfield cambridge supper club
One of the monthly Supper Club menus
the petersfield cambridge supper club food
Three of the German Supper Club courses

The food isn’t too fancy, but is pitched just right for this style of pub, and has always been delicious whenever I’ve gone.

They also serve Sunday Lunch, although you will usually have to book ahead due to its popularity.

the petersfield cambridge menu

😋At a Glance:
friendly service and great food


The Free Press (Best for Couples)

📍 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge CB1 1DU

the free press pub cambridge

🍺 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/side.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of history, The Free Press is very popular among locals in the area, and with its relatively hidden location, despite still being in the centre of town, it doesn’t tend to get the tourist crowds that you might otherwise expect.

While a wide selection of drinks are a given, The Free Press stands out for its culinary offerings. There’s not a huge amount of choice, but what there is is done to a very high standard.

the free press pub food

If you’re looking for a place for date night, then try to book the “snug” – a private seating area for four with its own exclusive entrance. This is of course, very popular.

😋At a Glance:
cosy night out at a pub in the city centre


The Architect (Best for Fish and Chips)

📍 43 Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AH

the architect pub cambridge

🍺 Website

The Architect was my local place for fish and chips when I lived on this side of town, and it was, and still is, 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 the fish and chips is really where it’s at.

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.

the architect pub food

There’s an open fire in the winter, and a small beer garden hidden at the back in the summer.

😋At a Glance:
fish and chips plus real ale


The Punter (Best for a Casual Night Out)

📍 3 Pound Hill, Cambridge CB3 0AE

the punter cambridge

🍺 Website

The Punter, a former coaching inn, has a bit of a shabby chic interior, but this is paired with a lovely courtyard and outbuilding which is my favourite place to eat, and means there’s plenty of space for dinner.

The drink selection particularly emphasises 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 punter pub food

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:
slightly fancy food with lots of wine choices


The Waterman (Best for a Night Out with Friends)

📍 32 Chesterton Road, Cambridge

the waterman pub and restaurant in Cambridge

🍺 Website

For a good meal, an excellent choice of drinks, including craft beers, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with The Waterman.

Cosy traditional pub inside, with a sun trap courtyard garden out the back, you and your dog are welcome to pull up a chair wherever you want.

The menu at the The Waterman is as eclectic as the mix of people you are likely to encounter at the bar. It is not extensive but does have some delicious vegan and vegetarian options, as well as lighter bites and a kids menu.

the waterman cambridge food menu

The miso roasted aubergine has been known to tempt me away from the lamb shoulder on occasion but I remain faithful to my lemon posset whenever I manage dessert.

the waterman pub food

Just a short walk over the river from Jesus Green, a great green and open space that is perfect for playing with your pooch and people watching, The Waterman’s location is ideal.

the waterman cambridge pub outdoor seating

The Waterman also has 8 boutique rooms where dogs are also welcome to stay.

Top Tip – The small cafe next door, No30, is run by the same owners and serves great coffee and breakfasts if you do happen to be staying nearby. It is, of course, also dog friendly.

😋At a Glance:
casual dining and acccommodation


The Clarendon Arms (Best for Sunday Lunch)

📍 35-36 Clarendon St, Cambridge CB1 1JX

the clarendon arms cambridge

🍺 Website

A more traditional pub with food, The Clarendon Arms is a pretty small place so it pays to book ahead if you’re going on a weekend.

I had one of the best Sunday roasts in Cambridge at The Clarendon Arms, but you definitely will need to book for this as the secret is definitely out!

the clarendon arms pub food

Prices are a little higher than places further out, but this is not unexpected for the quality of food, and the fact that it’s also dog-friendly.

😋At a Glance:
dog friendly pub serving Sunday roast


What’s the Best Pub Food in Cambridge City Centre?

  • The Free Press is my top choice for food in the centre of town.
  • The Architect is excellent if you only want fish and chips.
  • The Clarendeon Arms serves my favourite Sunday roast in Cambridge.

What’s the Best Pub Lunch in Cambridge?

  • For a guaranteed delicious pub lunch, The Petersfield is perfect if you are in that part of town.
  • The Waterman is a great choice if you are more central.
  • The Punter is also a good choice if you are near the backs, and is a little fancier that The Waterman.

Which are the Best Pubs in Cambridge for Food?

The overall best pubs for food in Cambridge are (in no particular order):

  • The Petersfield
  • The Punter
  • The Architect
  • The Clarendon Arms

If you’ve tried another pub not listed here and you loved it, let me know in the comments!


Read More:

See the best pubs in Cambridge

The best afternoon tea in Cambridge

See the top dog-friendly restaurants in Cambridge

Uncover the best dog-friendly pubs in Cambridge

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