While the city may be brimming to the rim with scholars, it's bars where Cambridge also seems to shine. Hailed as one of the best UK getaways, the bars of Cambridge only add to a weekend in this wondrous place of snap-worthy architecture and river antics; from lush haunts where mixology masters reside, to historically favoured plots and slamming party palaces, we've left no stone unturned in our Cambridge discovery. Check out our recommendations for the best bars in Cambridge.
Last updated on 20th March 2019
A Station Road favourite, Smokeworks is the place to go for all your BBQ needs. Transforming a derelict pub into a cool, steampunk inspired space, head on down for raw material, big bites, some of the best in beer and a brunch to boot.
This Middle-Eastern inspired night bar has become Cambridge's go-to venue for basement busting and underground music - the ideal spot for student nights, weekend benders and roaring night life action. The big draw here is the music, with the likes of Annie Mac, Hot Chip and Skream all having DJ'd here in recent years. In terms of the tipples, you'll find plenty of delectable treats here - from classics to Middle-Eastern inspired concoctions.
A top notch tiki tavern known for its tropical hankerings and hedonistic atmosphere, Lola Lo is a must-try party bar in Cambridge. From its South Pacific theme and cocktails arriving in everything from coconuts to treasure chests, to its bustling dance floors and unique interiors, Lola Lo is a hot step away from your regular Cambridge weather.
Those looking for gastro fare in amongst some of the best beers in the business won't be hard pushed in heading on down to Pint Shop. From its minimalistic interiors and concrete laced beer garden, to its inherent bustle, raw materials and lush menu, Pint Shop is the place to head for those that really care about what they eat and drink.
One of the best cocktail bars in Cambridge, this cosy, stylish den, with floral upholstered furniture, vintage red leather sofas and cool wall hangings is a great little haunt for a relaxed bite to eat, a quaint catch up with an old friend, an intimate lean over the table top (perhaps even some footsie underneath as well) or a few rounds with your most raucous rabble.
This swanky sojourn into the speakeasy era is an exclusive members only space for your secretive slurping and saucy shenanigans, right in the heart of Cambridge. Available to non members for private hire, this suave interior is perfect for a boozy bash, with DJ entertainment alongside your tipples in one of the rare exclusive bars in Cambridge.
This is one of the cosiest of vintage tavern bars in Cambridge and is a homely hangout for your chillaxing needs. Pop in for a snug post-work pint in a comfy corner or stretch out in the spacious, picturesque beer garden of a summer evening, and soak up those golden rays and hazy sunsets.
This stunning rooftop restaurant bar is a breath-taking venue with glorious views of the teeming city below. Stretch out in the sun and enjoy an extenive, top-notch menu of grilled goodies alongside your tasty tipples and refreshing pints in a favourite for alfresco eating in Cambridge.
La Raza is a social hub for those looking for tasty tapas bites and killer cocktails. Have a flick through their extensive cocktail card, it's booming with originals and twisted classics to tickle your fancy. Come for a happy hour session to enjoy selected drinks for £4.50, and enjoy live music performances and DJ sets that run throughout the week.
De Luca's second floor bar pulls in the punters with its choice of champion cocktails and live piano nights. There's plenty to ponder on the menu, although the Raspberry Mule (£7) and the Mojito Deluxe (£9) are particularly prominent best-sellers. Perfect for unwinding after dinner downstairs, the bar hosts frequent Piano nights where Robin P-iano plays your favourite tunes into the night.
With a fierce policy for spreading the ultimate combination of burger and beer love in Cambridge, Butch Annie's doles out patty's of primed beef and Iberican pork with a hop-heavenly collection of craft lagers and ales. You'll find lesser known microbrewery labels here for you beer explorers and the big dawgs of the business for those who know how they like their hops with wine and Bourbon making up the rest of their bar.
