Best Bars near Queens' College

The Anchor stands on Silver Street beside the River Cam, offering terrace views of the Mathematical Bridge and Queens’ College. This 1843 Greene King pub serves cask ales and British meals to visitors combining a riverside stop with punting or college walks. The multi-level interior includes a lower Riverside Bar opening to the water and an upper Riverview dining room. Terrace seating cannot be reserved and fills quickly on sunny days. Indoor tables are bookable for meals lasting one to two hours.

The Mill occupies a Grade II listed late-18th-century building at 14 Mill Lane beside the Mill Pond and Silver Street Bridge. This traditional British pub serves cask ales from eight handpumps, keg beers and straightforward British food including Sunday roast. Visitors order at the bar then carry drinks outside onto the adjacent public common of Laundress Green, where punts pass the weir and college buildings form the backdrop. The compact interior includes a main bar and a bookable wood-panelled snug. The site once formed part of Cambridge's milling and wharf quarter, and the pub has operated under various names since at least the mid-19th century. It remains a year-round stop for walkers, punters and locals seeking a pint in a riverside setting.

Nestled on the banks of the River Cam in Cambridge, The Granta is a cherished Greene King pub offering classic British ales, hearty home-cooked meals, and stunning waterside views from its verandah and patio garden. Overlooking the Mill Pond where punts glide by, this historic spot captures the essence of Cambridge's riverside charm, serving locals and visitors alike with a cozy one-bar atmosphere.

Nestled along the picturesque banks of the River Cam, MillWorks is a delightful brasserie that offers a unique dining experience in Cambridge. With a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant caters to a diverse range of palates, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Its inviting atmosphere and beautiful riverside views create a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal, whether you're enjoying a hearty steak or gluten-free delights. With an extensive menu and a commitment to culinary excellence, MillWorks is a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring the region.

A 17th-century coaching inn on Bene’t Street, The Eagle stands opposite St Bene’t’s Church in central Cambridge. Visitors enter a Grade II listed building where Francis Crick announced the DNA double-helix structure in 1953 and where RAF airmen left preserved ceiling graffiti during WWII. The pub serves traditional British food and Greene King ales in a series of intimate rooms plus a beer garden. It attracts a steady mix of university staff, locals and tourists who combine a meal or drink with reading the plaques and examining the historic markings. The atmosphere remains characterful and busy throughout the year.

A Grade II listed 17th-century pub on Bene’t Street in central Cambridge, the Bath House combines historic timber framing with a standard Greene King menu of cask ales and pub classics. Visitors use it as a convenient stop between colleges, the market and King’s Parade, for a pint, quick meal or sports screening. The compact interior features exposed beams, panelling and modern seating after a 2021 refurbishment. It suits casual breaks rather than extended stays, with lively evening trade from students, tourists and locals. No large garden exists despite some listings; expect a small rear courtyard at best. The location places it steps from St Bene’t’s Church and The Eagle.

BrewDog Cambridge is a vibrant craft beer bar and restaurant located at 15 Bene't Street, in the heart of Cambridge. Known for its innovative brews and elevated food menu featuring burgers, pizzas, wings, and vegan options, it offers a lively atmosphere on historic cobbled streets. With a spacious beer garden and a commitment to quality, BrewDog Cambridge blends contemporary craft culture with the city’s rich intellectual heritage.

Pint Shop in Cambridge is a charming gastropub that combines delicious food with an extensive selection of craft beers and traditional ales. It's a must-visit for foodies and beer enthusiasts alike, offering a warm atmosphere and a taste of local culture.

Nestled within the historic grounds of Newnham College in Cambridge, The Iris Bar offers a welcoming modern cafe experience amid academic charm. Serving quality coffee, fresh baked goods, light lunches, and teas, it features spacious interiors, pleasant outdoor seating, and a lively student atmosphere. Open to the public daily with hours from 8am to 5pm weekdays, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed break in west Cambridge. Enjoy modern decor, reusable pot schemes for sustainability, and the buzz of college life.

Bar -OH occupies a compact ground-floor unit beside the Hilton Cambridge City Centre at 20 Downing Place. It serves house cocktails in novelty vessels such as shark, parrot, bathtub and games-console glassware, alongside classics and low-alcohol options. Free retro consoles and board games sit at tables, a robot doorman greets arrivals, and a small stage hosts scheduled live music. The venue runs daily from 16:00 to 01:00 with table service only. Walk-ins are accepted but reservations secure a slot for groups wanting to play games or stay for performances.