The Free Press, Cambridge Travel Guide

Free Guide: Backstreet Cambridge pub preserving a tiny historic snug, 1940s handpumps and locally sourced seasonal food under sibling ownership.

A brief summary of The Free Press

Backstreet Cambridge pub preserving a tiny historic snug, 1940s handpumps and locally sourced seasonal food under sibling ownership.

Independent backstreet pub in central Cambridge with a preserved 1940s interior, a tiny historic snug, cask ales and seasonal locally sourced food served by Cambridge-born siblings.

1–2 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
4.6 Excellent · 1,015 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • MonClosed
  • Tue12 pm–11 pm
  • Wed12 pm–11 pm
  • Thu12 pm–11 pm
  • Fri12 pm–11 pm
  • Sat12 pm–11 pm
  • Sun12 pm–9 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
7 Prospect Row Cambridge
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walk

Ten-minute walk east from Cambridge station via Mill Road and Norfolk Street.

Bus

Several city bus routes stop within 300 metres on Mill Road.

Discover more about The Free Press

Historic Pub Interior

The Free Press occupies a compact backstreet site at 7 Prospect Row. Its interior includes a surviving tiny snug measuring roughly 30 square feet, noted as the smallest pub room in Cambridgeshire. The pub retains 1940s handpumps and holds CAMRA Outstanding Conversion or Restoration status plus inclusion on the Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors for East Anglia.

Ownership and Operation

Cambridge-born siblings Megan and Thomas Stepney run the pub. Their approach emphasises seasonal, locally sourced dishes alongside a range of cask ales. The venue operates as a neighbourhood public house with a full kitchen rather than a sightseeing destination.

Food and Drink Focus

The kitchen produces straightforward pub meals using regional ingredients. Cask ales form the core of the drinks list, supported by a Guinness Harp Guide award. The setting suits travellers seeking a traditional local drinking and dining stop rather than a large or tourist-oriented venue.

Layout and Atmosphere

The small scale creates an intimate, functional space suited to quiet conversation. The snug offers limited seating while the main areas accommodate steady local custom. No large events or entertainment dominate the schedule.

Practical Details for Visitors

The pub opens from midday most days, closing at 21:00 on Sundays and 23:00 Tuesday to Saturday. It remains closed on Mondays. Access is straightforward on foot from central Cambridge streets. The modest size means peak periods fill quickly with regulars.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 2pm or from 11pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 71% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 71% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 86% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 86% of the busiest month
  5. May: 100% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 100% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 86% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 86% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 100% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 100% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 86% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 100% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12pm: 44% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1pm: 56% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 2pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  4. 3pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  5. 4pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  6. 5pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  7. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  8. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  9. 8pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  10. 9pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  11. 10pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  12. 11pm: 33% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

Explore The Free Press on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Free Press, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The Free Press, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The Free Press

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Cambridge
More of the city

Explore more of Cambridge

Cambridge travel guide: explore historic colleges, the River Cam, museums, medieval chapels, riverside punting, independent shops and local culture.

Explore Cambridge
United Kingdom
More of the country

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cambridge

Discover Cambridge with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore landmarks, attractions, restaurants, and more with ease. Plan and book your trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, app-based travel guide to Cambridge, United Kingdom. Discover top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and explore all in one place.

  • History of Cambridge and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Planning to visit Cambridge? Make the most of your trip with Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app. Cambridge, a city known for its prestigious university and historic charm, has so much to offer. With Evendo, discover famous attractions like the University of Cambridge, King's College Chapel, and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Wander through the picturesque streets of Cambridge and enjoy local hotspots such as The Eagle Pub, where DNA was first discussed, or the beautiful Botanic Garden.

Evendo provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Cambridge. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Whether you're looking to book a hotel, secure tickets for a tour, or find the best local dining spots, Evendo has it all in one place.

Experience the city like a local with features such as the history of Cambridge, travel essentials, curated local tips, and the 'Near Me' feature that shows you what's around, no matter where you are. Navigate the city effortlessly and uncover hidden gems with ease. Plus, Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs—ever.

Don't miss out on exploring famous dining spots like Midsummer House, a two-Michelin-star restaurant, or Cambridge Chop House for a taste of traditional British cuisine. Evendo covers not only Cambridge but also 7,000+ other destinations worldwide. Download Evendo today and have the world in your pocket.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.