The Live and Let Live, Cambridge Travel Guide

Setting and character

The Live and Let Live occupies a corner of Mawson Road in the Petersfield and Romsey area, just off the independent shops and restaurants of Mill Road. The exterior resembles a modest Victorian cottage with a hanging sign and lamps rather than a commercial frontage. Inside, the single bar room features wood panelling, bare floorboards, breweriana and railway memorabilia, with a small rear snug originally used for storage. A wood burner provides the main focal point in colder months.

Drinks and service

Six handpumps typically feature Oakham Citra as the regular plus a Nethergate ale and a dark beer. Ten keg taps and six still ciders, including real cider options, complete the range. A long-standing rum list offers further variety. Service is at the bar with no table service. The pub remains strictly wet-led with no kitchen or full meals; packaged snacks may be available but visitors usually eat on Mill Road before or after.

Atmosphere and pacing

The space encourages talk over background noise, with no gaming machines and minimal or no music. Weekday openings from 16:00 often begin quietly, building later in the evening. Friday and Saturday evenings can fill quickly with standing room only and queues at the pumps. Sunday closes earlier around 22:30. The small interior fills fast, suiting those who settle for one drink or stay for a longer session by the fire.

History

Operating for nearly 150 years, the pub began as a smaller beerhouse and later expanded into neighbouring space and the yard. It became a free house in the late 1980s. After a period of closure it reopened under new management in March 2022, retaining the modest furniture and panelling. Local CAMRA recognition includes Most Improved City Pub 2025 and City Community Pub 2026.

Practical visit

Step-free access leads to the bar and throughout the main areas, though no accessible toilet is available. Toilets are reached through internal doors typical of an extended cottage. Roadside cycle parking exists nearby. The pub sits within a residents' parking zone with no on-site car park; the nearest paid option is Gwydir Street car park a few minutes' walk away. Dog owners are welcome and board games are provided.