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The LAB Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, Cambridge

A theatrical 1920s‑meets‑laboratory cocktail bar on Regent Street, serving inventive drinks and small sharing plates in a cosy, refurbished space.

4.3

A 1920s‑inspired cocktail bar with a playful science theme, The LAB combines theatrical drinks served in test tubes and beakers with a cosy, refurbished interior and a small kitchen offering bar snacks. Tucked on Regent Street near the city centre, it’s known for inventive signature cocktails, dim mood lighting and lively weekend music, making it a popular spot for evening drinks and small celebrations.

A brief summary to The LAB

  • 90 Regent St, Cambridge, CB2 1DP, GB
  • +447756295820
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 pm-12 am
  • Friday 5 pm-2 am
  • Saturday 3 pm-2 am

Local tips

  • Arrive early on weekends or expect a queue; the venue accepts mostly walk‑ins and popular times fill quickly.
  • Try a signature cocktail served in lab glassware for the full themed experience; bartenders often accommodate custom orders.
  • If you plan to eat, order small sharing plates such as arancini or loaded fries to complement your drinks.
  • Check the evening’s music or event schedule if you prefer a quieter table or want to catch a short live set.
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The LAB location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The LAB

A curious concept: theme and atmosphere

The LAB blends 1920s glamour with a tongue‑in‑cheek laboratory motif: brass and velvet touches sit alongside glassware that nods to scientific apparatus, and cocktails are sometimes presented in test tubes and beakers. The lighting is low and warm, the seating a mix of intimate booths and small tables, creating pockets of privacy within a lively room.

Drinks, flavours and presentation

The menu centres on signature cocktails that favour bold presentation and creative flavour pairings; expect both modern takes on classics and wholly original concoctions that use unusual textures, layered pours and theatrical garnishes. Drinks range from bright, citrusy serves to richer cream‑based mixes, and the bar can accommodate off‑menu requests for customised cocktails.

Food and the extended offering

Since a recent refurbishment the venue includes a small kitchen producing hot and cold bar snacks designed to pair with cocktails: loaded fries, handmade croquetas and arancini figure on the short food list. Portions are designed for sharing and to complement the drinks rather than replace a full meal, making the place suitable for pre‑dinner cocktails or a casual, food‑accompanied night out.

Live atmosphere and events

Evenings build from relaxed midweek service into a livelier weekend pulse, when music and short live sets add energy without turning the space into a full nightclub. The size of the venue allows for private hires and themed nights; the acoustics and lighting are tuned for convivial groups and small celebrations rather than large concerts.

Accessibility and practical character

The LAB sits on Regent Street in central Cambridge and has been updated with accessibility features, including level access in parts of the venue and a designated wheelchair toilet. The room is air‑conditioned and suitable for cooler or warmer evenings, while the layout—a series of cosy corners—makes it appealing for couples, groups and small parties.

Local identity and memorable details

What distinguishes The LAB is its theatrical service style: bartenders treat cocktails as crafted experiences, and the décor’s laboratory motif is executed with playful dedication. The combination of bold presentations, a compact sharing menu and an evening‑forward schedule gives the bar a clear personality that reads as stylish, a little whimsical and tailored for after‑work or late‑night socialising.

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