Best Bars near The Old Spring

Fort St George is a traditional English pub located on Midsummer Common in Cambridge, dating back to the 16th century. Known for its charming riverside setting and classic character, it offers quality food and reasonably priced drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from noon, this pub blends historic ambiance with lively social vibes, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic British pub culture.

The Tivoli occupies a 1925 art-deco cinema building on Chesterton Road beside the River Cam. Inside the four-floor venue are two neon-lit 9-hole crazy-golf courses, three 22-foot shuffleboard tables, AR darts, multiple bars and street-food counters serving pizza and burgers. Groups gather for games and drinks on the roof terrace or riverside deck, while the ground-floor hall hosts live sport. The site is a 15- to 25-minute walk or short bus ride from central Cambridge and stays busy from mid-afternoon into late evening, especially at weekends.

Nestled on Newmarket Road in Cambridge, The Burleigh Arms is a vibrant gastropub that blends traditional pub charm with innovative Pan-Asian and British-inspired cuisine. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, creative dishes, and excellent service, it offers a welcoming space for casual dining, drinks, and social gatherings. The venue features a lively bar area, cozy dining rooms, and a courtyard, making it a versatile spot for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled on King Street in Cambridge, the Champion of the Thames is a quintessential British pub renowned for its authentic Victorian interior, award-winning ales, and warm, friendly atmosphere. A cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, it offers a taste of traditional pub culture with wood-panelled rooms, etched windows celebrating its rowing namesake, and a lively social vibe that captures the spirit of Cambridge’s historic pub scene.

Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, The Orator offers a delightful blend of British cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking authentic local flavors. With its inviting beer garden and a diverse drink selection, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the city’s historic sites.

The King Street Brewhouse stands at 1 King Street in central Cambridge. This brewpub operates an on-site microbrewery that has produced beer since 2013. Visible tanks sit behind the bar alongside a craft beer wall. The menu focuses on smoked dishes and beer-led preparations. Separate rooms screen live sport while upstairs spaces handle private events. Owned by Young’s, the venue combines brewing activity with standard pub service in a compact city-centre setting.

Cambridge Modern Jazz has presented live jazz concerts since 1972. The volunteer-run organisation stages ticketed performances by national and international artists at Hidden Rooms, an intimate basement venue on Jesus Lane in central Cambridge. Evening events, most often on Thursdays, take place in a compact cellar space suited to focused listening rather than casual nightlife.

Tucked away on Jesus Lane in Cambridge, Hidden Rooms is an enchanting underground cocktail bar blending speakeasy mystique with live music and creative mixology. Known for its atmospheric decor, prestigious spirits, and versatile event spaces, it offers intimate seated service in a beautifully lit cavern perfect for evenings of sophisticated indulgence.

Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, d'Arry's Restaurant & Liquor Loft offers a delightful blend of exceptional dining and a vibrant cocktail experience, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and social butterflies alike.

Tucked away on Magdalene Street near the River Cam and Magdalene College, the Pickerel Inn stands as Cambridge's oldest pub, brewing history since at least the 15th century. This Greene King gem offers a cozy escape with low-beamed ceilings, hearty pub grub like fish and chips and pies, and an excellent range of real ales. A beer garden provides outdoor seating, blending timeless charm with lively local vibes in the heart of the university city.