The Cambridge Blue: A Historic Real Ale Haven on Gwydir Street
Historic Cambridge pub famed for its award-winning real ales, vast beer selection, and vibrant community spirit in a charming Victorian setting.
The Cambridge Blue is a beloved traditional English pub located at 85-87 Gwydir Street in Cambridge. Known for its extensive selection of real ales, ciders, and world beers, it combines rich Victorian heritage with a lively atmosphere. The pub features a large extension and beer garden, with a focus on quality local brews, hearty food, and an impressive whisky collection. It is a vibrant social hub popular with locals and visitors alike.
A brief summary to The Cambridge Blue
- 85-87 Gwydir St, Cambridge, CB1 2LG, GB
- +441223471680
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Try one of the up to 14 real ales on tap, especially during the regular beer festivals for unique brews.
- Look up to appreciate the pub’s distinctive ceiling décor, a favourite detail among visitors.
- Book ahead on weekends if you want to enjoy a full evening meal, as the pub can get very busy.
- Sunday roasts are a highlight—reserve your spot early to enjoy this classic British meal.
- Explore the extensive whisky collection at the bar, featuring over 70 single malts from Scotland and beyond.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Cambridge Blue location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Cambridge Blue
Victorian Roots and Evolution
Originally established as the Dew Drop Inn in the early 1870s during the development of Gwydir Street, The Cambridge Blue has a rich history intertwined with the local railway community. The pub was renamed in the mid-1980s by a former Cambridge University rower, adopting the university’s sporting colours and reflecting a new era. Over the decades, it has evolved from a modest beerhouse with two bars and a jukebox into one of Cambridge’s premier real ale destinations.Architectural Character and Atmosphere
The pub retains its mid-terrace Victorian charm, enhanced by a significant extension added in 2011 to accommodate growing popularity. The interior features a single large bar decorated with breweriana, historic beer festival posters, and pump clips, creating a nostalgic yet welcoming environment. A notable feature is the ceiling décor, often praised for its unique style. The beer garden and a heated marquee provide additional space and comfort throughout the year.Exceptional Beer and Beverage Selection
The Cambridge Blue is renowned for its impressive range of up to 14 real ales served by hand pump or gravity from the tap room, alongside 12 keg beers and 7 real ciders. The pub has won multiple CAMRA awards, including Cider/Perry Pub of the Year. Its extensive fridges hold hundreds of Belgian beers, and the whisky collection includes over 70 single malts from Scotland and beyond. The bar also offers a variety of gins, rums, and bourbons, catering to diverse tastes.Culinary Offerings and Events
The kitchen, operated by Wonky Kitchens, serves a menu of bar snacks, sharing boards, and main courses made from locally sourced ingredients. Sunday roasts have recently returned, adding to the pub’s appeal. Regular beer festivals and special events contribute to the lively atmosphere, attracting a mixed crowd from old regulars to first-time visitors eager to explore the extensive drink options.Community and Cultural Significance
The Cambridge Blue stands as a cultural landmark within Cambridge’s Brewery Quarter, celebrated for its dedication to real ale and community spirit. It has been a gathering place for generations, maintaining a balance between tradition and contemporary pub culture. The pub’s connection to Cambridge University rowing history and its welcoming environment make it a unique social hub.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Open daily from noon until late evening, The Cambridge Blue offers a vibrant yet relaxed setting suitable for families, solo visitors, and groups. It is wheelchair accessible and provides facilities such as outdoor seating, highchairs, and allergy-aware food service. The pub’s location on Gwydir Street places it within easy reach of Cambridge’s city centre and transport links, making it a convenient stop for locals and tourists alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Romsey Terrace
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Reality Checkpoint
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Duke House
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Hills Road War Memorial
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Cambridge Leisure Park
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Senate House Hill
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Rose Quarter Cambridge
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The Round Church
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Christian Heritage
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The Old Schools
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Cambridge Walking Tours
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Newton's Apple Tree
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King's College Chapel
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Sheep's Green
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The Rush
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Unmissable attractions to see
David Parr House
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Cambs Antique Centre
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The Tram Depot
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Romsey 'R' sculpture
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Vue Cinema Cambridge
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Cambridge Working Mens Club
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The Grafton
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Romsey Town Post Office
0.7 km
Compact, practical post office on Mill Road serving Cambridge’s Romsey neighbourhood with full counter services and a local high‑street atmosphere.
Parker's Piece
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Historic green heart of Cambridge where modern football was born and community spirit thrives across open lawns and iconic landmarks.
Romsey Mill
0.8 km
Cambridge's heartfelt charity hub empowering youth and families through education, mentoring, and community spaces since 1980.
Romsey Recreation Ground
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A lively urban park in Cambridge offering sports, playgrounds, and green space for all ages to enjoy community recreation and relaxation.
St. Paul's Church
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The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
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The Centre for Computing History
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WeWork
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Flexible coworking with vibrant community spirit and premium amenities in Cambridge’s dynamic new business quarter.
Essential places to dine
Kingston Arms
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Maurizio Dining & Co.
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Fancett's
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Vanderlyle
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Salisbury Arms, Cambridge
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Tradizioni
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Limoncello
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Navadhanya
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De Luca Cucina & Bar
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The Old Bicycle Shop
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The Olive Grove
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The Oak Bistro
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Parker's Tavern
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Hive
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Discover a charming treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds in the heart of Cambridge at The Hive.
Not Listed
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Explore the vibrant local culture and unique offerings at this charming shop in the heart of Cambridge.
Beehive Centre
0.5 km
A dynamic shopping centre in Cambridge offering diverse stores, dining, and free parking for a convenient retail experience.
Romsey Mill Charity Shop
0.6 km
Mill Road’s friendly charity shop — thrift, small discoveries and funds for local youth and family services in Cambridge.
Sense
0.6 km
Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre
0.6 km
Vibrant Cambridge antique centre in a former chemist shop, brimming with 20th-century toys, jewelry, and eclectic finds from fun-loving dealers.
Primark
0.6 km
Discover affordable fashion and home essentials at Primark Cambridge, your budget-friendly style destination in the city center.
Jemporium Vintage
0.7 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage treasures from the 50s to the 90s in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant fashion scene.
The Works
0.7 km
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Cambs Frocktails
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Boutique fashion finds capturing individual style and charm on Cambridge's Station Road.
CJ’s Vintage Store
1.1 km
Discover timeless fashion treasures and iconic vintage streetwear at CJ’s Vintage Store, a stylish gem in the heart of Cambridge.
Oliver Bonas
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cambridge Blue
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Historic Cambridge pub famed for its award-winning real ales, vast beer selection, and vibrant community spirit in a charming Victorian setting.
The Petersfield
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The Corner House
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The LAB
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Salisbury Club
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80s karaoke bar
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EBC Shop
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Sing Dizzy
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OutOut Nightclub
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The Exhibition
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
