Best Beer in Town!

By Bateman Estates Cambridge

Whether you’re winding down after a day of sightseeing, catching up with friends, or just want a great beer in good company, Cambridge has a lot to offer. From historic pubs to craft beer bars, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a pint — or two. Here are our favourite spots + what makes each special, so you can pick your style.

Best Beer Spots in Cambridge

Here are some of the top places to try beer in Cambridge — from real ales to craft brews:

Venue	What’s Great	Location / Vibe
The Cambridge Blue	A freehouse with up to 14 real ales, lots of keg beer, and a huge selection of Belgian bottle beers. Great for real ale lovers and those who like variety. Cambridge Pubs+1	Gwydir Street — more relaxed, local feel.
The Royal Standard	The only freehouse on Mill Road. Lots of rotating ales, Belgian beers, and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Cambridge Pubs	Mill Road – good if you’re exploring local food and beer together.
Pint Shop	For craft beer fans. Modern, industrial style + exciting keg lines and guest beers. If you like trying new and small-batch, this is a go-to. NDTV Food	Near the city centre, convenient for an evening out.
Maypole Freehouse	A pub that often flies under the radar. Covered terraces, lots of guest ales + beers from smaller breweries. Nice place to escape the busiest city centre spots. NDTV Food+1	Off Portugal Place — tucked away but worth the walk.
The Cambridge Brew House	Micro-brewery on-site, with beers from crisp lagers to hazy ales. Great if you want something brewed locally. thecambridgebrewhouse.com	Ideal for those who like to know their beer’s origin; also good food pairings.
The Engineers House	Lovely riverside setting, good beer + pizza combinations. It has character and is perfect for a relaxed evening with views. The Cambridge Foodies	Just outside more central zones but it’s worth heading there.
BrewDog Cambridge	For fans of bold, flavourful brews & craft beer culture. Also offers food and a lively atmosphere. BrewDog Cambridge	Bene’t Street – central and easy to reach.

Honorable Mentions & Hidden Gems

• Champion of the Thames — historic pub, praised by CAMRA; great for real ales and atmosphere. Wikipedia

• Green Man, Trumpington — old timber frame, good beer garden. Good option if you don’t mind travelling a little outside the strict city centre. Wikipedia

• Thirsty Cambridge — bottle-shop & tap beers. Great if you want to pick something up to enjoy later. Thirsty Cambridge

What to Consider When Choosing a Beer Spot

• Type of beer: Is it cask ale, real ale, or modern craft beer? If you prefer one type, check in advance before heading out.

• Ambiance: Some pubs are cosy and historic; others are modern and buzzy. Choose based on mood (quiet vs lively).

• Food options: It helps when a pub or bar has good food — sometimes you only want snacks, sometimes a full meal.

• Location: If staying centrally, spots like BrewDog or The Eagle are convenient. For views or outdoor drinking, places like The Engineers House or Green Man are excellent.

Why Sharing These Matters

At Bateman Estates Cambridge, we believe part of giving guests a great experience is guiding them to local treasures — not just the tourist hotspots, but the places locals go. Recommending great pubs or beer spots helps people feel more at home, and it also supports local businesses.