Pretty Beer Gardens in Cambridge

Pretty beer gardens

Cambridge is spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional pubs. But, of course, it’s not only about Scotch eggs, Sunday roasts, local ales, and cosy fires, the individual character of these pubs is the real attraction! Unfortunately, with most of them away from the city centre it might be hard to find these local gems.

So, where to find pretty, quaint, leafy and riverside beer gardens in Cambridge away from the crowds?

Relax at the quirky pub garden at the Punter Pub

The quirky courtyard garden at the Punter Pub

Just a stone’s throw away from the Orator and Kettles Yard; you’ll find this pretty pub. This old coaching inn has a lovely courtyard garden and a huge barn at the back. When the weather allows, they open the large terrace doors of the barn to make it a nice place to drink and dine. The Punter is a local favourite, serves unpretentious fare but hearty and moreish.

Pretty beer gardens
Off the beaten track in the city centre – the Free Press

The best Scotch egg in Cambridge, away from the crowds

You’ll find this local favourite tucked away behind Christ and Parker’s Piece. Not just because of its fantastic Scotch eggs but also for its cosy fires in the winter, spacious outdoor seating and a great offering of ales, wines and spirits. Highly recommended are their daily specials. It’s a true hidden gem with terraces at the back and the front.

Just a stone’s throw away from Regent Street – the Clarendon Arms

The pretty courtyard garden at the Clarendon Arms

Easy to be missed, tucked away in Clarendon Street, just off Parkers Piece. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Free Press, and this down-to-earth pub has a lovely covered courtyard garden at the back. The Clarendon Arms stocks an excellent selection of ales and wine and serves a daily changing menu, fantastic Sunday roasts and surprise dishes with a twist. The chef has spent quite some time in Asia, so go for it if you spot an Asian dish on the specials!

Riverside drinking at this quirky beer garden

Dreamy sunsets at Calverley on the River Cam

More to the East of Cambridge along the river, you’ll find Calverley at the Engineer House. This quirky venue is now one of the popular local brewer Calverley bars and the perfect spot for sunsets, serving craft beer, wine, coffee, cocktails and pizzas. Set on the Cambridge Museum of Technology grounds and offering a range of experiences, serving coffee during the day and hearty food and Brewboard beer in the evening.

Pretty beer gardens
One of the best riverside bars in Cambridge, the Green Dragon

Balmy summer evenings on the river at the Green Dragon

Close to the OtherSyde, you’ll find the Green Dragon Pub. It’s one of the prettiest riverside gardens where locals hang out, especially on balmy summer evenings. On Monday and Tuesday, a street food truck pulls up on the kerb, and the rest of the week, you can look forward to Turkish food from Stuff My Pita.

Pretty beer gardens
Sundowners at the Plough in Fen Ditton

Pretty riverside garden at the Plough in Fen Ditton

This riverside pub away is in the small village of Fen Ditton, away from the hoards of tourists. It’s a perfect destination for a walk starting from Midsummer Common, which will take you through the commons along the River Cam. Instead, grab a bike, and head over to this stunning riverside pub. They serve a good selection of ales, wines, spirits and food, BBQ and Pizzas when it’s sunny.

Relaxing at the beer garden at the Blue Ball Inn

The perfect spot at Grantchester Meadows – Bleu Ball Inn

This cosy pub is beautifully located on the west side of Cambridge at Grantchester Meadows and is highly popular with locals at all times of the year. Especially when the sun is out, Cambridge residents love to head out for a walk to Grantchester and a spot of lunch at this pretty pub garden at the back of the pub. The heated pavilion at the back of the garden is perfect for chillier times. You can look forward to excellent pub food with daily specials.

Gerla

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