Top 5 quirky bars in Cambridge

Our favourite top 5 quirky bars

Want to grab a drink inside a derelict brewery, a quirky ‘speakeasy’ cocktail bar, a bottle shop, a cool craft beer taproom or a singalong piano bar? Look no further than the selection of our favourite top 5 quirky bars in Cambridge.

Quirky Bar 196 on Mill Road

This quirky Cocktail Bar is tucked away between quirky shops at the far end of Mill Road. Bar 196 feels more like a speakeasy bar than your regular Cocktail Bar. It’s tiny and very popular with the locals, so the only option was to expand to the pavement in front of the bar to serve the thirsty revellers. Bar 196 serves excellent cocktails and small plates. Their key to success is simplicity. Their simple handwritten menu is proof of this.

Thirsty Cambridge on Chesterton Road

Thirsty Cambridge is the rebel of the local wine and beer scene. Quirky Craft Beer and an excellent selection of wines and other booze fill the shelves at this small bottle shop in Chesterton, north of the River Cam and just a short walk from Cambridge City Centre. Food Trucks pull up on the kerb every night for delicious grub to soak up the booze. They’re known for funky and unusual tastings and nights out, so keep an eye on their social media for the lineup of street food trucks and events.

Calverley’s Taproom on Hooper Street

Stroll down one of the side streets of funky Mill Road, and you’ll end at the railway tracks. Don’t worry, you’re not lost. You’ve just arrived at one of the best breweries in Cambridge! Calverley’s on Hooper Street is one of our favourite hangouts in Cambridge. Founded by two brothers, Sam and Tom, they brew a changing range of beers inspired by the world’s exciting and diverse beer styles. The Tap Room is open from Tuesday – Friday in the evenings and Saturdays from midday onwards.s Pizzas are available from Scots All Day.

The Liquor Loft at D’Arrys on King Street

Did you know that there are only two city centre breweries in Cambridge, and, amazingly, they’re both on King Street! The Brewery at D’Arry dates back to 1866, but unfortunately, it is no longer in use. It has been transformed into a funky cocktail bar, still featuring the original features of the previous brewery, Georges Scales Brewery. The Liquor Loft, which includes a terrace, too, serves a range of barrel-aged cocktails, craft beers, and d’Arenberg wines alongside their delicious Liquor Loft food menu!

Piano Bar De Luca on Regent Street

Fancy a fun night out and a singalong? De Luca, the Italian restaurant on Regent Street, is the place to head to on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s Cambridge’s only authentic singalong and requests Piano Bar, based in their upstairs cocktail bar!

De Luca’s Piano Bar isn’t just about simply having a pianist sitting in the corner of the room. Robin P-iano has a repertoire of well over 1,000 songs and adds to his repertoire constantly, making sure he’s always ready for the latest hit. It’s also as much about the audience as it is the performer, so there’s always the chance to sing a long to your favourite tune!