Cocktail Bars
The top cocktail bars for swanky cocktails
There is no better start to an evening out than sipping cocktails at one of Cambridge’s swanky cocktail bars.
These unique, quirky and wonderful bars, ranging from rooftop bars, local favourites to posh cocktail bars. Here are the best cool and quirky cocktail bars in Cambridge.
Parkers
The swanky Parker’s Tavern at one of the landmarks in Cambridge is a quirky combination of a bustling coaching inn with cultured refinement. Look forward to an inventive cocktail menu as well as the usual nightcap classics. Each drink has a story and each with a twist and Cambridge link.
Novi
The local experts in casual, communal and sociable dining and specialise in botanical cocktails, vibrant brunches and sumptuous smoked BBQ dishes thanks to their in house smoker. You’re in a treat at Novi from Mo-Fri from 5 to 7pm, two cocktails for only £ 10.
Bird or Worm
Bar 196
This quirky Cocktail bar at the heart of the Mill Road community is one of the best-kept secrets away from the crowds. Bar 196 serves excellent cocktails and small plates in their tiny bar and on the kerb of Mill Road. Choose from their simple hand-written menus and from the black board.
Dutch
Dutch Cambridge at Eddington is well-known for its classic and re-imagined cocktails and sharing plates, which they have been serving at their popular Bar 196 on Mill Road for almost 10 years. Open from daily from midday for food, coffee and cocktails.
The Gonville
Set in the heart of Cambridge opposite the famous Parkers Piece, The Gonville Hotel is one of the top hotels in Cambridge. Their popular bar is always a pleasure to sip cocktails, but listening to the tunes of Jazz during the weekend is even more fun.
Six
The rooftop terrace of Six is one of the famous Cambridge landmarks boasting one of the best views of the Cambridge colleges. You can look forward to knock-out cocktails, lychee or passion fruit martini’s, blushing Russians, summer G & T’s, and during weekends a BBQ menu.
The Orator
One of the newest cocktail bars is on the grounds of another local landmark, the Cambridge Union, which has hosted famous speakers for drinks after spirited speeches or passionate debates. The Orator is the perfect place to meet up for locals, visitors, and Union members.
The Lab
This cocktail bar on Regent Street is undoubtedly the swankiest one in Cambridge with its lush furnishing and mind-blowing cocktails. It’s famed for its classic and bespoke cocktails, over 300 different spirits, as well as wines and beers.
Kota
Looking for a nice place for brunch, a swanky cocktail or a lovely Sunday roast in North Cambridge? Kota in Eddington is the place to go. This Scandinavian influenced Bar and Restaurant is from the team of Novi Cambridge, known for its excellent food and botanical cocktails.
Garden House
At the heart of the hotel, their bar offers a broad range of bespoke and classic cocktails, wines and speciality beers. The unique recipes for their Garden cocktails and homemade cordials take inspiration from local nature and history, recipes from the city and the land.
The Tap
Once a bank, now made a low-key bar and restaurant serving cocktails, world and craft beers. The Cambridge Tap’s menu includes dirty fries, wings, small plates, sharing boards and excellent burgers. The food for any social gathering.
Town & Gown
Tucked away in one of the side streets of Market Street, Town & Gown is space for both to meet, drink, eat and revel. Their Theatre is a revival of the building’s history, former Arts Cinema from 1933 trading as the Cosmopolitan Cinema.
De Luca
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Piano Bar of the Luca on the top floor features Piano Entertainer performances featuring resident singer/pianist Robin P-iano or another of the UK’s top piano entertainers, singing classic and new pop music and taking requests.
Negroni Bar
Maurizio Dining is known for its excellent homemade pizzas and nonna-style food. In August 2022, they opened the first Negroni Bar in Cambridge. Besides the classic Negroni, they offer many variations. For non-Negroni lovers, there is a fine wine list to choose from.
The Folio Bar
The Folio Bar & Kitchen in Chesterton rewrites the food and drink script for the storied city of Cambridge. Featuring plant-based experiments and favourite drinks given a wonderfully-crafted modern rethink.
Bar-OH
Cocktail and private members club in the city centre of Cambridge hosting many live music events. Expertly blended classics and out-there marvels alongside a lovingly curated selection of wines and craft beers.
Locations
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