Where to drink
La Raza
Since opening in 2003, this intimate feeling cocktail bar has gone on to win award after award, after award. And in combining two of our favourite things – cocktails & winning – we felt La Raza was a bar that spoke our language. And boy were we right. Their vast menu comprises of exciting in-house creations as well as all the tasty old favourites designed to titillate and tease your over and again. A stylish and tasteful decor is complimented by great music at the weekends.
4-6 Rose Cres, CB2 3LL
laraza.co.uk
Hidden Rooms
Another cocktail bar because – do we need a reason? While the pubs in Cambridge are, generally speaking quite easy to find, places like the Hidden Rooms don’t come so easy. Tucked away on a quiet sidestreet is this speakeasy style bar that doubles up as an occasional Jazz club. The drinks are unsurprisingly delicious while the dark and moody interior makes it feel OK to to really let your hair down. Check the website for heading over to see what’s on that night.
The Basement Cambridge, 5-7 Jesus Ln, CB5 8BA
www.hiddenroomsonline.com
The Cambridge Brewhouse
We mentioned the embarrassment of riches Cambridge boasts when it comes to pubs, so it was hard to choose any one in particular. The Brewhouse gets the nod not just because of its warm, friendly interior, not even for its large selection of outstanding craft ales and beers. No, the Brewhouse holds an extra special place in our hearts because it has its own microbrewery. That’s right, they make their own beer here and you guessed it – it’s delicious.
1 King St, CB1 1LH
www.thecambridgebrewhouse.com
Where to eat
Midsummer House
We don’t like to pick favourites as there’s always somewhere for every occasion. So let’s just say that Midsummer House is the ideal place for a bit of a treat. The menu errs on the side of Heston-esque molecular gastronomy giving each of the dishes an exciting and interactive element to them. But they do so without ever sacrificing any of the wonderful flavours. Expect the price to north of what you might usually pay, but leave satisfied that you tried something truly original.
Midsummer Common, CB4 1HA
www.midsummerhouse.co.uk
The Sea Tree
Fish and Chips doesn’t always have to be eaten out of a greasy newspaper. This “alternative fish shop” sets the bar altogether much higher. Offering old favourites aplenty as well as some new and modern twists like pan-fried scallops, the Sea Tree welcomes diners in and takeaways equally. All the fish is locally sourced, sustainable and incredibly fresh, giving it the kind of flavour real seafood deserves.
Unit 13-14, The Broadway, Mill Rd, CB1 3AH
theseatree.co.uk
Butch Annie’s
If the name isn’t enough to prick your imagination/scare you off, then the food in Butch Annie’s is altogether more desirable. Following the style of some of London’s burger joints, this place is decked out with diner style seating under the watchful gaze of some bright & lurid graffiti. They serve monster burgers to make your eyes and belly pop. And they’ll most likely encourage you to wash it all down with one of their many craft beers. They don’t take reservations so get down early.
23 Market St, Cambridge CB2 3PA
www.butchannies.com
What to do
Punting on the Cam
The difference between punting in Oxford and punting in Cambridge has to do with where you stand in the boat – so we’re told. And while old stalwarts may insist that you do it the ‘proper way’ while on the river Cam, we advise you do whatever keeps you safe and dry. Like all good things, it doesn’t really matter how you do it, just that you enjoy it. And there’s simply no better way to take in the sights of Cambridge than along its famous river. Be wary, it can get quite congested in Summer.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Almost as impressive from the outside as the exhibits held within it, the Fitzwilliam stands as testament to Cambridge’s enduring relationship with art, culture, archaeology and discovery. Depending on when you visit, the museum holds everything from paintings by great masters to displays of Egyptology. In fact, the youngest ever mummified human was discovered at the museum during a recent exhibition. The details are fascinating, if a little gory. Go see for yourself.
Trumpington St, CB2 1RB
www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge University
What would Cambridge be without its university? Regarded as not just one of the most beautiful places in the world but also one of the most intellectually respected, Cambridge University counts amongst its former alumni everyone from Isaac Newton & Charles Darwin to Stephen Fry & Sacha Baron Cohen. Founded in 1209AD it is made up of a series of interconnecting colleges, a lot of which are open to the public. We recommend you go if only to drink in the rich history of the place.
