Pickerel Inn

(From my archive:) In the historical centre of Cambridge. Looks slightly tatty, but for a pub this old, I suppose that’s the way it should be. Bare wooden floors, OK beer garden. 5 real ales are on, 2 guest beers and 3 regulars. Sampled Old Mill Bullion (average), Young’s Waggledance (too much honey sweetness) and Woodeforde’s Wherry (very good). Quiet in the afternoon, friendly bar staff.

Dropped in here in order to tick off Woodforde’s Wherry - this was before M&S started to stock it. Standard traditional pub. Nothing to write home about.

A Taylor Walker pub just off the River Cam, smack dab in tourist central. I’m surprised it’s not more crowded (or more expensive). Access to the long bar is divided by a wall. Check on the other side for more beers. There are about 6 real ales in all, nothing earth shattering but you’re likely to find something to tick. Keg is fairly standard, as is their bottle selection (does every pub have bottled Punk these days?), although there are a few classics such as Maisels. The cask quality is extremely good. Not a top-tier Cambridge pub, but certainly worth a stop if in the area or passing through.

Nice interior and nice location. I even got some ticks here once upon a time, as its sources are not the same as the other pubcos’ pubs. Old Pec used to be regular - that’s always nice to see (and to drink). Half-way between town and the Castle (and Architect - though I don’t know if that’s worth going to yet, as I failed to get there last time I was in town).

Opposite Magdalene College this pub is clearly old with an old world feel to it. A touch cramped inside there is an outdoor area to the rear, however it’s wonderfully atmospheric inside with a single bar that is split into two serving areas due to a pillar wall half way along it. There’s a number of real ales available with several rotating.

A low-ceilinged boozer on the way to the Castle Inn as you head from the centre of town outwards. They have a modest range of cask ales, nothing too exciting but probably a tick or two for most folks. Prices are fair. A few TVs showing sports. Nice staff, average prices. Decent vibes here, feels somewhat cosy; lots of wood. Perhaps worth a stop if you’re passing by.

A very fast visit. Students’ place. Potbelly Teck’t t’Ride 4,5% (2010).

Old school pub near Magadalene. Now a Taylor Walker pub, but still maintains nice old wooden decoration, friendly service and mid-sized but well chosen selection of ales. Can be rammed full of students.