Bars & Pubs

This vast, brightly lit bar room feels disappointingly like a youth hostel canteen, but 16 handpumps - mostly fine real ale from Cambridge's Milton Brewery (Pegasus, Jericho, Cyclops and their stout Nero on our visit), usually plus a guest cider - soften the blow. The fridge has a couple of dozen Low Countries beers, there's Budvar and plenty of wines by the glass, and nosh includes an £8.95 Neal's Yard ploughman's. Bar billiards and a red-baize pool table on one side give way to bookshelves and games (chess, Scrabble, backgammon, role-playing games) on the other. Wireless internet is available, and beer festivals take place in March, July and November.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9