Top 10 spots for outside dining in Cambridge

Top 10 spots for outside dining in Cambridge

Top 10 spots for outside dining in Cambridge

With the weather warming up and restrictions easing across the UK, there has never been a better time to try out some of Cambridge’s top spots for alfresco dining.

Cambridge boasts a vast array of traditional pub gardens for you to sample during your stay.

To help you choose, we‘ve put together CheckedInn’s top recommendations on where to get some tasty pub grub this summer:

 

The Fort St. George – Midsummer Common

When you visit this idyllic country pub, you’ll get to enjoy the views of the beautiful Cambridgeshire Countryside and the River Cam. As part of the Green King chain of pubs, they offer an extensive menu of traditional pub meals.

The Fort St. George is even fit for royalty, as they proved when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dined there in 2012.

 

The Maypole 

This family-run pub has been a hit with locals and students since they opened way back in 1982.

To accommodate diners in the unpredictable British weather, they have even built a temporary cover over their outdoor space so you can enjoy dining in the fresh air while staying dry.

If you’re an avid theatre fan, the Maypole is just down the road from the popular ADC Theatre.

 

The Cambridge Blue, Gwydir Street

According to their website, there’s no need to book to visit this popular venue. The Cambridgeshire Blue has extensive outdoor seating for up to 100 guests to sit, socially distanced, of course!

Their menu is based around their Pieminister pie menu. So, if you have a craving for an award-winning pie, this might be the venue for you.

 

The Punter, Pound Hill

It’s not hard to see why the Punter is award-winning and one of Cambridgeshire’s most loved establishments.

It may not have the largest outdoor dining area, but it does have a delightful courtyard where you can enjoy a pre-booked meal.

According to their website, they have been swamped since reopening in April. If you want to book a table, you’ll need to email them with your preferred date and time.

Places to dine outside
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The Three Horseshoes, Madingley

We can see why this thatched inn was named Cambridgeshire’s country dining pub of the year in 2017 by the good pub guide. The Three Horseshoes garden is extensive and the perfect place to relax this summer under the shade of the trees. In addition, if the weather’s a bit blowy, you can book one of their impressive outdoor dining pods to take shelter.

 

The Plough, Fen Ditton

The Plough is the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco meal while enjoying views of the river Cam from their courtyard garden area. You can enjoy a premium pizza or burger from their beautiful beer garden while watching the world go by or sitting beside the warming firepit on those chilly evenings.

 

The Willow Tree, Bourne

This pub is well known locally for having three magical outdoor dining pods. It’s the perfect location to enjoy a spring evening while overlooking the pubs’ beautiful willow tree.

 

The Cuckoo, Oundle Road, Peterborough

The Cuckoo is ideally situated for a riverside walk in the Nene Valley. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a traditional Inn full of character.

 

The Three Tuns, Great Abington

The Three Tuns have recently upgraded their outdoor dining area by adding three huts complete with lighting, heating and music. This is an ideal location to enjoy a traditional meal on a spring evening while still keeping warm and cosy.

 

The Mill Pub, Mill Lane

Ok, so The Mill Pub doesn’t have its own beer garden to speak of. It does have the most famous unofficial pub garden in the area, though! You can take your drink in a plastic cup and sit by the lock or watch the world go by on the green.

There’s no shortage of fabulous gardens to dine in this summer while enjoying idyllic Cambridgeshire from your CheckedInn rental. Many of the local pubs are working hard to make sure you can enjoy dinner outdoors whatever the weather as @leftfieldedin said: “Loving the dedication to eating and drinking outside – hot water bottles, blankets, stylish layering, full waterproofs, brollies, hats, gloves & actually quite a few bravely defiant summer dresses!”

This shows there’s never been a better time to get out and enjoy a meal outdoors while supporting one of our fantastic local businesses.