Nightlife
Nightlife, culture, music and the arts, all in one city
NIGHTLIFE
Cambridge is not only a superb place to spend your day, but also offers a full and vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene. Market Passage offers two of the city’s most lively bars, with Town and Gown, and Ta Bouche taking centre stage.
If you prefer live music and world class cocktails, then head over to De Luca Cucina & Bar or La Raza and enjoy coolness personified, with nightly events offering some of the best live music in town. Dancing shoes at the ready. See a list of our favourites below, for a more detailed overview of what to expect from each bar/venue. We’re sure we’ll have a recommendation that you’ll love!
Bar – OH:
From drinks served in a parrot to those with smoke bubbles on top, they have an extensive cocktail menu. A fun and lively atmosphere, with retro computers, and games such as Poetry for Neanderthals that provide endless entertainment. There’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights. This is a great spot in the town centre. Superb cocktails, fantastic live music, and so much to explore in the venue itself.
20 Downing Pl, Cambridge CB2 3DT
+44 (0)1223319420
Tall trees:
Live music bar and venue close to the town centre, with trees spread across the ceiling. A favourite with the locals (and us). There is live music every night, with a range of events such as open-mic nights, or professional musicians playing a range of genres. Keep an eye on their social media or notice board for the schedule. Most events start at 8pm. “a venue where live music and creativity thrive six nights a week!” Come for good entertainment, great service, and a delicious cocktails (two for one, all day, every day)
67 Lensfield Rd, Cambridge CB2 1EN
Town and Gown:
Large and airy gastropub in the town centre. Best for a casual lunch with friends. They boast a stylish interior, with the main attraction being the intimate fringe theatre. They host a variety of performances from comedy, to music, to plays.
8 Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PF
+44 (0)1223309796
De Luca Cucina & Bar:
A modern Italian restaurant in the city centre, that just so happens to have a fantastic, little known piano bar on the top floor, open every Friday and Saturday night. There’s a cocktail bar up there too, to stop you getting thirsty. You’ll need to book tickets in advance! Be aware of the smart casual dress code (no shorts or trainers).
83 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AW
+44 (0)1223356666
196 Cocktail Bar:
Feel the beating heart of Cambridge in this cosy and intimate cocktail bar, a favourite amongst the locals. Seating indoors and outdoors, with heat towers for the colder evenings. An extensive list of creative drinks is offered, with a selection of side dishes.
196 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3NF
+44 (0)7984151124
Cambridge Tap:
Stylish bar set in an old bank. Go for food, drinks or preferably both. Central location on the corner of St Andrews Street and Regent Street. Extensive cocktails list, along with a good range of wines, world and craft beers. There’s also a wide selection of spirits.
32 St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3AR
+44 (0)1223679349
Thirsty Cambridge:
Cosy bar & bottle shop, very popular with the locals. Rotation of local food trucks for the hungry. Bookings recommended.
I love this snippet from their website – “we buy the best & we pay a fair price to the people making it. we try and make our bar the nicest place to be and we train our team to serve you the best they can. there will always be bars out there that are cheaper than us, but we sell gold.”
46 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1EN
+44 (0)1223464436
Six – Rooftop bar at the Varsity:
SIX is located in the historic centre of Cambridge overlooking the spectacular skyline. The menu consists of a variety of traditional meat and fish dishes, gourmet pizza and homemade desserts.
24 Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8EQ
+44 (0)122330803
La Raza:
Relaxed Mediterranean cafe-restaurant becomes a music venue after sunset. Head downstairs early in the evening and you can enjoy drinks and tapas with chilled tunes. After dinner on a Friday and Saturday, you’ll find great DJs or live music, and can get your groove on and dance in amongst the super-friendly crowd.
4-6 Rose Cres, Cambridge CB2 3LL
+44 (0)1223464550
Wine Bars
The Wine Rooms:
Stylish wine bar at the top of Station Road. The staff have the expertise to help you navigate the world of wine. They serve delicious small plates to pair with your glass or bottle of choice. Attentive service and great choices of wines available, including a focused selection by the glass.
57 Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 1NT
+44 (0)1223625645
Market House Cambridge:
Exceptional food with friendly service and a fantastic selection of wine. In the heart of centre of Cambridge, overlooking the historic Market Square, Market House offers an all-day cafe, a more formal restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a stylish evening wine bar. Perfect for a special occasion.
12 Market Hill, Cambridge CB2 3NJ
+44 (0)1223455560
Cambridge Corn Exchange is a large venue located in Central Cambridge, just off the Market Square, with a capacity up to 1,681 people. They have regular performances including comedy shows, film festivals, and music concerts, to mention a few. Check online for a list of their upcoming shows. Make sure to book ahead!
Address: 2 Wheeler St, Cambridge CB2 3QB
Phone: +44 (0)1223 357851
Cambridge Junction is a live music and arts venue in Cambridge, at the leisure centre. Check online for a list of their upcoming events. Make sure to book ahead!
Address: Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX
Phone: +44 (0)1223 511511