
The Elm Tree
A cozy Cambridge pub famed for its vast selection of Belgian and real ales, with a quirky interior and live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Elm Tree

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Cambridge pub famed for its vast selection of Belgian and real ales, with a quirky interior and live music.
"A gem of a pub with a huge choice of ales and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere."
Best time to visit
Visit during Saturday lunchtime for a more intimate experience.
Engage the staff
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you through the extensive beer selection.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1223 322553
Address
16A Orchard St, Cambridge, CB1 1JT, United Kingdom
Website
elmtreecambridge.co.uk/indexHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Belgian Beer Paradise
An extensive selection of Belgian-style beers, from Delirium to Lambic, for true connoisseurs.

Cozy English Pub Atmosphere
Relax in a snug, candlelit pub with quirky decor, retro signs, and a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Live Music Nights
Enjoy captivating live music performances that elevate the pub's vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best time to visit
Visit during Saturday lunchtime for a more intimate experience.
Engage the staff
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you through the extensive beer selection.
Bring your own food
The pub allows customers to bring their own food to enjoy with their drinks.
Specialty beers
Try the Christmas beer recommendations for a festive treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
Best time to visit
Visit during Saturday lunchtime for a more intimate experience.
Engage the staff
Staff are knowledgeable and can guide you through the extensive beer selection.
Bring your own food
The pub allows customers to bring their own food to enjoy with their drinks.
Specialty beers
Try the Christmas beer recommendations for a festive treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Elm Tree is praised for its exceptional selection of Belgian and real ales, and its cozy, quirky atmosphere. Patrons often commend the friendly and knowledgeable staff. However, some reviews indicate issues with food temperature and preparation when food is ordered from the kitchen, and one severe complaint cited neglectful service and a ruined celebration.
"A pub that is worth visiting when coming to Cambridge, because it offers the classic concept of a drinking establishment that is part of British culture. It is located in an urban residential area but the vibe it offers is a unique situation from a typical British drinking place. There is no food for sale, only drinks –whether containing alcohol such as beer, spirits or wine– or non-alcoholic drinks. This pub has had some positive reviews and when I visited it certainly was. A pleasant conversation with the bartender and the atmosphere typical of a British drinking establishment make for an unforgettable impression. The pub also serves a wide range of Belgian beers, beside British local and general ales. Greetings from Indonesia."
Raymond Valiant
"What am absolute gem of a pub. Stumbled upon this pub whilst wandering wearily. I came to Cambridge from London for the day, and having had a whole day of walking was looking for a little refreshment before getting the train home.
I must admit, I did step in feeling it had a bit of a social club type of feel to it, but my fears were soon dissipated. All of the patrons were cheerful and smiley, Jenny the bartender was friendly and very helpful with suggesting a nice IPA for me.
A huge choice of ales here and also a separate menu of Belgian beer if that is your fancy.
I will definitely be dropping in here again next time I visit Cambridge. Meanwhile, I shall quietly weep that this is not my local."
katie moir
"The Elm Tree is a North Star of great selection, wide acceptance, and small wallets. Great bar tender, great beer, and great aesthetic."
David Birdsall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Elm Tree primarily focuses on drinks. While they do not have a kitchen, customers are allowed to bring their own food.
They offer a wide variety of real ales and an extensive selection of Belgian beers, including Delirium and Lambic.
Yes, The Elm Tree hosts live music performances several times each month, which contributes to its vibrant atmosphere.
The pub has a cozy, quirky, and traditional English atmosphere, often described as snug and candlelit with retro decor.
Since they don't serve food, it tends to be easier to get a seat compared to other nearby pubs, especially during quieter times.
Yes, the pub offers non-alcoholic drinks in addition to its wide range of alcoholic beverages.
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Featured in these publications
The Best Pubs In Cambridge: An Insider’s Guide
It’s a small pub, it’s off the beaten track but they do a good range of Belgian beers and real ages. It’s a friendly little boozer.” This proudly old-fashioned establishment is lit by candlelight in the evenings and allows customers to bring their own food. It’s charmingly decorated with an assortment of bric-a brac, much of which is memorabilia from breweries that are no longer.
Cambridge's 11 TOP Dog Friendly Pubs (by a Local!)
The Elm Tree is right in the centre of Cambridge, but is tucked away down backstreets that you may not otherwise have a reason to go down. Like the nearby Free Press, The Elm Tree isn’t huge, although it is a lot bigger inside than you might expect. They also have a wide range of Belgian beers and draught beers, and because they don’t serve food, it tends to be much easier to get a seat than other nearby pubs.
Cambridge Pub Guide
16A Orchard St, Cambridge CB1 1JTtheelmtreecambridge.co.uk Fantastic pub with several real ales and a fridge full of Belgian beers including rarities, accompanied by detailed tasting menus. A relaxing and friendly place, with seating along the alley at the side that becomes a sun trap in the summer, and a cosy interior with plenty of breweriana and bits & pieces dotted about. Live music several times a month.
Cambridge named one of the best nights out in UK and these pubs, bars and clubs are why
Idyllically located on the grassy banks of the River Cam overlooking Laundress Green, the 19th Century Mill is one of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs and renowned for its wide choice of well-kept real ales. In the summer, locals take their pints and sit out in the sunshine overlooking the river. You can find it here: 14 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RX.
15 Best Cambridge Pubs (Pints, Food and Music)
This cozy pub in the heart of Cambridge is a great place for beer lovers and specializes in artisan craft beers, Belgian lagers, and ales from small breweries around the UK. There’s an outside terrace, and although The Elm Tree doesn’t have a kitchen, it does serve a selection of bar snacks. Patrons to the pub can even bring in their own food!
Cambridge’s Hidden Gems and Hotspots: 11 Bars You Can’t Miss (UK) [November 2024]
Nestled near the green expanse of Parker's Piece in Cambridge, The Elm Tree is your quintessential British pub. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a cozy atmosphere, with warm wood beams and a crackling fireplace setting the scene. It's a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy a pint or two.
The top 10 best pubs in central Cambridge
Capturing the decor at The Elm Tree, and my friend mid-blink. The Elm Tree should definitely be on every beer-drinkers radar. This small, independent pub has one of the best selections of ales, beers, and kegs that you can find in central Cambridge.
Cambridge Pubs
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Cambridge near historic Parker's Piece and within easy walk of the centre. Usually ten or so real ales on offer, plus extensive Belgian beer menu. Regular music nights.
Where to eat and drink in Cambridge
Bottles from Belgium, and a vibe like you're having a pint in someone's living room. Navigationally non-obvious but worth the effort. (The Free Press nearby is good, too).
B and B Stays , Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in the UK
Based near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, we are in the ideal location for discovering all that the area has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit