Kingston Arms
A side-street ale pub off Mill Road, named CAMRA branch Pub of the Year for 2025.
The Kingston Arms is a side-street pub at 33 Kingston Street, a short step from Mill Road. Real-ale campaigners rate it highly. The Cambridge & District branch of CAMRA made it Pub of the Year for 2025, Cambridgeshire CAMRA gave it the county title the same year, and the branch also honoured it as Most Improved Pub in 2024 and Dark Beer Pub in 2024 and 2026.
A pub with a new lease of life
Mediterranean dining had replaced the pub for a time. New licensees changed that in March 2023, putting the emphasis back on drinking. In summer 2025 it won a further distinction: it was the first Cambridge city pub to be protected as an Asset of Community Value.
Beer, garden and events
Up to seven cask ales are poured, with a dark one always among them, together with four still ciders. Vintage local photographs and posters from the Historic Cambridge Beer Festival cover the walls, and the ceiling is hung with pump clips. Open fires burn in winter, and the walled garden behind is fitted with canopies and heaters. Tuesday brings cribbage and skittles; the calendar also holds quiz nights, traditional jazz, some other live music and minibus pub tours every two months.
Practical notes
Food means pork pies and snacks, though drinkers can have plates and cutlery if they bring in a takeaway from a local restaurant. Pop-up kitchens turn up occasionally. The website address once listed for the pub no longer resolves, so confirm opening times by phone or on the day. OpenStreetMap marks wheelchair access as not available.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
