Silver St, Cambridge CB3 9EL

About This Pub

Ah, the Anchor Cambridge – it's one of those classic spots that really captures the charm of the city, nestled right by the River Cam where you can sip on a fresh ale and watch the world go by. I have to say, the views are top-notch; imagine sitting out on the terrace with a pint, taking in the Mathematical Bridge and all that history – it's just magical for a lazy afternoon or evening. The beer selection is spot on too, with plenty of choices that cater to all tastes, and their specials like the Prix Fixe menu offer good value for some hearty grub. The staff seem genuinely chuffed to have you there, adding to that warm, community feel, especially if you're popping in for live sport or one of their fun events. On the flip side, though, it's not all smooth sailing; a few people have had gripes with the facilities, like unhygienic toilets that could put a damper on things, and the food isn't always a winner – some dishes might lack flavour or not live up to the hype, especially when compared to other local pubs. Still, with an overall solid rating, it's worth a visit if you're in Cambridge, just go in with your eyes open and maybe skip the fancy new tries if you're after something reliable. All in all, it's a great spot for a chat and a drink, but keep an eye out for those little niggles to make the most of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The views from this riverside spot are absolutely stunning, right by the River Cam with sights of the Mathematical Bridge and Queens' College – it's a proper treat for a relaxing pint.
  • They've got a cracking selection of beers and ales, plus some tasty specials like the new Prix Fixe menu, which is great value for a couple of courses without breaking the bank.
  • The staff come across as really friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home, and it's brilliant for catching live sport or enjoying events like Wing Wednesday.
Cons
  • Some folks have mentioned dodgy hygiene in the facilities, like slippery floors in the toilets, which is a bit off-putting and could spoil an otherwise nice visit.
  • Food can be hit or miss; one review noted a new dish that was completely bland, and there are mixed feelings about things like the Sunday roasts compared to nearby spots.
  • There might be a few awkward moments with seating or service, such as spilling drinks when trying to sort out a table, which could make for a frustrating experience if you're not careful.

Contact Information

Silver St, Cambridge CB3 9EL
+441223353554
Pub
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)12:00 - 21:00
Tuesday12:00 - 21:00
Wednesday12:00 - 21:00
Thursday12:00 - 22:00
Friday12:00 - 22:00
Saturday12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 20:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Most of the food was good, except a new dish they were seeking feedback on which had no flavour. My biggest issue was that for £120 for 3 people I do not expect to be slipping around in the toilets on a deep layer of urine all over the floor. Absolute sewer in there.
O
Oliver
Very beautiful historic pub! The staff were very friendly, helpful and accommodating. Beers were very tasty, well preserved and a good variety of choices. The fish pie they had on the day as a special was delightful. Highly recommend this place and will be back soon for a visit!
MS
M S
Fantastic riverside pub with exceptional beer selection! ⚓️ (For a German Beerlover) 🫢 🍺 🇩🇪 The Anchor in Cambridge is an absolute gem for beer enthusiasts! Located right on the beautiful River Cam with stunning views of the Mathematical Bridge and Queens' College, this historic pub offers one of the best drinking experiences in the city. What really impressed me was their outstanding selection of ales and craft beers. They serve Greene King IPA as their regular, but the real excitement comes from their two rotating guest ales that change frequently. I tried some fantastic local brews including Fellows, Black Bar, and Elgoods beers, plus they stock excellent independent craft beers. The bar staff are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to recommend something based on your taste preferences. The pub has a wonderful atmosphere spread across four levels, from the cozy ground floor lounge with its comfortable chairs and polished floorboards down to the riverside bar where you can watch the punts drift by. The food perfectly complements the drinks - classic pub fare with a countryside twist featuring dishes like wood pigeon, sea bass, and perfectly cooked steaks. Everything is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. What makes this place extra special is its connection to music history - this is where Syd Barrett used to hang out before forming Pink Floyd! The walls tell the story beautifully. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable for such a prime location. Whether you're a local or visiting Cambridge, The Anchor is a must-visit for any serious beer lover. The combination of excellent ales, stunning riverside setting, and rich history makes it truly unforgettable! ❤️ See you soon dear Michi Bichi 🎩👌🏻
MB
Michi B
Cool spot to visit and a really nice patio to enjoy a drink. Unfortunately I spilled a full new pint of Guinness trying to move a table so that my chair was accessible to sit in. It was an awkward situation and I was alone. I didn't necessarily expect to get a replacement pint when I immediately arrived back at the bar with my empty glass, however in most cases that's what a friendly bar would do so as not to spoil a customer's experience. After all, it's a bar and pints get spilled. The bartender wasn't empathetic and basically just responded with a degree of sass that wasn't appreciated, while proceeding to pull up another £6.35 charge on the credit card machine. Overall the bartender's response to the situation left a bad taste in my mouth.
JB
Justin Burt
Porchetta Pub Another weekend. Time for me to continue the Cambridge pub marathon. Found that this pub had lamb Sunday roast like rival pub (the Mill) nearby. Similar price to the Mill too. But the difference is, Anchor has porchetta Sunday Roast too. The food arrived without much waiting. Surprisingly similar prices, but the portions were smaller than the Mill. The lamb and pork was quite dry. There was not enough gravy to dip the meat. The Yorkshire puddings and potatoes were not crispy enough. At least the leaf vegetables were cooked correctly. But still, this pub manages to offer something different than the rest, more than beef or chicken Sunday roast. But it is a pub in the quiet side of Cambridge. With a beautiful punting view. The environment was clean and pleasant to stay. The staff were very nice, helpful and friendly. Trying to recommend items in case the customers have no idea what to order.
PT
pui ting Leung

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