Champion Of The Thames Pub in Cambridge

68 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN

About This Pub

Ah, Champion of the Thames – what a delightful little spot tucked away on King Street in Cambridge. I've got to say, it's one of those pubs that just makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The beers are where it really shines; they're immensely proud of their ales, and with all those CAMRA awards under their belt, it's no wonder they're a favourite among beer enthusiasts. Picture yourself sinking into a cosy snug or warming up by the fire with a pint that's been poured to perfection. The team behind the bar are an absolute treat too – always up for a chat and dishing out solid advice on local goings-on, which is brilliant if you're new to the area or just want some insider tips. And if you're out with your furry companion, they'll be made to feel welcome with treats and water, adding to that homely vibe. On the flip side, though, some of the fancier imports can hit the wallet a bit hard, so it might not be the cheapest night out. Plus, it's more of a locals' haunt, which means it can feel quiet if you're after a lively crowd, but honestly, that's what makes it so endearing. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for a proper pub experience in Cambridge – go for the beers, stay for the atmosphere, and you'll likely leave with a smile.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The beer selection is absolutely spot on – they've won loads of awards like CAMRA Pub of the Year, so you know you're in for some cracking ales that are fresh and full of character.
The staff are proper legends; they're friendly, helpful, and full of great tips on what to do in Cambridge, making it feel like you're chatting with mates behind the bar.
It's got a lovely cosy atmosphere with a snug room and a warm fire, perfect for settling in on a chilly evening or bringing your dog along for a pint.
Being dog-friendly adds a nice touch, with water bowls and treats on offer, so it's ideal if you're out for a walk and fancy a stop-off.

Cons

Some of the drinks can be a tad pricey, like that imported pint someone mentioned at £7.60, which might make you think twice if you're on a budget.
It seems a bit more geared towards locals, so if you're a visitor, it might not have that buzzing tourist vibe, though that's part of its charm really.

Contact Information

68 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN

+441223351464

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	16:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	16:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	16:00 - 23:00
Thursday	16:00 - 23:00
Friday (Today)	12:00 - 23:00
Saturday	12:00 - 23:00
Sunday	16:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

awesome place to drink. characterful pub, didn't rate the scram as didn't eat but will when I next visit.

Paresh Chauhan

Lawrence the owner is an absolute legend. His bar staff are nothing but helpful. Easy to get a drink and decent measurements! Also any advice regarding asking what to do in Cambridge this bar *opened in 1870* can give you proper decent and knowledgeable advice.

Calvin Brotherston

We had a lovely pint in this pub, I think it was of their expensive end of pints imported from Germany, lovely drink was worth trying. £7.60 for the pint, but I think rest of the drinks are in standard prices. Bar staff was friendly and very nice atmosphere.

Indy Ro

The Norfolk Pub & Club Awards of 2024 has credited Champion of the Thames as the best county pub for Cambridge. The award was based on scores from volunteers around Norfolk. I visited this pub on a warm summer day and took a local ale to my delight as it is refreshing and colourful. The pub itself has much been praised by its classic simplicity, British style of a drinking establishment. The bartender was helpful and his service is nice. It was really worth to sip a pint or more here. Old time patrons are a common view here. Greetings from Indonesia.

Raymond Valiant

Cambridge Pub Tour – No. 7: Champion of the Thames is now my favourite pub in Cambridge. It is located on King Street behind Jesus College, and although it is only four or five minutes away from King's College, tourists rarely find it. As a result, most of the patrons are residents and regulars who live nearby. The pub is named after a rower who lived there more than 200 years ago. It’s quite small, but it retains the character of a traditional English pub. Upon entering, the barman, Adrian, greeted us like old friends. He makes drinks for the regulars without them telling him what they want. Such a small space provides everyone the opportunity to have a drink whilst having a chat with the bartender or with the guests next to them. In the era of social distancing, this natural and communal social atmosphere is really rare. The pub is too small to serve hot food, but Adrian told me that they have a range of bar snacks sourced from a farm three miles away in Cambridge. So, I ordered a quiche and it really tasted good. Adrian also asked me to try their 3-year-old pickled onions to go with the quiche! Later, when we were unsure about what to drink next, Adrian gave us a free blind beer taste. I was already half drunk after the first round. If you want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional English pub and meet locals and residents, this bar is definitely the place to go.

Jiaqi Guo