8 Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PF

About This Pub

Ah, Town and Gown, it's one of those places in Cambridge that really captures the spirit of the town, with its nod to the local and university crowds mixing it up. I have to say, it's got this warm, inviting feel that makes you want to settle in straight away – whether you're grabbing a seat in those charming barrel booths or heading up for a show in the theatre space. The food's a highlight; their roasts are spot on when they're done right, with lashings of gravy and fresh veg that leave you feeling chuffed. And let's not forget the extras like free shuffleboard and live music, which add a bit of excitement to the evening. On the flip side, though, prices can sting a little more than at the Eagle or Baron of Beef, and I've heard a few tales of dishes not quite matching the glossy ads, like overcooked spuds that take the edge off. Still, it's dog-friendly and accessible, so it's ace for a casual meet-up, but maybe keep expectations in check if you're after something budget-friendly or picture-perfect every time. All in all, it's a solid choice for a memorable night out, as long as you're up for a bit of the good with the not-so-good.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The atmosphere is absolutely spot on – it's laid-back and welcoming, with cosy barrel booths and multiple floors that make it feel like a hidden gem in Cambridge.
  • They've got a fantastic range of food, especially the Sunday roasts which are raved about for their tasty gravy and fresh veggies – perfect for a proper meal out.
  • It's super accessible, being wheelchair-friendly and dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole family, furry friends included.
  • Loads of entertainment options like free shuffleboard, live music, and even a theatre space upstairs, which adds a fun twist to a night out.
  • They're open from early in the morning until late, making it ideal for everything from a solo brunch to a lively evening with mates.
Cons
  • The prices can be a bit steep compared to other local pubs, so it might not be the best spot if you're watching your wallet.
  • Some dishes, like the potatoes, have been described as overcooked, and there have been complaints about the food not living up to the hype from the ads.
  • It's tucked away on a side road, which means it might be easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area.
  • A few folks have mentioned that paying upfront for meals feels a tad off-putting, like it sets the wrong tone for the experience.

Contact Information

8 Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PF
+441223309796
Pub
Opens at 10:00

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 - 23:00
Tuesday10:00 - 23:00
Wednesday10:00 - 23:00
Thursday10:00 - 00:00
Friday (Today)10:00 - 01:00
Saturday10:00 - 01:00
Sunday10:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Visiting Cambridge for work, and visited the Town and Gown for some drinks afterwards. Seemed clean and pretty nice, music not too loud etc. They have a shuffleboard that is free to use as well. Quite enjoyed it here!
AC
Andrew Cartwright
Not too sure why this place has so many good reviews, we went here on a Sunday to grab a roast, should have known it was going to be really bad because you have to pay up front and advertising boards that look nothing like the food (It really wasn’t a best kept secret) We both had roast beef which turned up raw and cold! Not too sure what happened there, everything else was hot. We immediately send both our meals back, waited about 20 minutes then the beef turned up overcooked (Same plates) the vegetables and everything else was cold, you couldn’t make it up!! They did give us a refund for the food, gave us free desserts which was a nice gesture but not quite sure what the chef was doing that day.
AJ
Adam Jason
OMG……. This is not only immense, it is bloody delicious too! We came out for dinner here on a recommendation from a friend who told us ‘The Town & Gown do the most amazing roast’. She was not wrong. Freshly cooked veg (not boiled to death) and lashings of tasty gravy. This is hands down the best roast for miles around. Looking forward to coming back.
C
Cheddar
Pub with Privacy I often overlook this pub, as it's located on a side road, the back of TK Maxx. The food was quite expensive compared to Eagle, Bath House and Baron of Beef. The Sunday roast tasted nice, with crispy Yorkshire pudding. The potatoes were a bit too crispy, overcooked? Not sure about the burger. The portion was small in terms of its price. The burger was not hot enough. The beef patty was a bit dry. I was not full after the burger meal. But the environment is genuinely nice, very clean and open. Every table has a big distance. The toilets are not small. I think it's a lovely environment.
PT
pui ting Leung
After spending a few hours of shopping and touring Cambridge, we happened upon Town and Gown. The atmosphere is pretty laid back, so it was a great spot to relax. There are three floors, but the barrel booths on the first floor were the absolute cutest! You can choose where to sit. Once you've figured out what you want, you walk up to the bar and order. The food was pretty good, but my virgin pornstar martini was delicious!!! It is tucked away in an alley, so keep a sharp eye out for it.
WS
W S

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