CAMBRIDGE.

This is a quiet back street pub with a collection of rowing memorabilia. It includes the bow section of the Cambridge boat that rammed a barge and sank before the start of the 1984 boat race. Apparently the present landlord rowed for Cambridge. In fact if you don't realise this is a boat race pub you must have your eyes closed as there are so many photographs on the walls. It's a multi-roomed pub and most are cluttered, but two are simply decorated with bare boards and simple furnishings - candles on tables, etc. Check out the collection of oars in one room and note that two rooms are no smoking. As for the beer, there is a changing range of up to seven ales, also wine and malt whisky. Food is available (12-2.30, 6-9.30) and is traditional served in a conservatory dining area. There is a beer garden for the children and dogs welcome there.

This used to be a brew pub, but now just serves a choice of real ales from Charles Wells. Initially set up as a brew pub in 1984 by the aforementioned Charles Wells, it had a sporadic brewing history. There is a single bar area on two levels - so no good for the disabled. The bar is on the lower level and traverses two of the walls nearest the door. There are many hand pumps with the aforementioned CW beers on. Tables and chairs are rudimentary and there is no carpet on the lower floor. At the time it was very smoky and most people were swigging from bottles. Food is served and the menu is not that bad to be honest. There is no accommodation.

This is a quaint corner boozer serving great food at reasonable prices (Cajun Chicken and chips with salad @ ?4.75; Spaghetti and cheesy mushrooms @ ?3.75), and with 'huge' portions too! The single bar is 'L' shaped and splits the room into two distinct areas, one for drinking and one for eating. The food area has many blackboards to let you know what food is available and the choice is good, even for vegetarians. The drinking area is fine while at the bar, but go to the toilets and its not disabled friendly as you have to go down steps. The eating area is carpeted while the rest is bare flags. There is a TV by the toilets to watch sport on. It is a Green King pub and thus serves Rayments, IPA and Abbots all well kept and no sparkler. The walls are adorned by plates on a Dutch plate rack (where else) and a low ceiling of beams. A friendly atmosphere compliments this relaxed clean and tidy pub and we were made welcome from the moment we walked in the door, right down to the free visitors car parking pass. Its not far too from the park separating the Grafton shopping Centre and the center of town. Well worth s stop over for a drink or to stay as they have 4 rooms Rating, alas none are en-suite. Rooms were basic with TV tea making facilities and twin beds (of the small is beautiful size). However they are comfortable with a certain rustic charm, near the centre of town and at ?20 per person B&B (large breakfast), hence the rating.

This pub serves traditional pub style food from 12-2:00pm and 6-9:30pm. The food is wholesome and filling though lacks a little adventure. That said the price is right @ an average meal price of £5. You can also get wine for about £7 if you prefer. The beers are Tetley, Burton Mild, and a guest Ale (Woods Shropshire Lad at the time). Outside there is a beer garden, but if you get fed up there are traditional pub Games. Opening times are: Mon - Sat 11-2.30pm, 6-11pm; Sun 12-3pm, 7-10.30pm. There is no accommodation here but try: El Shaddai, 41 Warkworth Street, Cambridge, CB1 1EG. (Proprietors: Alf and Pauline Droy). (01223) 327978; Mobile: 0410 210424;  Fax: (01223) 501024; E-mail: pauline@droy.freeserve.co.uk. Price: Single from £25, double from £45-£50. No en-suite.

See also: The Kingston Arms (Lidstones Brewpub), Kingston Street, off Mill road. (01440) 820232

B&B