CAMBRIDGE INFORMATION
Cambridge is a charming town replete with cobblestone streets and attractive lanes whose profound historical ambiance was the setting of much of the last years of C.S. Lewis’ life. While Oxford resented Lewis’ Christianity and popularity, Cambridge offered the newly created position of Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English to him. In fact, J.R.R. Tolkien was influential in his appointment. Although hesitant at first to leave the Kilns, Warnie, and Joy, Lewis eventually took the position. Each week he commuted between Oxford and Cambridge, sleeping and studying on the train.
Lewis grew to love Cambridge deeply. Of his college there, he once wrote: “I think I shall like Magdalene (Cambridge) better than Magdalen (Oxford). It’s a tiny college (a perfect cameo architecturally), and they’re all so old fashioned, and pious, and gentle, and conservative – unlike this leftist, atheist, cynical, hardboiled, huge Magdalen.” After a stay in Cambridge, you will no doubt delight in its many splendours as well. It is smaller and more rustic than Oxford; even if the locals own a car, most prefer to bicycle. Still, one cannot escape the grandeur of King’s College, the magnificence of St. John’s Chapel, and the weight of its intellectual history. In addition to C.S. Lewis, Cambridge was home to Erasmus, John Harvard, Isaac Newton, John Milton, William Wilberforce, Charles Spurgeon, James Dewey Watson, Francis Crick, and many others.
ORIENTATION
The Romans built the first of the city’s towns along the River Cam. The “straight” roads left by the Romans provide cyclists with some of the best touring routes available, and certain portions of the roads provide a glimpse of the original surface. The “straight” road passing through Cambridge goes through the centre of town and changes name depending upon which segment you are on: St. Andrew’s Street, Sidney Street, Bridge Street, and Huntingdon Road. There is a post office at the very end of the St. Andrew’s Segment. The Sidney Street segment, like many areas in the city centre, does not admit to car traffic during the daytime. A Boot’s pharmacy and Sainsbury’s supermarket can be found along Sidney Street. This area of town encompasses the “high street” or shopping area with two Marks and Spencer’s (for clothes and food), an open air market, and various other shops. Walking through the market place, past the university church, St. Mary’s, you will reach the main road that some of the oldest colleges and university buildings inhabit – including Corpus Christi College, King’s College, Senate House (where graduation takes place), Gonville and Caius, Trinity College, and St. John’s College. Various segments of this road are known as King’s Parade, Trinity Street, and St. John’s Street. A smaller post office and gift store may be found on the Trinity Street segment.
1 Tourist Information: The Cambridge Tourist Information Centre can be found on Peas Hill and provides maps and brochures of the local area. They also have a Cambridge Visitors card that offers discounts for admission prices and restaurants. (Tel.0871/226-8006, [email protected]; www.visitcambridge.org).
GETTING AROUND CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge was designed for walking. Its narrow lanes, cobblestone streets, and exasperating one way streets make this means of transportation highly recommended for travel within the city centre. Even those locals who have cars tend to take their bicycle or a bus into town from the outlying areas. Should you need transportation to the perimeter of the city centre, or to London, please consider the taxi and bus options listed below.
Bicycle Rentals: Bike Hire Online (Located on Chester Road near Jesus Green Lock, tel.07964/427-151, email [email protected], website www.bikehireonline.com, open Monday-Saturday 10am-12pm & 4pm-6pm and Sunday 12pm-3pm); Station Cycles (Located on Corn Exchange Street, tel.01223/ 307-655, website www.stationcycles.co.uk, open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Wednesday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm); City Cycle Hire (Located 61 Newnham Road, tel.01223/365-629, website www.citycyclehire.com, open Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm).
Taxis: Panther Taxis (tel.01223/715-715); Diamond Taxis (tel.01223/523-523.)
Buses: The Bus Station is on Drummer Street. There is a free City Centre Shuttle bus service which operates every 15 minutes from 9am-5pm (buses marked: City Centre Shuttle). Route: Emmanuel St, Fair St (Grafton Centre), Newmarket Rd, Jesus Lane, Bridge St, St Johns St, King's Parade, Silver St, Pembroke St, Downing St, Andrews St. Details of the bus service linking the University sites on the west of Cambridge to the city centre and Addenbrooke's can be found at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/em/travel/uni4.shtml. The fares vary but cost approximately ₤1, and travel cards are available.
Britrail: These passes are a smart option if you will use the trains at least four times during your stay. They are available through STA travel (www.sta.com) and Britrail (www.britrail.com).
You can compare bus, train, and car routes for all of Great Britain, including pricing and scheduling, through one website: www.transportdirect.com.
2 OPTIONS FOR FREE TIME IN CAMBRIDGE
Walking Tours
Self-Guided Tours: The information tables will have a C.S. Lewis’ Cambridge walking tour booklet for around £5 . Also consider clearing your head with a gentle walk through the green areas behind the college known as “the backs.” Just pick up a map and start walking.
2 Hour Guided Walks: Walking Tours leave the Tourist Information Centre every day of the week at the following times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm. Tickets can be bought from the guide 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Including King's College: Adults - £15. Including St. John's College: Adults - £15. Call 01223/457-574 to book.
Punting Tours: Better yet, embrace the long standing tradition of “punting” or boating down the Cam by embarking at either the Silver Street Bridge or the Magdalene College Bridge. Tours cover either the college backs (and all the spurious but interesting stories associated with them and their bridges) or go all the way to Grantchester meadows, one of C.S. Lewis’ favorite places. Price structures vary but typically run around £10 per person or £50 per punt. See Scudamores (Tel.01223/359- 750; www.scudamores.co.uk); Chauffeured Punts (Tel.01223/354-164; www.punting- in-cambridge.co.uk); or The Granta Boat & Punting Company (Tel.01223/301-845; www.puntingincambridge.com).
City Sightseeing Cambridge Bus Tour: A good way to see the outer rims of Cambridge. This tour bus starts at Silvers St near Queen’s College and goes around the backs out to Cotton Orchard and the American Cemetery. There are stops near Castle Hill, the Round Church, Jesus College, Emmanuel College, the train station, the Botanic Gardens, and the Fitzwilliam Museum. One can also purchase a combined walk, bus, and punt ticket. Price: Bus Tour only - Adult: £13, OAP/Student: £9. www.city-sightseeing.com.
CAMBRIDGE SITES
King’s College: (£6.50 Adults, seniors/students, £4.50. Out of term Monday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30 pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1ST. Tel.01223/331-212 Website: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Magdalene College: Go in the afternoon if you would like to see the diaries of Samuel Pepys that are written in mirror hand before you relax in his favorite Cambridge pub, the Pickerel Inn across the street. (Address: Magdalene Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AG. Tel.01223/332-100 Website: http://www.magd.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
3 Queens' College: This College is home to the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge. (£2.50, daily 10:00am-4:30pm, Address: Silver Street, Cambridge, CB3 9ET. Tel.01223/335-511 Website: http://www.quns.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
St. John’s: The annual Cambridge and Oxford boat race began here in 1829, when St John’s College challenged Oxford. (Adults, £3.20, OAP, £2, Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:30pm, Address: St. John's Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TP. Tel.01223/338- 600 Website: http://www.joh.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Trinity: This is the college of Sir Isaac Newton, who had rooms between the chapel and gatehouse in the 17th century. The college library was designed by Christopher Wren, and it is said to be his finest work outside of London; it is certainly worth a special visit. Sir Christopher Wren also built St. Paul’s Cathedral in London; it displays Sir Isaac Newton’s papers. (Free college library visit, Address: Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TQ. Tel.01223/338-400 Website: http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk. Location: City Centre.)
Note: Many of the following colleges are not set up for visitors unless they are part of a tour group. If a particular one has something of interest to you, there are normally maps at the front gate by the porters lodge, but please be courteous toward those living there.
Jesus College: Former students of Jesus include Thomas Cranmer, the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, and Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II. (Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BL. Tel.01223/339-339 Website: http://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Gonville and Caius College: This College houses three stone gates, Humility, Virtue, and Honour; these symbolise the academic path of the University student. (Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TA. Tel.01223/332-400 Website: http://www.cai.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Emmanuel College: The college chapel was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and was completed in 1674. It contains a plaque to John Harvard, a former student of Emmanuel. (St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AP. Tel.01223/334-200 Website: http://www.emma.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Corpus Christi: Contains the finest surviving medieval court in Cambridge. Can be specifically closed to tourists at certain times, so please inquire beforehand. (King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1RH. Tel.01223/338-000 Website: http://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Christ’s College: This was the college of the famous poet John Milton, who was known as the “Lady of Christ's.” (St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, CB2 3BU. Tel.01223/334-900 Website: http://www.christs.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Pembroke: Chapel was completed in 1665; it was Sir Christopher Wren's first completed work. (Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RF. Tel.01223/338-100 Website: http://www.pem.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
4 Peterhouse: Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, founded Peterhouse, the first Cambridge College, in 1284. (Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RD. Tel.01223/338-200 Website: http://www.pet.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
The Senate House: This College is the parliament building of Cambridge University; it was designed by James Gibbs and built between 1722 & 1730. This beautiful classical building is where University graduation ceremonies take place. THE SENATE HOUSE IS CLOSED TO MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. (Address: Senate House Passage/King's Parade, Cambridge, Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk. Location: City Centre).
Sidney Sussex: This College was home to Oliver Cromwell, the great Lord Protector, who was born in the nearby town of Huntingdon and came up to Cambridge to study in 1616. Cromwell’s skull was buried in the college ante- chapel in 1960. (Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HU. Tel.01223/338-800. Website: http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk Location: City Centre).
Open Air Market: Take time to haggle or bargain for souvenirs with the local sellers at the open air market behind St. Mary’s in the middle of town and then relax in The Eagle pub where Watson and Crick discovered the Double Helix (Bene’t St.).
Old Book Stores: For the booklover, Cambridge University Press and Heffer’s Academic Bookstore can be found on Trinity Street. On that same road, take time to go to the Michaelmas Café which is located nearby inside an old church. Or for seconds and used books try Galloway and Porter on Sidney Street and the tiny shops that line the streets around St. Edward’s passage.
American Military Cemetery: Dedicated to all those who died in World War II in East Anglia, the 3,812 dead here are 42 percent of all those buried temporarily in England and Northern Ireland. The Memorial is elegantly wrought, with the graves arranged fan-shaped around it. (Free, Madingley Road, Coton, Cambridge CB3 7PH, tel.01954/210-350).
Fitzwilliam Museum: Located on Trumpington Street, the museum covers both archaeology and painting starting from ancient Greece unto the present. It also has a café. (Free, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00 pm). www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.
Cambridge University Botanical Garden: This is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy natural beauty. (Adult, £4, seniors over 60, £3.50, daily 10:00am-6:00pm, Bateman St., tel.01223/336-265, www.botanic.cam.ac.uk).
St. Andrew’s Street Baptist Church: Charles Spurgeon attended St. Andrew Baptist Church on St. Andrew’s St. You can take a look inside and enjoy a quiet rest in their café. www.standrewsstreetbaptist.org.
Various Museums: There are also several smaller museums in the Cambridge and Ely area, including: Oliver Cromwell’s House (Ely), the Sedgwick Museum of
5 Earth Sciences, the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, and the University Museum of Zoology. Stop by the information desk or the tourist information bureau for details.
Grantchester Meadows: One of Lewis’ favorite walks in Cambridge was the walk to Grantchester along the Cam, starting at Silver Street Bridge. Once there, stop at the Orchard for a delightful cup of tea and a scone before heading back refreshed for another stretch of rambling and contemplation. Requires an afternoon.
London: This famed city is 45 minutes on the train (as long as you take the train that leaves at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour). Leave after 9:30am to avoid commuter prices.
Imperial War Museum Duxford Airfield: A bus ride from the city, Duxford Airfield is one of the best preserved WWII airfield exhibits in Britain. Run by the Imperial War Museum in London, it displays tanks, airplanes, and other large relics of the period. Day trip. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6pm. Take the C7 bus and get discounted entrance. On Sundays a free bus leaves at forty minutes past the hour from the rail station. (Adult £16.50, seniors/students £13.20, group of 10 or more: Adult, £13.20, senior/student £11.55 . Cambridgeshire CB2 4QR, tel.01223/835-000, duxford.iwm.org.uk).
Other day trips: (Please see tourist information desk for details). Angelsley Abbey: One of the houses used by Augustinian monks; the gardens were designed to allow one recent owner, Lord Fairhaven, to “live outside his century.” Wimpole Hall: The largest country house in Cambridgeshire; great place to view a quintessentially English garden.
RESTAURANTS
*This is a selection of some of the best restaurants, eateries, and pubs in Cambridge.
Quick Bites & Lunch Ta Bouche: Tucked away in the middle of town, just past the WH Smith’s, this cocktail and coffee bar serves sandwiches and meals for a reasonable price. (Serving food daily from 12pm-4pm. Open Monday-Thursday until 1am, Friday-Saturday until 2am; 10-15 Market Passage, Cambridge, Tel: 01223/462-277).
Bridges Patisserie: Sandwiches, bakery items, and a few Indian specialties thrown in for good measure. (Address: 20 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UF. Tel.01223/300- 800. Location: City Centre. Opening times: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, Saturday 8am-5:30pm, Sunday closed. Price Information: Price £2.95-£3.70.)
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Cambridge Blue Sandwiches: (Address: 24 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DB. Tel.01223/369-222. Location: City Centre.)
Eat: Serves sandwiches, bakery items, sushi wraps; famous for its Moroccan Root Vegetable Soup. All goods made by hand daily! (Address: 21 Petty Cury, Cambridge, CB2 3NE. Tel.0207/636-8309. Website: http://www.eatcafe.com. Location: City Centre.)
Tatties: Serves a range of baked potatoes, sandwiches, snacks, and cakes at a venue opposite Trinity College. Serves a wide range of vegetarian dishes. (Address: 15 Trinity Street, Cambridge. Tel.01223/357-766. Location: City Centre).
Pret a Manger: Serves fresh sandwiches and organic ice cream. Donates leftovers to charity! (Address: 19 Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3NA. Tel.02079/325-242. Location: City Centre. Opening times: Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm, Saturday 8:00am-6:30pm, Sunday 9:30am-6pm.)
Subway: Should those of you from the US long for the comforts of home, Subway is for you. Offers thoroughly decent sandwiches, chips, and beverages. (Address: 38/40 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AD. Tel.01223/461-323. Website: http://www.subway.co.uk. Location: Cambridge city, inc. centre. Opening times: Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am- 10pm).
additional locations:
(Address: 2 Emmanuel Street, Cambridge, CB1 1NE. Tel.01223/309-009. Website: http://www.subway.co.uk. Location: City Centre. Opening times: Monday-Friday 7am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-10pm).
(Address: Cambridge Leisure Park, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7DZ. Tel.01223/246-500. Website: http://www.subway.co.uk. Location: Cambridge city, inc. centre. Opening times: Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:00am, Saturday 9:30am- 12:00am, Sunday 10:30am-10:00pm).
Sam Smiley: Serves a wide variety of take-away foods, including scrumptious flapjacks. (Address: 68 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RJ. Tel.01223 518864. Location: City Centre. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm.)
Mango Organico: Serves a range of organic juices and smoothies. (Address: 2 Cobbles Yard, Napier Street, Cambridge, CB1 1HP. Tel.01223/309-807 Location: City Centre.)
The Gardenia: Known affectionately as “Gardis” by the students. Takeaway Greek Food and “Fish and Chips.” (Address: 2 Rose Crescent, Cambridge, CB2 3LL; Tel.01223/356-354, Location: City Centre.)
Afternoon Tea
7 Bakers Oven: Serves hot pastries, tea, coffee, and snacks from a handy central location. (Address: 68 St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3BZ. Tel.01223/ 355- 132. Location: City Centre.)
Copper Kettle: Serves cakes, sticky buns, sandwiches, coffee, and tea overlooking King's College. (Address: 4 King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ. Tel.01223/365-068. Location: City Centre).
Dining
Brown’s: This is the restaurant that Cambridge students go to when their parents are in town. Anyone who doesn’t like English food hasn’t had the beef or sticky toffee pudding from Brown’s. (23 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, tel.01223/461-655, www.browns-restaurants.co.uk. Nearest parking: On-street parking in Trumpington Street (pay and display) or Lion Yard multi-story car park, wheelchair access: Yes).
Loch Fyne: Serves some of the best seafood in town with most of its fish coming from Scotland’s longest sea loch. (The Little Rose, 37 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1QY, tel.01223/362-433, www.loch-fyne.com, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am-10:30pm; Sunday, 10:00am-10:00pm, Nearest parking: Pay and display parking in surrounding area, Wheelchair access: Yes).
Restaurant22: Considered one the best restaurants in Cambridge, the set menu is composed of four courses (including a salad) at approximately £30 per person. The exterior is Victorian and the interior Edwardian. (22 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, tel.01223/351-880, email: [email protected], www.restaurant22.co.uk, Parking: There is no restaurant parking but this should not be a problem in the evenings).
Teri-aki: A Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with a crisp, clean, and modern interior. Very large sushi and noodle selection for a reasonable price of about £8 per person. It’s tucked away along the Cam near the punts and across from Magdalene College. (Quayside, Cambridge, tel.01223/882-288, daily, noon-11pm).
The Venue: A secret city centre treasure on top of the roof of the Cambridge Arts Theater. It serves international cuisine. The Venue operates as an independent restaurant and remains open even when the theatre is closed. Fourth Floor, Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward's Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ, tel.01223/367-333, www.venuerestaurant.com, Nearest parking: Lion Yard car park, wheelchair access: Yes).
Charlie Chan’s: Chinese food prepared with fresh ingredients in an elegant atmosphere. It also serves Dim Sum. Go to the local secrets website for a coupon. Average main course price is £7.50. (Monday-Sunday 12:00-5:00pm and 6:00- 11:00pm, 14 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DB, tel.01223/902-293 Website: http://www.localsecrets.com/charliechan. Location: City Centre).
8 No.1 King’s Parade: An airy restaurant where you can look out over King’s College and enjoy a nice meal for around £7.00-£15.00. (Open daily 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm; The Cellars, 1 King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ. Tel.01223/359-506).
Galleria: Serves Continental cuisine as you enjoy a nice view of the River Cam. (Open 11:30 am-10:30pm £5.75-£8.25; Starters £2.75-£5.25; Salads, Pasta, Main Dishes £5.75-£11.50; Desserts £3.50-£4.50, 33 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UW. Tel.01223/362-054, www.galleriacambridge.co.uk. Location: City Centre).
Café Rouge: A street cafe style restaurant with steak frites and other French favorites. (Address: 24-26 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UJ. Tel.01223/364-961 Website: http://www.caferouge.co.uk. Location: City Centre, Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-11:00 pm, Sunday 10:00am-10:30pm.)
Chez Gerard Restaurant Café Bar: A centrally located fine-dining French restaurant with small garden area. (Address: 27-28 Bridge St, Cambridge, CB2 1UJ. Tel.01223/448-620.)
Midsummer House: A Michelin-starred restaurant with garden overlooking the River Cam. Arguably some of the finest food in Cambridge. (Address: Midsummer Common, Cambridge, CB4 1HA. Tel.01223/369-299 Website: http://www.midsummerhouse.co.uk; Location: City Centre.)
Eraina Taverna: Near the Market Square, it serves a wide range of Greek and other dishes. (Address: 2 Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3QA; Tel.01223/902-126; Location: city Centre; Opening times: Monday-Friday 12:00-2:30 pm and 5:30- 11:30pm, Saturday 12:00-11:30pm, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 12:00- 11:00pm.)
Varsity Restaurant: The oldest family-run restaurant in Cambridge serving Greek Cypriot dishes. (Address: 35 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AR. Tel.01223/356-060; Website: http://www.localsecrets.com/cb/varsity.cfm Location: City Centre; Opened daily, 12:00-2:30pm and 5:30 pm-10:45pm. Price Information: Starters £2.95-£3.55, Main courses £7.95-£13.95, Desserts £2.75-£3.95; Non-smoking.)
Cambridge Lodge Hotel: Restaurant and hotel with garden in a leafy residential neighbourhood. The interior and exterior are a lovely Tutor style. (Address: 139 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DQ. Tel.01223/352-833 Location: Cambridge city centre; Price Information: Average Price for Main Course £14; Disabled Access & Non-smoking Area.)
Curry Mahal Indian Restaurant: Serves a traditional range of Indian dishes and is close to the punting areas. (Address: 3/5 Millers Yard, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RQ. Tel.0871/432-0500; Location: City Centre.)
Zizzi: Serves pizzas and Italian dishes from a new venue with a nice view of Parker's Piece. The fired oven is on display, allowing you to see your food cooked to order. (Address: 47/53 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AB. Tel.01223/365-599
9 Location: City Centre; Opening times: Monday-Saturday 12:00-11:00pm, Sunday 12:00-10:30pm; Non-smoking Area.)
Pizza Express: Don’t let the name fool you – this restaurant is anything but “fast food” pizza. The white columned outside leads into spacious, gracefully panelled and mirrored rooms – it truly does look quite elegant. Live pianist two nights a week. (Address: 7a Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BA; Tel.01223/324-033 Website: http://www.pizzaexpress.com; Location: City Centre. Opening times: Monday- Sunday 11:30am-11:00pm; Price Information: Main Course £4.95-£7.95; Non- smoking Area).
Sala Thong Thai Restaurant: Thai food served in a location close to the Mill Pond and handy for punting. (Address: 35 Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EY. Tel.01223/323-178; Website: http://www.salathong.co.uk. Location: Cambridge city centre; Opening times: Monday-Sunday 12-2:30pm & 6-10:30pm. Closed on Mondays. Price Information: Average Main Course £7.50-£8.50; Non-smoking Area).
Rainbow Vegetarian Café: Just knowing its there hidden in an alley off King’s St. makes you feel special. The food is wholesome and nutritious – even if you aren’t vegetarian! A basement location serving only vegetarian and vegan dishes. (Address: 9a King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ. Tel.01223/321-551 Website: http://www.localsecrets.com/cb/rainbow.cfm; Location: City Centre Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-10:00 pm, Last Orders 9:30pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Price Information: Soup £3.25; Main Courses £7.95-£9.95; Desserts £4.25; Non-smoking Area).
PUBS
You needn’t drink alcohol to take pleasure in a visit to one of the city’s many fine pubs; tea and soft drinks are also to be had, as is cheap food or “pub grub”. Pubs are also good places to try “fish and chips”, an obligatory thing to do whilst in England! Often you’ll order and pay for drinks at one bar and food at another (they will give you a table marker and then bring your food when it’s ready). Unless it’s designated as a restaurant where you order your food from a waiter, tipping is not necessary or expected in a pub. Happily, it’s difficult to find a pub in Oxford or Cambridge that is not picturesque or without some historical or literary association, but these are especially worth a stop:
The Eagle: Enjoy a tea, drink, or pub food at the place where Watson and Crick discovered the double helix and World War II soldiers used to congregate. (Address: 8 Benet Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QN. Tel.01223/505-020 Opening times: Monday- Saturday 10:00am-11:00pm Sunday 10:00am-10:30 pm. Price Information: Average Price for Lunch £5.96-£6.95. Non-smoking Area).
The Mill: Conveniently located near the punts. Go ahead, be like the locals and take your drink outside to the green! (Address: Granta Place, Cambridge, CB2 1SD. Tel.01223/357-026 Opening times: Daily, Noon-11:00pm. Price Information: Average Main Course £3-£6.75).
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The Pickerel: This was Lewis’ favorite Cambridge pub and is located across the street from Magdalene College. (Address: 30 Magdalene Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AF. Tel.01223/355-068 Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm).
The Anchor: Another nice pub by the punts! (Address: 12 Silver Street, Cambridge, CB3 9EL. Tel.01223/353-554, Opening times: Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 12-10:30pm. Price Information: Average Meal price £1.25-£7.50. Non-smoking Area).
Brb @The Cow: A contemporary yet quaint atmosphere. (Address: Corn Exchange Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QF. Tel.01223/308-871 . Opening times: Monday- Wednesday 12-11pm, Thursday 12pm-12am, Friday-Sunday 12pm-1am. Price Information: Main Courses £4.95-£7.50. Disabled Access: Yes).
The Castle: Just beside Castle Hill, where William the Conquer built a castle, this pub is fit for a Hobbit! (Address: 37 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AR. Tel.01223/307-477. Price Information: Average Main Course £9.95).
Complied by Lesley-Anne Dyer for Oxbridge 2005. Updated 2011 by Mary Carol Barks.
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