Champion of The Thames — Pub in Cambridge

You can find The Champion of the Thames on King Street in Cambridge. It’s a traditional pub with an unaltered late-19th-century interior and a working real fire that keeps things warm and inviting, especially in winter. Locals stop by for drinks after work, stay for dinner on weekends, or stick around for live music nights. It’s one of the city’s most consistent venues, known not just for its award-winning status but for being a dependable spot where people gather across different times of day.

About The Venue

The Champion of the Thames sits in a historic building on King Street with interiors unchanged since the late-19th century. Exposed brickwork and timber beams give it character, while warm lighting and a central real fire create a snug atmosphere. The space stays busy throughout opening hours, with high energy from a mix of casual drinkers and regulars enjoying conversation or music. It’s welcoming to solo visitors, groups, and families alike, ideal for anyone looking for straightforward pub life without pretence.

Typical Experiences

This pub is a weekday afternoon stop, weekend dinner spot, or evening destination where people gather for drinks and live music. The real fire draws crowds in cold weather, making it a reliable choice when the weather turns grim. It’s held CAMRA Pub of the Year and other awards over recent years, proof it’s long been trusted by locals as one of Cambridge’s best pubs.

Notable Features

  • Free drink on quiz night
  • Regulars table
  • Live rugby viewing
  • Pub Quiz every Tuesday
  • Period interior
  • Real ale selection
  • Unaltered 19th-century interior
  • Historic pub with literary tie
  • Annual cricket match against St Radegund
  • Real fire in pub
  • Rotating real ale selection

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in March 2026.