Five of the Best: Cambridge’s most sociable places to drink and dine

Good food, good drinks, good vibes: Cambridge Food Blog’s Gracie Mills finds five of the best places to get social in the city this summer

I joined a book club last year, and it is quite possibly the most wholesome thing I’ve ever done. Book club is now a regular, monthly fixture in my social life, and my life is indeed much better for it! After all, I get to eat, drink beer, and chat about books! I am aware not everyone will be part of a book club - although I do beg the question: ‘Why not?’ - but for any social gathering or club, here are five spots in Cambridge perfect for a chat over good food and drinks.

Dutch, Eddington Dutch is our go-to, specifically on Tuesday nights. It’s Taco Tuesday, after all! Enjoy 2-4-1 tacos, with plentiful sides of chips and guac, and butterfly shrimp with salsa. The Carnitas tacos are a particular hit. Dutch has a dark, relaxed vibe, making it easy to ease into your chair and get stuck into some deep discussion. Plus, their cocktails, penned on uniquely handwritten menus, are the perfect sidekicks to our snacks. Clover Club, anyone?
@dutchcambridge

Cambridge Free Press It might get a bit lively here for the likes of a chilled book club, but the Cambridge Free Press has that cosy pub feel that’s hard to beat. It’s particularly hard to beat when you can grab a burger and a bottle for just £10 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. It’s a complete budget-friendly babe that I can see becoming a regular haunt for us.
@freepresscambridge

The Red Lion, Grantchester We wrapped up one of our summer reads here, out in the garden with Pimm’s and baked camembert with endless crusty white bread. It was pure bliss! We also happened to have enjoyed the book, which meant the evening was a complete winner. The garden is big and spacious, perfect for roaring with laughter or having heated - yet respectful! - debates. For chillier days, they have a snug private room that’s just as great for getting lost in conversation.
@granchesterredlion

Garden House Though we haven’t taken our book club to the Garden House yet, it’s on my list for one of our summer sessions. The bar has a sophisticated charm with plenty of cosy spots for a chat if you’re in a smaller group. The sun-seekers can make their way outside and bask in the rays as they watch people punt past the Garden House garden. Get your group, order some small plates and let’s hope the weather cooperates! @gardenhousecambridge

Douce Heights Douce Heights is the new rooftop spot in Eddington, atop the Hyatt Centric Cambridge, perfect for our bookish gatherings or for simply seeing out the summer evenings. Having launched in May, it serves some pretty stylish vibes with summer drinks, beer and pizza. Paperbacks paired with pizza and a pint - it doesn’t get much better than that. Lovely stuff. @douceheights

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