10 Best Cafes in Cambridge – Menus & Ambiance
Cambridge is a city of culture, history, and tradition. It has a lot of cafes that serve different types of food and drinks. This article will show you the best cafes in Cambridge, UK. You can also find out about their opening hours, prices, and the types of food they serve. Cambridge is well-known for its coffee shops and tea houses. It is home to some of the best cafes in the UK. There are many great places to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, but here are some that are worth visiting if you happen to be around Cambridge.
Cafes in Cambridge
Here we adore the local coffee culture, which has taken off in the last few years, with cafes catering explicitly to workplaces’ needs. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the city’s greatest baristas, top tables, and laptop hangout cafes in Cambridge.
Cafes | Contact Info |
The Orchard Tea Garden | +44 1223 840230 |
Benet’s | +44 1223 329068 |
Espresso Library – East Road | +44 1223 367333 |
Michaelhouse Cafe | +44 1223 693216 |
Cambridge University Tea Society | 0808 1641 222 |
Hot Numbers – Gwydir Street | +44 1223 359966 |
Hot Numbers – Trumpington Street | +44 1223 751266 |
The Garden Café, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens | +44 1223 763425 |
Fitzbillies | +44 1223 352500 |
Urban Larder – Mill Road | – |
The Courtyard Café at the Fitzwilliam Museum | +44 1223 332900 |
Chill #2 – Station Square | +44 1223 320965 |
1815 at the Cambridge Union Society | +44 1223 417142 |
If you want to get your Cafe business added to the list, please drop us an email at: info@probritisher.uk OR share details in the contact form.
The Orchard Tea Garden
In any discussion of Cambridge and tea, the renowned Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester, a favorite of writers such as Virginia Woolf and Rupert Brooke, must be mentioned. Even though it’s a long journey, getting to Grantchester is half the fun. It could also be a great ride for those who own bikes before stopping for tea. The afternoon tea is a must-have. It may be difficult to resist stuffing your tray with treats while deciding which jam to serve with your fruit-filled or cheese scone. You get your very own stately home/canteen-style teapot, and there are a variety of teas available if you like to spice things up. Seating is provided both inside and outside. Even if getting off the deck chairs is difficult, spending the day outside among the trees on a lovely summer day is well worth it.
Address
47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9ND, United Kingdom
Timing
10 am–6 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.2 stars.
Benet’s
One of the most beautiful spots in Cambridge has to be upstairs, in the right-hand corner, on the chair closest to the window with a view of King’s College Chapel. After a long week, nothing beats a huge mug of Twinning’s English Breakfast tea, especially when taking in the gorgeous countryside and potentially viewing the students, cyclists, or excited tourist groups. Benet’s also serves flavored hot chocolates, such as mint or orange, which are great for a chilly day in Cambridge and are available for those who are lactose intolerant.
Address
21 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SP, United Kingdom
Timing
9 am–6 pm
Rating
It is rated 3.7 stars.
Espresso Library – East Road
Espresso Library is located near Parker’s Piece. A massive open-plan industrial area has been thoughtfully planned. The Scandinavian-style furnishings and gallery space on the walls entice you to come in. Not to mention the vintage bicycles dangling from the ceiling and the massive windows that make the space Instagram-worthy. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan alternatives on their menu, as well as full breakfasts and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The bacon sandwich is still available on the menu. They are keen cyclists with their own branded riding gear. You will not be the only person holding a meeting in this perfect location. In addition to us, there are several high-powered regulars, including local businesses, attorneys, and academics. Kelsey Kerridge is only a short walk away from post-workout sustenance. Occasionally, a fantastic gin and tonic and a special late-night menu are available.
Address
210 East Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 1BG, United Kingdom
Timing
8 am–4 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.1 stars.
Michaelhouse Cafe
This café has been located in St. Michael’s Church for almost a century. It has a noteworthy and distinct history. It was originally part of Michaelhouse College, which Henry VIII united with two other colleges to become Trinity. The Michaelhouse Cafe, established in 2002, is recognized for its hearty dishes of delicious organic food. Their homemade cakes and bacon sandwiches are among Cambridge’s best. The chapel may be filled around lunchtime, and the noise level may be intolerable. It’s also becoming more expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. It is open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends to best serve students. Michaelhouse is best enjoyed after a long winter walk and for the unique dining experience in a church.
Address
Michaelhouse Café, St Michael’s Church, Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1SU, United Kingdom
Timing
9 am–5 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.5 stars.
Cambridge University Tea Society
The Tea Society is the best spot in Cambridge for tea fans to gather and delight in an endless supply of the world’s finest teas. The Cambridge University Tea Society is unique in that it is open to everyone visiting Trinity College, not only university students. So, if you want something fruity, flowery, or something a little stronger like Darjeeling, you may find it here. You are welcome to attend with friends and come and go as you choose (between 4:30 and 6:30 pm is the cutoff time). No regulations prevent a single person from stepping into a pub alone and striking up an unexpected conversation with an unrelated stranger. Even if you don’t have much to say, at least you have tea.
Address
3rd Floor University Centre, Granta Pl, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RU
Timing
9 am–6 pm
Rating
Not Rated
Hot Numbers – Gwydir Street
I have yet to find a spot at Hot Numbers with the same vibe as the old Dales Brewery. It’s ideal for families, students, coffee connoisseurs, authors, and, most importantly, dogs. Many individuals work here; however, there is usually sufficient space if you arrive on a weekday. The coffee is of exceptional quality, and they roast it themselves. They worked with a renowned chef to create a sophisticated lunch menu with delectable selections. Even on Thursdays and Fridays, there is fantastic jazz, good beer, and food trucks for visitors to enjoy. This one, in my opinion, is a keeper.
Address
Dales Brewery, 5/6 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LJ, United Kingdom
Timing
7 am–5 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.6 stars.
Hot Numbers – Trumpington Street
This is a completely different setting, even if you’re working in the same cafe. The coffee quality and level of understanding are the same, but the customers are dramatically different. There are academics and engineers there, but there are also many students. Trumping Street Hot Numbers is located near the Fitzwilliam Museum, the university’s engineering and history of art departments, creating a more vibrant ambiance. Every day of the week, it’s impossible to get a table in the garden, though there are some lovely areas in the summer sun. There are a few chairs outside for an authentic European vibe and cozy two-person tables for meetings. You may have to share a table, but the ambiance plus the fact that dogs are permitted make it well worth it.
Address
4 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1QA, United Kingdom
Timing
7 am–5 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.5 stars.
The Garden Café, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
If you’re a student at Cambridge University, you’ll get free access to the Botanic Gardens for the duration of your education. There is sitting outdoors for those who wish to enjoy the sunshine while enjoying their tea. Like the TARDIS, the gardens are far larger on the inside than they seem from the outside. You don’t have to leave Cambridge to see cactus, orchids, or tropical humidity, so check out the enormous glasshouses. This park’s fountain and the pond where you’ll almost always see ducks swimming are great places to unwind.
Address
Cambridge CB2 1JF, United Kingdom
Timing
10 am–6 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.3 stars.
Fitzbillies
People unfamiliar with Cambridge jargon may be unaware that Formal Hall is a special occasion when the regular dining hall menu is replaced with an evening dinner. Fitzbillies’ seating is similar to a formal hall, with long tables where you may be seated next to individuals you don’t know. Fitzbillies sells teas and coffees as well. If you’re in town for the weekend or with a tour group, this adorable Cambridge business is usually packed, but it’s still worth visiting.
Address
51-52 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RG, United Kingdom
Timing
8 am–6 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.2 stars.
Urban Larder – Mill Road
Around Urban Larder, there are numerous excellent local eateries and businesses. Aside from Butterworth and Son coffee beans, the small café includes a lovely store with locally produced souvenirs, oils, chutneys, and jams. The pastries are amazing, and there are tables on the street and window. Delicious ice cream is available for buy to take home during the summer. Scandinavian design elements coexist with industrial undertones, and the overall branding is excellent. I enjoy working with the personnel since they are usually friendly and entertaining. It’s a little space, but everyone is happy to share a table, and there’s always a good selection of vegetarian and vegan meals.
Address
9 The Broadway, Cambridge CB1 3AH, United Kingdom
Timing
9 am–5 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.7 stars.
The Courtyard Café at the Fitzwilliam Museum
With the advent of this light and open room, the Fitzwilliam Museum has grown even greater. In addition to seeing the artifacts, I enjoy the natural light, and the large soup and sandwiches served here. This is an excellent location for parking, grabbing a Duke of Cambridge, and heading to work. If you need a break, go for a walk through the galleries. The armory, which houses every type of sword from the show, is my favorite. It’s also a fantastic spot to listen to meetings between conservators and curators. Aside from having a stunning location, the coffee here is also nice.
Address
Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB, United Kingdom
Timing
10 am–5 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.6 stars.
Chill #2 – Station Square
Commuters and those holding meetings in London will appreciate the location’s proximity to the railway station. They make outstanding coffee and offer a brunch menu, and their hot chocolates are classified into three categories based on the amount of chocolate in each. This is a practical setting, with large desks, wireless charging connections, powerful Wi-Fi, and a screen displaying current departures. Despite its functionality, the design is warm and inviting, with couches, low seats, and communal workspaces. As a bonus, it is open till late.
Address
2, 2 Station Sq, Cambridge CB1 2GA, United Kingdom
Timing
6 am–11 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.2 stars.
1815 at the Cambridge Union Society
The Cambridge Union Society has a pub named 1815 open to the public. It’s hidden behind Cambridge’s second-oldest monument, the Round Church, in one of the university’s most infamous buildings. The sandwiches and pastries are good and reasonably priced, even though the coffee isn’t the best. I’m here to protect the environment. Because daytime hours are frequently less crowded, you’re more likely to find yourself alone with a huge, squashy leather recliner and a wide, circular table. The walls are covered with autographed posters of famous people who have spoken in the chamber, while the other patrons are mostly silent. They don’t mind if you linger around and observe the interesting people who come and leave.
Address
9 Bridge St, Cambridge CB2 1UB, UK
Timing
12 pm–11 pm
Rating
It is rated 4.3 stars.