Reviews The Champion Of The Thames

This pub is a gem with the cleanest pipes in Cambridge. Barkeeper Frank is a true legend, works for two, and makes sure you never stay thirsty for too long. It is a place full of character and authenticity; a place where you find yourself in the paradoxical situation that time seems to stand still but you'll end up asking yourself where it has gone so quickly in the end of the night... always worth a visit!

Cambridge Pub Tour – No. 7: Champion of the Thames is now my favourite pub in Cambridge. It is located on King Street behind Jesus College, and although it is only four or five minutes away from King's College, tourists rarely find it. As a result, most of the patrons are residents and regulars who live nearby. The pub is named after a rower who lived there more than 200 years ago. It’s quite small, but it retains the character of a traditional English pub. Upon entering, the barman, Adrian, greeted us like old friends. He makes drinks for the regulars without them telling him what they want. Such a small space provides everyone the opportunity to have a drink whilst having a chat with the bartender or with the guests next to them. In the era of social distancing, this natural and communal social atmosphere is really rare. The pub is too small to serve hot food, but Adrian told me that they have a range of bar snacks sourced from a farm three miles away in Cambridge. So, I ordered a quiche and it really tasted good. Adrian also asked me to try their 3-year-old pickled onions to go with the quiche! Later, when we were unsure about what to drink next, Adrian gave us a free blind beer taste. I was already half drunk after the first round. If you want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional English pub and meet locals and residents, this bar is definitely the place to go.

Delightful pub with lots of charm and wood. A proper pub (cannot remember how to spell quint.....!) Greene King pub but I went with Wolf Brewery Sirius Dog Star. A SIBA Gold star winner. Smallest beer garden ever .2 seats! Well worth a visit..

All round great pub! Having been to many a pub (as a student in Cambridge and then as a necessary after work break!), I've found that the best pubs have fantastic staff, (Filipe) and comfortable surroundings to drink and unwind in. The Champ definitely comes up tops for all these things! I've never been in here without the staff taking care to make sure I feel welcomed as well as making sure they get my order spot on. If you're ever looking for a place in Cambridge to welcome you and that can come to feel like home, this is it.

Very cosy little pub, friendly and full of old English character. One or two flourishes of Cambridge regalia but this felt like a local's pub.