The Geldart, Cambridge

This was one of the less attractive pubs for me on my day out in Cambridge but it's still worth a look. It's yet another wooden floored pub where food seems to be a major factor. The tables were adorned with lighted candles but at least it was dark. The bar had eight hand pumps but far too many of these were taken up by mainstream beers (Deuchar's IPA, Young's Special and the like). I spotted Rooster's Yankee (£3.50) so went for that and it was in excellent condition.

The Geldart official site with menu and event details - www.the-geldart.co.uk

The Geldart official site with menu and event details - www.the-geldart.co.uk

This area of Cambridge is well known for its excellent real ale pubs including the three nearby known as the Holy Trinity. To that list the Geldart can be included as a should visit addition when in the area. A former dodgy back street pub that shut down a couple of years ago before it was reopened and revitalised by a former employee of the nearby Kingston Arms and now it is a thriving pub and is stacking up well to the Renowned Kingstom Arms and Cambridge Blue. Internally it is three distinct areas of different character. When entering by the main door the area to the right is the bigger main dining area. This has its own bar serving section which has the lager and Guinness pumps. The smaller room to the left is set up as a traditional public bar, with wooden floor and furniture and a large comfy settee from which you get a great view of the eight ale handpumps which adorn the bar serving area in this room. And then to the back is the third room, which is totally different again , being decorated in bright blue and with a fine collection of old music posters. Out the back of dining room is also a pleasant outside patio area. The pub has a regularly changing range of real ales on offer, mainly from smaller regional breweries. At the time of my visit, as well as Deuchars IPA, St Austells Tribute and Youngs Special available, there was Adnams Topaz Gold, Oakham Ales Citrus, Steam Porter from the Box Steam Brewery, Castle RockScreech Owl IPA and Hook Norton Haymaker. All the ones we tried we served in good condition. As well as the beers there is a very impressive range of Rums available from around the world. The pub is also renowned for its ‘hot rocks’ food menu. Although it’s a bit on the pricey side, its popularity is primarily because the meat available is non standard items such as llama, Kangaroo,Springbok,Bison and Zebra