The Cambridge Blue, Cambridge

Housed in a terraced building, this is one third of the holy trinity of pubs in Cambridge’s backstreets near the station. I think I counted 10 ales on the go along with an extensive menu of German, Belgian and US bottled beers, real ciders and a good selection of unusual keg products. My ales were in good nick and consumed in a marvellous beer-oriented atmosphere. The central bar has three drinking areas surrounding it with a conservatory to the left rear, leading out into a well-proportioned beer garden that backs onto a cemetery - a good one for Halloween. The pubs eccentricities include old tin advertising plates and a ban on mobile phones. One downside were the inadequately-proportioned toilets! A great stop and a no-brainer for a Cambridge visit.

Lively pub on a cold Monday in November. Killed a quick pint and left before the folk band got going. Loads of beer to choose from, you can't go wrong in here.

Superb. Eleven ales on yesterday, nearly all from small regional breweries, five or so on stillage in the back room. Friendly and welcoming, laid back atmosphere lunchtime, busier later in the evening with a large student presence. Plenty of seating, roaring fire, just excellent. Try the chilli pickled eggs.