Champion of the Thames, Cambridge

GBG 2022 listed Greene King pub, Abbot and IPA on plus Oakham JHB and Taylor’s Boltmaker, I just missed the Green Devil. Two old fashioned woody rooms with low ceilings, bench seating and square wooden tables, although with a laminate floor. Pumps are in the larger room, there’s a smaller room to the right with just a small hatch like counter. A good mix of customers with a group of rugby types in the big room and mostly middle aged couples in the smaller one, the reason may look obvious but a lack of seating shouldn’t be ruled out. More younger people arrived later and the staff were very good, I liked the place. I couldn’t remember if I’d been there many years before or not, it didn’t look familiar and it’s the kind of place that probably doesn’t change much over the years.

A very authentic small boozer tied to Greene King but with an interior worthy of inspection.The apex door gives access to a square tap room with a real fireplace,wooden floor,attractive carved wooden bar and lots of etched glass windows.There is also a side snug with it's own small bar access ,very charming with a couple of alcoves where you can settle in.The small size means conversation can flow easily and the barman is an engaging figure creating a friendly atmosphere. I was in just after the 3pm opening but telephone bookings were coming in thick and fast ,this maybe necessary as the evening wears on,there are just 11 tables of sizes up to 6,overall theoretical capacity 35 but a single person on a 6 seater will reduce actual capacity . GK Abbott and IPA with a single guest in St Austell Tribute (NBSS 3) with a couple more pulls unused,so not an exciting range from this 2021 GBG entry.However worth a visit for the listed interior and boozer vibe.