Pickerel Inn, Cambridge

The Pickerel claims to be the oldest pub in Cambridge, dating from 1608. It certainly looks and feels old, the timber beamed ceiling dips and bends, old wooden boarded flooring and the very low duck through internal doorway hints at age too. Lots of interconnected areas inside, the bar itself is split in two however the bank of five handpumps repeats on each side so not much chance of missing what is on offer. I gather that the Theakston Old Peculiar and Woodforde's Wherry and Norfolk Revenge are regulars. They were supplemented by Pot Belly Aisling and Oakham Bishops Farewell. Watch out though as some of the beers are dispensed using sparklers which may be all well and good for Old Peculiar but less so for the southern brews. A pickerel is a young pike, and the theme is displayed around the pub with a stuffed pike in a glass case and various musings about the fish and folklore surrounding it written on the walls. The pub itself is located by Magdalene Bridge over The River Cam, so perhaps gets its name from a prevalence of said fish in years gone by? Very busy indeed on Saturday evening with a mixed clientele of students, townsfolk and visitors but it seems to be de rigeur to share tables. Beyond the bar towards the rear a door leads out to an outdoor courtyard area with some covered seating. Food does appear to be served now, a board advertised a few specials.

Open Guide to Cambridge - Pickerel entry

Open Guide to Cambridge - Pickerel entry