The Hopbine, Cambridge

This is a large L-shaped side street pub close to Midsummer Common and having boarded floors and Georgian style windows. The bar is in the crook of the "L" as you enter, a few on, Craft Academy Reprezent, Tring Squadron Scramble plus also Whirl Wind, Rocket Vostok Stout, Boudicca Three Tails Bitter, Crafty Carpenters Cask and Hallet's Blindfold cider. A line up worthy of a stand out pub which also stands out due to being painted orange! There is also a fridge full of craft cans and bottles and a considerable selection of rums. The interior is pleasing with wainscoted walls to the front area and decent two thirds height wood panelling to the rear where there is also a nice stained glass rooflight. I liked the ambience, a very mixed clientele who all seemed to rub along together, a great music soundtrack, source unknown but I didn't think it was a jukebox. Food is served, decent prices, there are board games and books plus deals such as "Thirsty Thursday" when there is 50p off a pint of real ale. The 10% CAMRA discount is prominently displayed and was mentioned at the point of sale too. A deserved 2019 CAMRA GBG entry whatever your views, this is a gem of a pub worthy of seeking out.

My memory of this place is fairly limited, other than the fact I came across it by accident after walking the wrong direction back to my hotel. Needless to say I ended up calling in for a swift half! I had Wilbraham by Crafty Beers, a reasonable bitter.