Pint Shop Cambridge: Is it worth visiting?

If you’re looking for a pub in Cambridge serving excellent real ales, craft beer and bold, flavourful food,  Pint Shop Cambridge is well worth considering.

I found this place after a rainy day exploring Cambridge and thought it was ideal as a place to relax (and dry off) after spending a lot of time on my feet.

Let’s start with the decor. The interior strikes a lovely balance between rustic charm and modern style, with a cosy, traditional pub feel complemented by a few retro touches. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet had a distinctly academic feel. I could easily imagine students and lecturers settling in for a long, leisurely lunch, enjoying good food and conversation. I particularly liked the prints displayed throughout the building, which added character and personality to the space.

In terms of pricing, it was a little on the pricier side. Our bill came to around £100 for two meals, two desserts and two drinks, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when planning your visit. I’d also recommend booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during busier periods.

The service was good, too. We were attended to promptly and didn’t have to wait long to be served, which made for an enjoyable and relaxed dining experience overall.

Location

10 Peas Hill, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3PN

What to eat?

There was a good selection of bar snacks, including scotch eggs, if that is what you’re after.

There was also bigger dishes available as well. I was initially drawn to the chicken schnitzel but in the end went for the flatbread kebab with shawarma halloumi. This turned out to be an excellent choice. The dish was packed with bold flavours and had plenty of texture. You could really appreciate the quality of the ingredients, and it was one of the highlights of our meal.

If you enjoy flavour-packed vegetarian dishes, the shawarma halloumi flatbread is certainly worth considering.

For dessert we tried the chocolate torte and the ice cream. I didn’t have a lot of the chocolate torte ice cream but what I had tasted good. The ice cream…tasted like ice cream. But it was fine as a basic dessert.

Apparently, Pint Shop is famous for its gravy but I didn’t try any.

What to drink?

There was a good selection of beer and cider choices, helpfully listed on chalkboards displaying information on the strength and character. They also list 70 gins & 40 whiskeys alongside rums.

With such an extensive drinks menu, it’s difficult to recommend just one drink. Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or prefer spirits, there should be plenty to explore.

Anything else?

If you’re searching for a pub in Cambridge that offers real ales, a wide selection of drinks and food with bold flavours, Pint Shop is worth a visit. Just be prepared to spend a little more than you might at a traditional budget-friendly pub, and consider booking ahead.

Give it a go if you’re in the area.

Telephone number: 01223 981070

Website: https://pintshop.co.uk/menus/cambridge/

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:00