Quick info
About Pickerel
The Pickerel is a pub and restaurant on Magdalene Street, set in a timber-framed building that holds the title of oldest pub in Cambridge. The kitchen turns out a short pub menu anchored by fish and chips, with a few other classics to round out the offering. Drinks run the standard pub range across the bar. Dogs are welcome inside, and outdoor seating lines the front for warmer days. The room keeps a traditional pub layout across its levels, including a low-beamed lower bar and an upper room that takes walk-ins through the week. It sits close to the river, and the riverside stretch of Magdalene Street is the natural approach on foot.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids
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Menu & Prices
39 dishes · mains £1–18- BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP£4.95
- 28 DAY AGED SIRLOIN OF BEEF£15.50
- FISH & CHIPS£16.50
- BATTERED HALLOUMI£6.25
- KING PRAWNS & CHORIZO£7.50
- SALT & PEPPER SQUID£5.95
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention properly poured guinness, outdoor seating, fish and chips and vintage vibe.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention properly poured guinness, outdoor seating, fish and chips and vintage vibe.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers single out the Guinness pour, described by one as among the finest in Cambridge, with the head and temperature repeatedly praised. A vintage atmosphere, friendly crowd, and outdoor seating also draw return visits, while the fish and chips earn a mention alongside the relaxed, easy-to-linger setting.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers single out the Guinness pour, described by one as among the finest in Cambridge, with the head and temperature repeatedly praised. A vintage atmosphere, friendly crowd, and outdoor seating also draw return visits, while the fish and chips earn a mention alongside the relaxed, easy-to-linger setting.
Featured reviews
- Markus H.
“Possibly the finest Guinness in Cambridge. I have spent a considerable amount of time researching Guinness across Cambridge, and I can confidently say that Luke pours a pint of Guinness that is quite frankly difficult to criticise. The pour is exceptional. The head is impeccable. The temperature is somehow exactly right. I genuinely considered asking whether he had undergone formal Guinness training, but apparently he just works here. The pub itself is allegedly the oldest pub in Cambridge, and after drinking Luke’s Guinness, I can understand why it has survived this long. Clearly, previous generations recognised the importance of maintaining access to a properly poured pint. Luke deserves particular recognition. Every time I order a Guinness, he approaches the task with the seriousness of a surgeon performing a life-saving operation. No rushing. No shortcuts. Just dedication to the craft. I would strongly recommend visiting this establishment and asking Luke for a Guinness specifically. I cannot guarantee it will change your life, but it will certainly make the next 20 minutes considerably better. 5 stars. Would drink again.”
- Atsushi Kimura
“Nice fish and chips and good atmosphere.”
- Teresa Wood
“Just got a pint, lovely pub with nice outdoor seating”
- saamragyee agarwal
“Pickerel was one of the best finds of my month in Cambridge. I discovered it on my 2nd or 3rd day there, and after that, I ended up going almost every day. I tried other bars too, but honestly, none of them had the same charm as Pickerel. The vintage vibe is unbeatable, everyone there is so nice, and I could sit there for hours without ever getting bored. I still miss the place everyday. It genuinely became my favourite spot during my time in Cambridge. If you’re in Cambridge, you have to visit Pickerel. You’ll love it!”
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- No-contact delivery
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Offerings· 6
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Food
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Parking· 1
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Service options· 1
- Delivery
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Bars near Pickerel
- The Architect4.51,1960.2 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
gluten free fish and chips, choice of batter flavours, scotch egg
- King Street Brewhouse4.22,8700.3 miWheelchair accessible
in-house craft beer, fish and chips, Sunday roast
- Eagle4.47,7230.4 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingGood for kids
sunday roast, fish and chips, reheated meat
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PickerelReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5947 | — | £10–20 | properly poured guinness, outdoor seating, fish and chips |
| The ArchitectReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.51,196 | 0.2 mi | £20–30 | gluten free fish and chips, choice of batter flavours, scotch egg |
| King Street BrewhouseWheelchair accessible | 4.22,870 | 0.3 mi | — | in-house craft beer, fish and chips, Sunday roast |
| EagleReservations · Outdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.47,723 | 0.4 mi | £10–20 | sunday roast, fish and chips, reheated meat |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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