The Free Press

Ever heard of a pub named after a newspaper? Right here at The Free Press in Cambridge, that’s exactly what happened. The Free Press pub, a cozy spot nestled in the heart of Cambridge, boasts a history as rich as its award-winning beer. The pub earned its unusual name from a short-lived temperance newspaper, also called “The Free Press.” In a twist of irony, Sarah Horne, the pub’s founder in 1834, named her establishment after this very publication that campaigned against drinking. The newspaper lasted only one issue, but The Free Press pub has thrived for nearly two centuries. The pub’s walls whisper stories of the past. Newspaper front pages and printing trays adorn the walls, a nod to the pub’s namesake. You can almost picture Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett working here during her student days, a hidden gem among the pub’s many secrets. Speaking of hidden, although located near the bustling Grafton Centre and East Road, The Free Press retains a charming, tucked-away atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find original features like hand pumps dating back to the 1940s. The snug remains virtually unchanged since it crammed 59 Downing College students. The Free Press is more than just a pub; it’s a living archive. From the bow of the Cambridge boat, wrecked in the 1984 boat race, to random photos and trinkets left by patrons, the pub’s walls hold fragments of Cambridge history. Even the outdoor toilets are a quirky reminder of a bygone era. Come, raise a glass of locally-sourced ale at The Free Press. Soak in the ambiance of a true Cambridge institution, where history, heritage, and good cheer converge. The Free Press isn’t just a pub; it’s a story waiting to be discovered, one pint at a time.