Imagine a time when hippies mingled with Harvard Law students. That’s the story of The Plough and Stars. This Cambridge pub is a legendary Irish spot. It is known as a haven for writers, architects, and musicians. The Plough and Stars is celebrating over 50 years as a cultural hub.
Let’s step back to 1969. Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. The Vietnam War raged. Cambridge became a magnet for counterculture. Hippies, artists, and free thinkers flocked here. The Plough and Stars quickly became their meeting place. It was more than just a bar. It was a place to read, listen to music, and share ideas.
Peter O’Malley co-founded The Plough and Stars with his brother Padraig. They named it after Seán O’Casey’s play. Peter was a unique character. He was outspoken and an avid learner. He challenged patrons to name classical composers for a free pint. He saw The Plough and Stars as a place to meet people with glamorous failings.
The Plough and Stars fostered intellectualism. Staff from the Cambridge Phoenix held meetings here. The literary journal Ploughshares was founded here in 1971. It even took its name from The Plough and Stars. The pub aimed to bridge the gap between highbrow and lowbrow culture.
Many famous faces have graced The Plough and Stars. Bonnie Raitt enjoyed the music. Van Morrison supposedly wrote some of “Astral Weeks” here. The Plough and Stars became a breeding ground for local talent. Bands like Treat Her Right and G. Love & Special Sauce played here.
The Plough and Stars is also known for its perfect pint of Guinness. Arthur Guinness himself would buy everyone a pint. The Plough and Stars sold more Guinness, Harp, and Bass than the rest of the East Coast combined.
Even today, The Plough and Stars remains a favorite. It offers live music seven nights a week. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays feature regular performers. The Plough and Stars continues to be a place for great food, drinks, and conversation.
So, next time you’re in Cambridge, raise a glass at The Plough and Stars. Experience the history and culture that make this pub so special. Remember the writers, musicians, and thinkers who have passed through its doors. The Plough and Stars is more than just a bar. It’s a Cambridge institution.