The city pub named after the anti-alcohol newspaper

One former guest said the pub was a “fantastic find”.

A city’s favorite pub has a rather ironic history, including being named after an anti-alcohol newspaper. The Free Press on Prospect Row was first licensed in 1834, when a homebrewer named Sarah Horne opened her cottage to serve her own brew.

The brewery was set to open at a rather awkward time. Just as she set up the place for the customers, the teetotal movement launched a paper called ‘The Free Press’ to fight against drunks. In an ironic comeback, Sarah chose to name her pub after the paper to make a point. Unlike the anti-alcohol paper which only lasted one issue, the pub stood the test of time and was a popular meeting place for almost two centuries.

Since its rocky start the pub has been restored whilst retaining some original features. The hand pumps are still used, and the warming section has not changed since it once held nearly 60 Downing College students.

The pub offers a cozy atmosphere and is filled with Cambridge history. In the main bar, customers can see the bow of the Cambridge boat, which was destroyed in the 1984 boat race. The pub also still pays tribute to the unsuccessful newspaper.

Today, the pub prides itself on serving local produce and seasonal menus to compliment its award-winning beers and ales. The Free Press offers guests a homely atmosphere in winter with a large open fire, and of course the cozy cozy area.

In summer, the pub offers service outside in its courtyard garden. Pub classics, unique combinations, and different cuisines are included on the menu such as a beer battered fish and chips, pumpkin risotto, a Thai red tiger prawn curry, and a burger selection. Main courses currently range from £12 to £20, according to the website’s menu.

To start, the menu has options including warm honey halloumi, black pudding and wild boar pork scotch eggs, and king prawn toast. It also has an option of pork, beef, and vegan beetroot seed roast on Sundays and a selection of sandwiches and sides.

The historic pub has built a brilliant reputation online with an average of 4.6 stars out of five on Google among more than 1,000 reviews. One person said there is a “sort of magic” about places like The Free Press. They added: “It’s created from the aromas of good beer, fused with the feng shui of a classic British corner pub, mixed with the quiet – and loud – chatter of a cosmopolitan group of drinkers. A timeless place to be human.”

Another person wrote: “What a fantastic find this pub was in the quiet back streets on a day visit to Cambridge. We had a light lunch – hummus and focaccia and a scotch egg – both were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Not expensive either.”

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