Cambridge Edition February 2019

Drinks T R OLLE Y I KNOW THI S GREAT L I T TLE PL ACE . . . The Maypole

In the heart of the city centre but off the beaten track enough to be a safe distance from the throngs of tourists and shoppers, The Maypole at Portugal Place has been one of Cambridge’s favourite watering holes for decades. The current owners, the Castiglione family, have been at the helm since the early ’80s, but the venue’s history as an inn dates all the way back to 1851, when The Maypole was opened by the Anchor Brewery. It’s known for its range of cocktails – recent hits include a ‘Flat White Russian’ and a spicy ‘Gunpowder Martini’ – but it’s the beer selection that really pulls in the punters. One of very few freehouses in the city, The Maypole stocks a staggeringly huge selection of real ales, local beers from smaller breweries and speciality bottles from across the globe. Beer festivals are a welcome regular occurrence at the pub, which was named 2018 Cambridge & District CAMRA Pub of the Year. The fairy-lit, heated courtyard is an ideal spot for sinking a few G&Ts, which you’ll definitely be tempted to do when you spy the 50-plus gins on offer behind the bar. When it comes to food, the Sicilian heritage of the owners is reflected with arancini, homemade pizzas, antipasti platters and traditional dishes like boscaiola, alongside some pub grub classics, such as pies and burgers. Most of all though, The Maypole is known for its charm, character and great atmosphere – and that ’ s what keeps locals and students alike returning year after year.

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