The Mitre pub is one of many drinking establishments in the city of Cambridge and one of the most popular. It can be found on Bridge Street and has a beautiful exterior with a rusty brown colouration. The number of pubs in the city has long been an issue for discussion. As far back as 1597 it was decided the number of alehouses should be reduced from the then 80, down to a more reasonable 30. Now though, Cambridge houses more than a 100 and the locals are happy that the Mitre has remained one of them.
The pub offers a wide selection of beers, both international and local and has been know to offer as many as 8 ales on tap! It also serves big portions of delicious pub food!
In addition to its beverages and food, the Mitre has a fascinating and well researched history. The earliest record of a licensee at that site was in 1752 in the name of Robert Clarke. Two former inns; The Blackmoor’s head and The Cock and Magpie stood on this site before the Mitre Pub was established. The first was named after Robert Blackmoor, a medieval priest of the nearby St Clements Church. The Cock and Magpie was run by widow Ann Lawrence who was a successful wine merchant. She was ably assisted by her 8 daughters. No doubt the 9 women and a constant supply of beer contributed to pubs popularity!
The development of the railway resulted in a reduction in the alehouse business and by 1856 the 15 pubs of the parish had been reduced to just 4. By 1874 only The Cock and Magpie remained. William Headdy was the licensee then and he was also the proprietor of the nearby Mitre Brewery. By 1878 the pub was know as the Mitre Billiard Rooms and then in 1881, under publican Elizabeth Mays it was renamed the Mitre.
So, why not visit Mitre, sample an East Anglian ale and soak up the history of this local favourite.
Visitor Information
The Mitre pub is open daily from 11am to 11pm, (Thursday till midnight and Friday & Saturday till 1am). Tel: 01223 358 403
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