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Pubs & Restaurants in Cambridge

Deciding where to eat out in Cambridge can be a mind-numbing experience. It may be a small town, but a cosmopolitan student body and growing pool of technology and Internet gurus translate into an eclectic market for eating and dining establishments.

Indeed, there are masses of fantastic restaurants and cafes covering all tastes, styles and prices, which means you will definitely never be short of choice in this historic city! Whether you want a romantic evening meal to celebrate a special occasion, a lively lunch out with friends after a tough morning's shopping spree or exam, or a quick breakfast on the run, then rest assured that Cambridge will have something for you.

King's Parade is home to Rainbow Vegetarian Bistro, a delightful restaurant with wonderfully tasty food. And there's also No. 1 King's Parade, if you feel like treating yourself to something rather special.

Nightlife

There are two main discos that regularly attract the largest crowds of partygoers, as they offer the liveliest and most varied sounds. 5th Avenue, more popularly known by its former name of Cindy's, remains a firm favourite; music ranges from 70s and 80s pop to dance, trance and funk. Dress smart at the weekend and expect to queue. Life, just off Sidney Street is popular with both town and gown. Again, there is a range of music on offer, depending on the night - pop, 70s and 80s disco, rock and dance.

If you're looking for mellow late night vibes, or just a change from the two large disco style clubs, then there's The Fez in Market Passage. There's plenty of seating for when you want a break and a good variety of music including salsa and hip-hop.

If you enjoy smaller, more chic clubs then you'll want to get down to Po Na Na in Jesus Lane, which caters for Latino, pop, funk, hip-hop and jazz in its funky basement setting. Of course, if you want even more choice you can always catch a fast train to the big city!

Music

If you want to hear some great live music then explore the world outside the city centre. The Boat Race in East Road provides Cambridge with live music seven days a week and is wholly dedicated to providing performing space for local and touring bands. The Portland Arms on Chesterton Road has live bands - including funk, indie, traditional folk and pop - several days a week.

Various other venues include the following pubs which cater for a wide variety of musical tastes: Seven Stars on Newmarket Road and the Clarendon Arms in Clarendon Street, which has modern jazz every Wednesday night. For more jazz and blues, check out the Cricketers' Arms in Claredon Street and the Elm Tree in Orchard Street as well as the Claredon Arms near Parker's Piece.

For live folk music at the weekend there's Live and Let Live in Mawson Road.

Two excellent large venues stage a variety of music and comedy. The centrally located Corn Exchange on Wheeler Street, a former market hall, puts on regular opera, ballet, musicals, orchestral gigs and the majority of the city's major music band concerts. Further afield is The Junction in Clifton Road which is much more rock, indie, jazz and soul focused, though it also hosts a number of famous comedy and dance acts throughout the year. King's College in King's Parade, of course, is a favourite for choral and classical music, and is popular with many visiting artists. Lunchtime concerts, in everything from classical music to medieval Spanish singing, take place at Kettle's Yard.