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Food & drink / Cambridge

The Haymakers

A Chesterton local revived by Milton Brewery, with several distinct drinking rooms, a snug, local cask beer and a large cycle-friendly garden.

Plan this experience
Explore the story
CostFree to visit
Time to allow45–90 minutes
PaceEasy
PlaceChesterton High Street
Best timeYear round

01 / Why it matters

More than a stop on a list.

The Haymakers earns its place as a revived village local with separate drinking rooms, local beer and a strong connection to Cambridge's cycling culture.

The Haymakers serves the historic village core of Chesterton rather than the visitor centre. After a two-year closure, Milton Brewery reopened it in 2013 and restored a pub layout of separate drinking spaces, a snug, dark timber and warm colours. Its raised rafters and glass-and-wood entrance enclosure retain traces of earlier arrangements without pretending the interior is untouched. Local beer, real cider, stone-baked pizza and unusually generous cycle parking make it a useful destination on a north Cambridge or riverside route.

02 / The essentials

What makes it remarkable.

  1. 01

    The pub reopened under Milton Brewery in April 2013 after a two-year closure.

  2. 02

    It was Milton Brewery's second pub in Cambridge.

  3. 03

    The interior retains several separate drinking areas and a snug.

  4. 04

    The principal cask range is brewed locally by Milton Brewery.

  5. 05

    The former car park has become substantial cycle parking.

  6. 06

    CAMRA named it Cambridge city Pub of the Year in 2021.

03 / The place

The building in context.

A story written in stone since 2013.

Built
Historic Chesterton pub; reopened in 2013
Style
Multi-room neighbourhood public house

04 / Before you go

Plan it well.
Enjoy it properly.

Practical detail, separated from the story so you can scan what matters when you are ready to visit.

01

Tickets & entry

No admission charge; drinks and food are individually priced.

02

Opening hours

Currently noon–23:00 Monday–Saturday and noon–22:00 Sunday. Kitchen hours and occasional maintenance closures are published separately on the official site.

03

Booking

The pub principally keeps space for walk-ins and generally accepts bookings only for larger groups.

04

Access

CAMRA records ramp access at the rear but no accessible WC. Confirm directly before travel.

05

Good to know

Easy approach, with rear ramp access recorded. · Walk-ins preferred; larger groups should contact the pub.

Continue exploring / Cambridge

Compare the practical essentials first, then open the experiences that earn a place in your plans.

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02Food & drink
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03Outdoors
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04Water activities
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05Go deeper
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05 / Where it is

Find it
and what’s nearby.

Drawing routeThe itinerary still works without the map.

05 / Good to know

Questions,
answered.

01Is the Haymakers independent?

It is owned and operated by Individual Pubs, associated with the small local Milton Brewery rather than a national chain.

02Is it in central Cambridge?

No. It is on Chesterton High Street, north-east of the historic centre.

03Is it suitable for cyclists?

Yes. The pub has converted its former car park into extensive cycle parking.

04Can I book a table?

The pub prioritises walk-ins and generally takes bookings for larger groups; check the official policy.

Editorial record

Reviewed, sourced and accountable.

This guide to The Haymakers is maintained by an independent editorial team. Changing visitor details should always be confirmed with the responsible organisation.

Reviewed on
Written and reviewed by
Above Guide Editorial Team