The Kingston Arms

An independently run 1870s neighbourhood beer house restored to wet-led pub use, with a strong community identity and an important place in Cambridge's Mill Road story.

Plan this experience

Explore the story

CostFree to visit

Time to allow45–90 minutes

PaceEasy

PlaceKingston Street, Petersfield

Best timeYear round

01 / The experience

The Kingston Arms

The Kingston is both a serious independent beer pub and a living piece of Mill Road social history, recovered as a community local rather than converted into a dining brand.

Beer was sold on the Kingston Street site from the early 1870s, serving the rapidly expanding streets beyond the railway. The pub's history also intersects with Cambridge's Black and Caribbean social history: it became part of the Mill Road music scene remembered by Windrush-generation residents. After a short restaurant phase, independent custodians reopened it in 2023 as a drink-led local. Cask beer, real cider, fires, pub games, traditional jazz and a walled garden now define the visit. It became Cambridge city's first listed Asset of Community Value in 2025.

02 / The essentials

The Kingston Arms: visit essentials

01
A brewery and off-licence occupied the site in 1871–72.
02
An on-sales beer licence followed in 1873 and a full licence in 1876.
03
The pub formed part of the Black music and social scene around Mill Road.
04
Independent custodians restored wet-led pub use in 2023.
05
It became Cambridge city's first Asset of Community Value pub in 2025.
06
CAMRA named it Cambridgeshire Pub of the Year in 2025.

03 / The place

The building in context.

A story written in stone since 1871.

Built: Beer house established 1871–73
Style: Victorian neighbourhood beer house
Listing: Asset of Community Value

04 / Before you go

Plan your visit

Prices & admission

No admission charge; drinks are individually priced.

Opening hours

Currently open from 11:30 Monday–Saturday and noon Sunday, generally closing around 23:00, slightly later Friday and earlier Sunday. Verify before visiting.

Plan your experience

A walk-in, wet-led pub. Food is generally limited to snacks and occasional pop-ups.

Visit the official site

Accessibility

CAMRA records a deep entrance step with a grab rail, step-free circulation inside and no accessible toilet.

Participation requirements

A deep step is present at the entrance.

Not normally required.

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01Culture & history