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Food & drink / Cambridge

The Live & Let Live

A discreet independent corner local near Mill Road, preserving a small snug, wood panelling, breweriana and the atmosphere of an unforced traditional drinking pub.

Plan this experience
Explore the story
CostFree to visit
Time to allow45–90 minutes
PaceEasy
PlaceMawson Road, off Mill Road
Best timeYear round

01 / Why it matters

More than a stop on a list.

Visit for a small, conversational pub that still feels like a local institution rather than a city-centre product.

The Live & Let Live is one of the clearest answers to the question of where Cambridge residents still go for a quiet pub rather than a managed dining room. Its single bar, small rear snug, wooden furniture, fireplace and breweriana create an old-fashioned atmosphere without turning the place into a heritage display. The focus is conversation, changing cask beer and cider. Recent independent stewardship has strengthened its community role, recognised by CAMRA awards in 2025 and 2026.

02 / The essentials

What makes it remarkable.

  1. 01

    CAMRA records both the operator and freehold as independent.

  2. 02

    The layout consists of one principal bar and a small rear snug.

  3. 03

    Wood panelling, breweriana and a fireplace give the pub its traditional character.

  4. 04

    The drinks emphasis is changing cask beer and cider.

  5. 05

    CAMRA named it Cambridge city Most Improved Pub in 2025.

  6. 06

    It received Cambridge city Community Pub recognition in 2026.

03 / The place

The building in context.

Style
Traditional corner 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 are individually priced.

02

Opening hours

Currently 16:00–23:00 Monday–Thursday, noon–midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon–22:30 Sunday. Verify against current pub information.

03

Booking

A walk-in neighbourhood pub; no routine booking is required for drinks.

04

Access

Ask the pub directly about the current entrance, internal thresholds and accessible-toilet provision.

05

Good to know

Short walk from Mill Road and Cambridge station. · Not normally required.

Continue exploring / Cambridge

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02Food & drink
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03Outdoors
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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 Live & Let Live independent?

Yes. CAMRA records an independent operator and individual freehold.

02Is it a food pub?

Its identity is primarily that of a drinking pub. Check current local information if food is essential to your visit.

03What is the atmosphere like?

Small, traditional and conversation-led, with a rear snug and little of the feel of a managed chain.

04Do I need to book?

Not normally for drinks.

Editorial record

Reviewed, sourced and accountable.

This guide to The Live & Let Live 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