The Panton Arms
While it falls outside the College/Sidgewick/Sainsburys triangle that dominates many a Cambridge undergraduate’s life, The Panton is one of the best pubs to have the misfortune of being owned by Greene King. While this may put off the fans of the ale, anyone else should find plenty to be happy about.
Ignore the hospital-green exterior paint-job and head inside to the rear bar, one of the two parts of the pub, complete with homely leather sofas and fireplace. Excellent cheap food is served in man-size portions, and most of the big sporting fixtures are on the tv.
The beers on tap are all the usual suspects, with "guests" (you guessed it – Greene King) changing from week to week. There’s generally a pretty good lively atmosphere in the evenings though, and The Panton easily outdoes its nearby rival The Alma (apparently used to be a nice pub – now unsurprisingly looking for new management). Friendly bar staff, a large outdoor seating area, and the "airlock" between the doors in the gents (give it a go…) seal the deal.
Best for: A solid Saturday session, complete with lunch
Top Tab Tip: The rear bar is the place to be for a quiet pint
Where: Panton Street, off Lensfield Road: Map
How much: IPA: £2.90, Fosters: £3.00, shorts: £2.50
Rating: 4/5
Next stop, The Champion of the Thames
I’ve heard that it can be a bit noisy on Tuesday nights with some local sports team indulging in some off-the-field-activities. Also, is the Panton a clothes retailer? What colour do the ‘shorts’ come in?