please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This place wasn't ever all that much, but now it has become a trendy "Café Bar" and is named "Novi". Really horrible from the look of it. I give it a year at most in this incarnation. At least the olf Fountain lasted a good long while. 2/10
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This pub was an obvious starter-of-ten for our crawl as it was bang opposite our hotel (University Arms). Our first pints (City of Cambridge Hobson's Choice and Cambridge Bitter) were kept well enough, though probably could've done with a top-up - unlike the previous reviewer we didn't bother asking so can't say if the requests would have been well-received. Service from the staff was in general efficient though.
The pub has a traditional face with a very modern heart now - quite stark, uber-contemporary interior design which arguably jarred with one's exterior expectations. However, it was distinct from many more traditionally-leaning Cambridge pubs and so I suppose sets itself apart to appeal more to those with more modern tastes. This gamble became more of an obvious choice when we realised the Fountain opens until 3AM - and being one of the latest venues on a Saturday, the place was crammed with youngsters in its final hours who clearly were regarding the pub as a club-substitute. Fusty alcoves and horsebrasses would hardly have been fitting in that context.
Not a bad pub, though maybe more mature pub lovers will be drawn to the many other options available in this charming city. A quick one before moving on maybe?
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99.99% of pubs will gladly top your pint up if you ask. Not this place. I had it explained to me that legally they don't have to serve a full pint! After politely pointing out that Trading Standards might disagree, I was given my money back and (rudely) refused service. If you're a real ale drinker and you want to get what you pay for you should not go anywhere near this place.
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The nicest pub in this area of town, though that's not much of a compliment. I've always liked this place quite a lot, though I'm not sure why. Atmosphere?
PS. The Lord Byron at the station has turned into a M&S. Bah.
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Completely concur with Duffman, the blue is quite horrible - a favourite hangout of Downing students (the college is just next door) serving good beers.
wpjh - 13 Oct 2004 16:48 |
The BITE photo needs updating: why oh why has the Fountain's lovely front window been painted a ghastly sky blue? I couldn't bring myself to go inside in case it made me throw up on the way out.
Duffman...ohyeah!! - 20 Nov 2003 12:57 |
Usually has some good guest ales. A magnet for banknote-spotters.
yodder - 10 Apr 2003 00:17 |
An essential stop on the crawl from the city centre back to the train station. Combine with Rat & Parrot, Castle, Regal, Hogshead, Prince Regent and Osborne Arms plus the Lord Byron if you're early (this is the station pub which shuts at 10pm) for an original way to save the �1 bus fare.
drinker - 10 Apr 2003 00:15 |
