The Kingston Arms pub, Cambridge

A brief history of the Kingston Arms Pub, Cambridge… Renowned local reclusive, landlord Thomas Kingston (aka as ‘Miser’) who lived in Sleaford Street, bought a plot on which he would build a bloc of houses. Without a paternalistic planning authority, multiple purchases of such blocs was the norm producing the variety of architecture seen today around the area. In ‘Miser’s’ bloc, he built an Off License in 1872 that acquired a Beer License in 1873 serving the rapidly expanding urban population. A full On License was acquired in 1879. The first landlord
From 1881-1892 James and Caroline Haslop ran the pub, alas there is no evidence that it was renamed The Haslop Arms, as has been suggested in the past.
In 1918 The Panton Brewery was bought by Bailey & Tebbutt which in turn was purchased by Greene King in 1925. Included in the purchase was The Kingston Arms, one of 48 pubs.
In November 1981 Barbara and Bob Wilson took on The Kingston. In October 1986 Greene King passed the pub to Norwich Brewery (aka Watneys). Barbara maintained her local connections with a 4 year stint at the Six Bells Covent Garden.
By spring 2000, Camra’s ALE magazine reported Lidstones Brewery were operating the pub.
Alas the arrangement was short lived. In 2003 Lidstones relocated to Wensleydale. However The Kingston continued to establish itself as a destination pub noted for it’s conviviality and quality liquid refreshment.
The difficulties endured under the pandemic restrictions whilst attempting a change of direction, saw The Kingston reappear on the market in November 2022. On 3rd February 2023 renowned curmudgeons but more importantly proven beer enthusiasts both with multi-award winning track records, Jethro Scotcher-Littlechild (most notably of The Cambridge Blue) and Mark Donachy (likewise The Red Lion, Histon) became custodians with the sole objective of restoring The Kingston Arms reputation as a modern beer house built on old fashioned foundations – “a true local in the City”.

By spring 2000, Camra’s ALE magazine reported Lidstones Brewery were operating the pub.

Alas the arrangement was short lived.  In 2003 Lidstones relocated to Wensleydale.  However The Kingston continued to establish itself as a destination pub noted for it’s conviviality and quality liquid refreshment.

The difficulties endured under the pandemic restrictions whilst attempting a change of direction, saw The Kingston reappear on the market in November 2022.  On 3rd February 2023 renowned curmudgeons but more importantly proven beer enthusiasts both with multi-award winning track records, Jethro Scotcher-Littlechild (most notably of The Cambridge Blue) and Mark Donachy (likewise The Red Lion, Histon) became custodians with the sole objective of restoring The Kingston Arms reputation as a modern beer house built on old fashioned foundations  – “a true local in the City”.

We aim to offer a wide range of beers – incl. a minimum of 6 cask ales split between regular and guest ales.

We aim to offer a wide range of beers – incl. a minimum of 6 cask ales split between regular and guest ales.  Whatever one considers to be a craft beer, our aim is offer distinctive continental beers and lagers.