Live Music Pubs in Peterborough

Built in 1993 as part of a large entertainments and leisure centre. Serves as both a local as well as catering for users of the centre, the YMCA that is part of the centre and shoppers. Food served 11-2.30 (Tue-Fri), 11-4 Saturday and Sunday lunches noon to 4pm. Two handpumps serve various real ales. Large screen TV for sporting events. Pool table and jukebox. Live music on Friday evenings. Quiz on Wednesday evenings. Family friendly. Was called Fayre Spot & Goodly.

Blue Bell

6 The Green, Peterborough PE4 6RU

1890s pale blue painted brick-built pub on the village green with a light, airy front bar and a comfortable lounge restaurant providing meals from an extensive home-cooked menu. Possibly the best Elgood's beer in the city. Interesting guest ales from a restricted list. Heated smoking area. Regular live entertainment. Darts, pool and cribbage played. Quiz on Sundays.

Ostrich Inn

17 North Street, Peterborough PE1 2RA

Once the Ostrich, then a home brew shop, then back to a pub with a Bogart theme and known as Bogart's. Reopened in August 2009 as the Ostrich once again, after a major refurbishment, under new ownership and new management, and reviving the original name. U-shaped bar with a small room at one end with TV and dart board. Live music Friday and Saturday. Irish acoustic set on Sunday afternoons. The walls have pictures of historical facts about the pub and bygone breweries, and some reproduced posters of famous acts that have appeared in the city. Small, enclosed patio area at rear. Off Westgate, close to bus and rail stations. Now selling craft ales from BrewDog, Beavertown and Camden. Received a CAMRA Gold Award in March 2013. Now sells a range of KeyKeg beers, a variety of LocAles, non-alcoholic beers and a large selection of gin.

Brewery Tap

80 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 2AA

CAMRA Discount

Converted from an employment exchange, this large spacious pub opened in 1998 and is the home of a custom-made specialist brew plant for Oakham Ales, which can be viewed through a glass wall. It serves up to twelve real ales on tap plus bottled Belgian beers. Excellent, good-value Thai food. Mix of comfortable leather sofas and low tables together with tables and chairs for diners. Function room available. Regular weekend entertainment when the pub often stays open later than midnight. Close to bus and railway stations. Winners of East Midlands Food and Drink Awards - Best Bar 2012. Two or three traditional ciders on handpump. Monthly special real ale at reduced price and always 20p off a pint of real ale to card carrying CAMRA members. It was under threat of demolition to make way for a new retail development but is now to be incorporated into the design - something that the developers originally said was impossible.

Charters

Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

Originally named Leendert-R and built in 1907, this Dutch barge is now moored on the River Nene by Town Bridge. Opened as Charters in September 1991. Normally eight real ales available plus Belgian bottled beers and eight real ciders. Live music at the weekend from 10.30pm and regular vinyl nights. Acoustic sets on Sundays from 3.30pm. Darts. Large, popular beer garden with marquee, and landing stage for boats. Outside bar added in 2009. The upper deck houses a fine oriental restaurant called East, and food and snacks are also available in the bar. Bar menu available 12-2.30. Its twentieth year as a GBG entry. Footpath from the garden leads to the Nene Valley Railway and Railworld. Peterborough CAMRA Pub of the Year 2002. Busy on football match days. May stay open later than midnight at the weekend. Dog friendly. 20p off a pint of real ale to card carrying CAMRA members.

Coalheavers Arms

5 Park Street, Peterborough PE2 9BH

Real Fire

Small, friendly one roomed back street gem of a local, dating back to the 1850s. Eight handpumps serving a couple of Greene King beers, beers from local micros, real ciders, Belgian bottled beers and craft beers. The large garden is popular in summer and is also used for the four annual beer festivals. Also a good selection of gins. Peterborough CAMRA and Cambridgeshire CAMRA branches Pub of the Year 2004. Snacks available all week, with fresh rolls on Friday. Can be very busy on football match days. Occasional acoustic music on Sunday evenings.

Crab & Winkle

3 Loxley, Peterborough PE4 5BW

CAMRA Discount

Large, modern estate pub opened in 1986 and completely refurbished in 1994. Named after a nearby disused railway line that carried seafood to London from the East Coast. Good value meals served daily including steak nights, curry club and Sunday roasts. Live music some Saturday nights; quiz on Sunday nights.

Cross Keys

Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9QS

Live Music

Built in 1899, refurbished in 2005. Reputedly haunted by a former landlord. Large, lively bar and separate conservatory room. Dartboards and pool table. Live music on Friday evenings, disco and karaoke on Saturday evenings. Large tv screens showing football, boxing etc

Crown

749 Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 3HD

Real Fire

Popular corner local established in 1867 and became a public house in 1885. Major alterations and mock Tudor facade added in the 1920s. Closed in May 2010 and reopened five months later after completion of the first part of a £300,000 overhaul and modernisation scheme. The large, refurbished main bar/lounge has a fireplace and TV, and detailed posters about the history of the pub and the New England area. The right hand room has a serving hatch and is used for pool and darts. The old function room at the back and part of the car park is due to be turned into flats and a beer garden. Reopened in November 2012 after another period of closure and quickly became a success. Hosted a beer festival at Easter 2013. Live music on Friday nights and quiz on Sunday nights. Presented with a CAMRA Gold Award in August 2013 for its good range of well kept real ales. These vary but often include LocAle ones: Grainstore, Hopshackle, Tydd Steam etc. Six handpumps; four on real ales and two on ciders.

Dragon

Hodgson Centre, Hodgeson Avenue, Peterborough PE4 5EG

Large, modern estate pub that opened in 1988. A community pub that hosts four darts teams, three pool teams and a crib team. A beer festival is held each year. Now just two real ales. Live music or karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights; Quiz on Sunday nights. League poker Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Children welcome. The pub received a Peterborough CAMRA Gold Award in October 2013.

Elm Tree

Garton End Road, Peterborough PE1 4EZ

The current building dates back to 1924, when it was known as the Comet Inn. Was renamed the Elm Tree Tavern in the 1990s, then the Comet again in 2004 and back to the Elm Tree Tavern in 2008. Basic bar with darts, pool, jukebox and TV, and large, carpeted lounge/restaurant which can be hired as a function room. Refurbished in 1999, 2004, 2008 and 2011. Food available 12-3, 5-8 Mon-Fri, 12-3 Sat, Sunday carvery 12-6. Occasional live music and acoustic sessions.

Fox & Hounds

Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6NB

CAMRA Discount

Large Chef & Brewer pub/restaurant with several rooms and areas off the central L-shaped bar. Wooden beamed ceilings and pillars throughout. Good food available from 12-10pm Monday to Saturday and 12-9:30pm on Sunday. Rebuilt in the early 1930s after the original thatched village pub burned down in 1928. Appears older than it really is, due to its mock Tudor styling. Patio area at rear. Free dog treats for local dog walkers. Occasional live music on Friday evenings. Normally two Greene King beers and two others, one of which is often Sharp's Doom Bar.

Great Northern Hotel

Station Approach, Peterborough PE1 1QL

Real Fire

Opened on April 1, 1852 at a cost of £2,500. It was designed by architect Henry Goddard. Its ownership at the time was linked with that of the Great Northern Railway (GNR). In 1857 the American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne stayed at the hotel. In 1893 the author Charles Dickens visited the hotel. In 1904 the Prince and Princess of Prussia had breakfast at the hotel. The hotel was closed to the public during the war and occupied by staff from the railway company's King's Cross office and the two main bedroom wings are thought to have been reserved for VIPs. The hotel re-opened in November 1949. In 1952 Laurel and Hardy stayed at the Hotel for 2 weeks at the start of their UK tour. There is a picture in restaurant. In 1953 Ernie Wise had his wedding at the hotel. There is a picture in restaurant. The hotel was sold by British Rail in 1982 as part of the de-nationalising process. The front bar is now called the "Sleeper's" after railways not drinkers who have imbided too much and the restaurant is open to non-residents. Strong relationship with Grainstore Brewery so expect to see their beers on offer.

Halcyon

Atherstone Avenue, Peterborough PE3 9TT

Large, open-plan pub built in 1961. Has a modern look with new fixtures and fittings, furniture and decor following a £400,000 refurbishment in 2008. Part of the Hungry Horse pub/restaurant chain, offering an extensive, value for money menu. Pool table room at one end. Was called Spikes for a while. Quiz nights on Wednesday, Friday karaoke, live music some Saturdays. Meat raffle and poker nights on Sunday. Sky Sports on several screens, including plasmas in restaurant booths. Children welcome until 9pm. Three handpumps, only one in use.

Hand & Heart

12 Highbury Street, Peterborough PE1 3BE

A late Art-Deco pub built in 1938 by Warwicks, this back street community local is one of the Real Heritage Pubs of Britain. A drinking corridor connects the rear room, with a serving hatch, to the main public bar, with its war memorial and real fire. Crib, darts and dominoes are played in both rooms. Six real ales are available on hand pump or direct from the cellar, the range is eclectic and forever changing, featuring all possible styles. Beer festivals with live music are held in the large restored garden around St George's Day in April, and at the end of September, with occasional mini fests through the summer. A GBG regular for over 10 years, and a former local branch and Cambridgeshire PoTY. Cash only.

Harrier

184 Gunthorpe Road, Peterborough PE4 7DS

Modern architect designed pub that won CAMRA pub design award. Large, modern, L-shaped pub/restaurant, part of Hungry Horse chain. Photos of aircraft and old Peterborough adorn the walls. Pool table and dartboard at one end. Live sports on big screens. Regular weekend entertainment. Heated smoking area with TV and sound system.

Yard of Ale

72 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PA

120 year old pub that was built on land that was part of the nearby Palmerston Arms stable yard. Originally called the New Inn. Refurbished and reopened as the Yard of Ale on 7th July 2017 by the team from the nearby Swiss cottage. Tastefully decorated in three shades of grey with a warm wooden bar and surround, the large open plan single room is split into four distinct areas by the central supporting structure. Live sports TV, dartboard, pool table, beer garden and outside woodfired stonebaked pizza oven (April - October). Live music at weekends. Filled rolls usually available. Branch LocAle PotY 2019.

Lime Tree

Paston Lane, Peterborough PE4 6HA

Smoking Area

Large pub dating from 1935. Long, comfortable bar/lounge with two fireplaces. Live music most Friday and Saturday nights. Quiz on Sunday nights. Sky Sports. Two pool tables. Large function room is used for live music, discos and private functions. Beer gardens at front and rear. Real ale sometimes available.

Palmerston Arms

82 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PA

400 year old listed stone built locals' pub. Owned by Batemans Brewery, it normally has three Batemans beers and nine or more other real ales available from a wide variety of local and other micro breweries. Traditional ciders and/or perries and bottled beers always available. Most ales are served straight from the cask in the cellar which is visible through the glass panel behind the bar. Dartboard, vinyl nights, philosophy nights, music on Sundays 3-5pm, quiz on Sundays from 7.30pm. Peterborough CAMRA Pub of the Year 2005 and Cambridgeshire CAMRA Branches Pub of the Year 2005.

Ploughman

1 Staniland Way, Peterborough PE4 6NA

The Ploughman is a thriving community “free house” serving up to six real ales including regular LocAles and unusual ales from far and wide, with a large selection of ciders and a choice of over 50 gins. With two separate bars, the pub is well established on the local entertainment scene featuring live music every weekend and the opportunity to take advantage of the lounge bar which is ideal for larger functions or parties. An annual Charity Beer Fest held in July is always hugely supported.

Charlies AYC

2 Grove Street, Peterborough PE2 9AG

Dog Friendly

Back street local, built in the style of an alpine chalet. Small, but friendly and lively pub with two real ales from Oakham. Can be busy on football match days. Features include a pool table and live music on Friday and Saturday nights for the mixed clientele. A separate function room at the rear is used for meetings. Recipient of a CAMRA Gold Award in November 2009.

Three Horseshoes

Church Street, Peterborough PE4 6QE

Lively locals pub dating from 1877 comprising a basic bar with pool table, dartboard and jukebox, and separate L-shaped lounge. Strong on sports, with darts, pool and football teams. All major sporting events screened on several TVs. Table football also. Live music or karaoke on Saturdays; bingo first Tuesday of the month.

Peacock

26 London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AR

Friendly family run music pub. Listed thatched building and one of the oldest pubs in Peterborough. Basic public bar with pool table and separate carpeted lounge with dartboard. Several TVs. Live music Friday and Saturday. Close to Peterborough United football ground and away supporters are welcome. Opens at 11am for BBQ and pies on match days. Was the Wag & Bone for a while. Biker friendly pub. The new tenants (June 2015) hope to have poker nights, quiz nights and a golf society in the near future. Recently (2015) renovated with new carpet, new toilets, new kitchen, new wood laminate on the floors, and the bar has been redesigned with a light oak top whilst the brick facing has been retained. The garden will be enclosed for the summer months. An extra hand pump has been added and they are negotiating with Charles Wells to provide a beer to accompany Doombar and a rotating guest.

Woolpack

29 North Street, Peterborough PE2 8HR

Originally constructed in 1711. Medieval wall in garden and the old barn used to be the village mortuary (Last used in 1850s and said to be haunted). Beer garden leads to old river Nene with boat moorings available. L-shaped bar with TV and dart board. Collection of old photos. Only one guest at present. Food served in either the barn restaurant or pub. Quiz on Tuesday night; occasional live music. Children and good dogs welcome. Annual Charity Day. On the city Green Wheel Route. Local branch Pub of the Year 2016. Beer Festival at end of August.

Fletton Ex-Service & Working Mens Club

243a High Street, Peterborough PE2 9EH

Large, multi-roomed members club, now with five hand pumps with ever-changing guest beers. All beer styles including golden, amber, dark, stouts and porter. CAMRA members welcome on production of card. Regular Beer Festivals. Received a CAMRA Gold Award in February 2020. Friday and Saturday 12pm to 6pm all cask ales £2.50. Sky Sports on two large screens. Regular entertainment including live music, bingo and quizzes. Pool, darts and snooker played.

Burghley Club

7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA

Traditional Pub Games

Despite its name, this is a pub, refurbished and reopened on 10 Nov 2011 as a real ale haven. Function room upstairs can cope with 120 people. Hopshackle beers are regulars plus an ever-changing range of real ales from micros. Bottled beers and three real ciders also available. Food is served. Regular live music. Quiz on Sun evenings. Pool and darts played

Conservative Club

77 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 4DA

Bar and large lounge, with small stage for performers. Snooker hall with six tables. Patio area. Weekly quiz and bingo nights and weekend entertainment. No jeans or trainers. Normally two guest beers.

O'Neill's Irish Bar

Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1SQ

Evening Meals

Large, modern Irish-themed chain pub situated in the old Embassy/ABC/Cannon building. Good value, traditional Irish food served until 10pm. Sky Sports on several screens. Karaoke Thursday, live music on Fridays and some Saturdays. Underwent a major refurb in Nov. 2018.

Peterborough Sports & Leisure

651 Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 3HA

Sports TV

Function Room

Members club, built by Brotherhood's after World War II and was called Brotherhood's Club. Club bar, children's room and large function room. Sky Sports on big screen. Pool, darts and Northants skittles played. Live music and performers at weekends.

Post Office Club

Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough PE1 2AU

Function Room

Separate Bar

Three rooms: lively sports bar with pool table; small, quieter lounge bar and a large function room with bar. Bingo and regular entertainment.

Met Lounge

59 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA

Close to Bus Routes

Live Music

Live music venue, showcasing local bands playing original material, plus occasionally big names from further afield. Popular with young people. Was previously a bar called Winners.

Thorpe Wood Health & Racquets Club

Thorpe Wood Business Park, Peterborough PE3 6SB

Sports TV

WiFi

Part of Esporta Health Clubs group. Used to be Thomas Cook Social Club. Large, comfortable bar/restaurant on first floor of health and fitness club. Sky Sports on 3 screens. Regular quiz and themed entertainment nights Thursday-Saturday. Pleasant patio area by Bluebell Wood with children's play area. Occasional live music and mini beer festivals. Beers: Despite handpump, currently no real ale.

Sir Henry Royce

1-3 The Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1TA

Reopened on 20th March 2015 after a major refit. Now more like a traditional pub. Walls adorned with photographs showing the career of Sir Henry Royce. Five handpumps with one set aside for cider. They intend to have more local ales in the future. Two craft beers available. Children welcome until 8pm. Wednesday is music night. Accepts the new CAMRA vouchers

Queens Head

10 Queen Street, St John's Square, Peterborough PE1 1PA

Originally opened by Charles Wells as HGs in the mid-1990s with traditional decor but making use of the HG Wells theme with paintings and features relating to his books. Reopened in August 2009 as the Grapevine, taking its name from a pub nearby which closed in the early 1980s (now Argos). The pub closed in 2012 and re-opened in July 2013 after a refurbishment as Clarkes Restaurant. Charles Wells returned it back into a pub in August 2017, featuring Pizza, Pots and Pints.

Frothblowers

78 Storrington Way, Peterborough PE4 6QP