The Old Ticket Office – Cambridge Square

Even in some of the bleakest places, amidst one of the most depressing squares to ever be constructed in Cambridge, lies a little gem of a pub attached to the Cambridge train station.

Advert – The Brook Pub, Mill Road

While waiting to visit the hit Indian restaurant Tawa the other day, we stumbled into the Old Ticket Office and discovered a selection of decent beers.

The pub outside is very pleasant and had some nice outdoor seating, perfect for people who are painfully early for their train…or more importantly, for people who have either missed their train or just had them cancelled.

The beer board itself was not overly inspiring, though there were a few drinks I was fond of. I saw Beavertown and Erdinger mentioned. There was even a choice to have an Old Fashioned cocktail. What treasures laid within this pub however were actually missing from the board entirely and on tap at the bar.

We found ourselves a selection of 4 beers from the ‘Tiny Rebel’ brewery. This is a Welsh Brewery from Newport which I have noticed pop up often in Cambridge. I have had several ‘Tiny Rebel’ beers in the past and have always enjoyed their range of easy going IPA’s and pale ales.

I helped myself to a pint of ‘Clwb Tropica’, a lovely tropical IPA at a sessionable 5.5%. Sean had an ‘Easy Livin’ pale ale which was also at a very carefree 4.3%.

I really enjoyed the ’11th Birthday Limoncello’ double IPA (8.5%) which was a refreshingly different change of pace from the other two. The was also ‘Cali Pale’ (5%?), Electric Boogaloo NEIPA (4.5%).

We enjoyed our drinks outside as the sun was out. Tiny Rebel is a great summer time brewery which is perfect for this kind of day. It even managed to brighten up our mood having to sit in front of the bleak characterless grey square full of taxis puking out smog while they sit still for hours with their engines on. Luckily there was a few food vans blocking the view of the square, including Al Chile, which is a favourite of mine that occasionally visits Ely market.

Tiny Rebel was a great little find, especially since during my last visit these were not available. Let’s hope they stay, as this suddenly gives me a reason to visit this painful reminder of what modern Cambridge is becoming.

Thanks for reading.

  • The Bamboo: A Little Slice of Japan on Chesterton Road

    The Bamboo: A Little Slice of Japan on Chesterton Road
  • Between Buns – A burger joint that also does a killer roast dinner! – Royston

    Between Buns – A burger joint that also does a killer roast dinner! – Royston
  • King Street is a great place to eat

    King Street is a great place to eat
  • 13 Weeks – Nigerian food on King Street

    13 Weeks – Nigerian food on King Street
  • Le Spice, Ely – Consistent quality.

    Le Spice, Ely – Consistent quality.
  • Big Grill Mediterranean opens on Mill Road

    Big Grill Mediterranean opens on Mill Road
  • Exploring Cambridge Food & Drink Week (9th-17th May)

    Exploring Cambridge Food & Drink Week (9th-17th May)
  • My Experience @ Ely Eel Festival 2026

    My Experience @ Ely Eel Festival 2026
  • Xiao Spots: Hong Kong Fusion, St John’s Street

    Xiao Spots: Hong Kong Fusion, St John’s Street
  • Pizza maths: Why Pizza Size is Deceptively Exponential (The Pizza Company, Cambridge)

    Pizza maths: Why Pizza Size is Deceptively Exponential (The Pizza Company, Cambridge)
  • A Second chance: We’re Back in the Finals!

    A Second chance: We’re Back in the Finals!
  • Grill Plug Food Van on Cherry Hinton Road

    Grill Plug Food Van on Cherry Hinton Road
  • JWD Hand Pulled Noodle Bar comes to Cambridge

    JWD Hand Pulled Noodle Bar comes to Cambridge
  • Limora, Ely’s brand new restaurant!

    Limora, Ely’s brand new restaurant!
  • Restaurant 22: The Very Essence of Cambridge

    Restaurant 22: The Very Essence of Cambridge
  • Taj Tandoori – Pan-Asian fusion in Cambridge

    Taj Tandoori – Pan-Asian fusion in Cambridge
  • Borshch Time: A Taste of Ukraine in the Heart of Cambridge 🇺🇦

    Borshch Time: A Taste of Ukraine in the Heart of Cambridge 🇺🇦
  • ​A long-awaited return to the Shilpa Indian Restaurant, Papworth Everard

    ​A long-awaited return to the Shilpa Indian Restaurant, Papworth Everard

Discover more from The Cambridge Foodies

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading