Cambridge, known for its historic colleges and scenic river views, also has a rich LGBTQ+ history that lives on in the memories of its community. While modern queer events like LGBTQ+ club nights and “queer beer” evenings continue today, the city has seen the closure of several iconic queer pubs over the decades. This February, during LGBT History Month, we take a trip down memory lane to remember the pubs and clubs that once served as safe spaces for the community to connect, dance, and feel at home.
From the lively basement discos of The Anchor to the welcoming arms of Terry at The Turks Head, these venues were more than just pubs; they were pillars of support and celebration for queer Cambridge.
The Anchor: A Riverside Pub with a Queer Disco Past
The Anchor on Silver Street, now an upmarket riverside pub, once had a very different vibe. In the late 1970s, this venue attracted a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd who gathered for basement discos and unforgettable nights.
Pauline, a former regular, recalled a moment of queer resilience when a “butch woman strolled up to two policemen – who had arrived as an intimidation tactic – and asked one of them to dance.” Moments like these symbolized the strength and solidarity that defined the queer experience at The Anchor.
The Turks Head: The Pub Where Terry Was ‘Mother’
Today, the building that housed The Turks Head on Trinity Street is home to Jigsaw, a high-end fashion store. But in the 1980s, it was a hub for Cambridge’s LGBTQ+ community, run by Terry – affectionately known as “Mother.”
Terry’s warmth and community spirit made The Turks Head a haven where people felt seen and celebrated. The flowers he received each Mother’s Day from patrons spoke volumes about the love and appreciation the community had for him.
The 451 Club: Disco Balls, Dance Floors, and Defiance
The 451 Club on Newmarket Road opened in the early 1990s, quickly becoming a staple of queer nightlife. Its retro, 1970s-themed dance floor and disco balls made it the perfect place for carefree fun.
One anonymous regular shared how police often lingered outside the club, sometimes tailing patrons and accusing them of being drunk. Yet, the community’s solidarity turned these encounters into stories rather than sources of fear. The 451 Club was more than a nightclub; it was a statement of pride and unity.
The Five Bells: A Pub for Cambridge’s Queer Women
The Five Bells, also on Newmarket Road, stood out as the only Cambridge pub with a lesbian landlady. It became a meeting point for queer women for 15 years.
LGBTQ+ activist Lara Jaffey shared a personal story of meeting her first girlfriend there, saying: “I went round to her place one night on my moped and didn’t move out for years.” The Five Bells closed on New Year’s Eve in 2002, and the building was later demolished in 2017. Today, a trendy bar called The Bird or Worm stands in its place.
The Town and Gown: Cambridge’s Last Great LGBTQ+ Pub
Opening in the late 1990s on Pound Hill, The Town and Gown (T&G) quickly became the city’s go-to queer venue. With three bars and a disco room in the old stables, it catered to every taste – from casual drinkers to members of the Diamonds, a transgender support group.
Tuesday fetish nights added a touch of variety for the more adventurous crowd. Sadly, after co-owner John passed away, his partner Roger had to give up the pub in 2002. The building later became The Punter pub.
The Legacy of Cambridge’s LGBTQ+ Pubs
Though these iconic pubs have closed, their impact on Cambridge’s queer community remains strong. They provided a sense of belonging when being openly LGBTQ+ was far more challenging than today.
Now, LGBTQ+ history month serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Newer events and venues continue the tradition of inclusivity, but the spirit of The Anchor, The Turks Head, and the others lives on in the hearts of those who once called them home.
| Visit for More News and Updates | WSOA NEWS |
