The Regal - JD Wetherspoon

You're stepping into what was once Cambridge's grandest picture house, and thankfully the 1930s Art Deco splendour hasn't been stripped away. The soaring ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, and theatrical flourishes make this St Andrew's Street cornerstone feel more special than your average Spoons. Yes, it's still a Wetherspoons with all that entails – sticky carpets, chatty regulars, and that particular aroma – but the setting elevates the experience considerably. The usual suspects are all here: proper breakfast until noon, curry club on Thursdays, and pints that won't break the bank. It gets properly rammed with students and shoppers, especially weekends when it stays open until 2am. The food does exactly what it says on the tin, and the staff work miracles given the sheer volume of punters they serve. Not romantic, definitely not quiet, but if you want cheap drinks in genuinely impressive surroundings near the city centre, this delivers.