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Welcome to The Orator, the newly refurbished Cambridge Union Bar and Restaurant (previously 1815 bar), based in the centre of Cambridge. Whether you are looking for a coffee catch up, date night, or a meal with friends you won’t be disappointed.

Ready to dine...

OPENING HOURS

Mon – Thurs 9:00 – 23:00
Fri – Sat 9:00 – 00:00
Sun 11:00-23:00

FOOD SERVING HOURS

Sun – Thurs 12:00 – 21:00
Fri – Sat 12:00 – 21:30

FIND US

The Orator, Round Church Street, CB5 8AD

Get Directions

RECOMENDED

Proudly awarded as recommended Cambridge Restaurant by Guru.

A hidden gem
in the heart of
the city

Alfresco Dining in Cambridge

Join us in our newly renovated garden courtyard at The Orator. Set in the heart of Cambridge and offering an exciting outdoor space for locals, tourists and students to meet for a bite to eat, a freshly made cocktail or to enjoy a glass of fizz in the sun. 

The garden is directly behind the Round Church and can be accessed via two alleyways either side on Bridge St and Round Church St, as well as via the Main entrance to the Orator.

The Orator Garden in the Summer

Celebrate the Season: Christmas at The Orator

Celebrate the festive season at The Orator, nestled in the heart of Cambridge within our stunning Grade II listed building adorned with elegant holiday decor. 

Our 3-course Christmas set menu, available for £40 per person, offers a delightful blend of seasonal flavours, perfect for an unforgettable dining experience. 

Two courses more your style? Join us Monday or Tuesday, midday to 5pm, until 10th December for our early week offer: Two courses for £30 per person.

Planning a group celebration? We offer private dining for parties of 12 or more.

Our festive menu is available from 15th November for Private Dining and the 2nd December in the main restaurant.

Bring in the New Year in style

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable night at The Orator!
Celebrate in style with our special 3-course set menu, featuring exquisite dishes crafted just for the occasion. A host of live musicians will keep the party going all the way into the new year.

Whether you’re toasting with friends or coming together with family, join us for a memorable countdown to 2025.

 

Reservations are limited – book your table now for a night of great food, music, and celebration!

Discover our history

The historical Cambridge Union Society has long since hosted famous speakers for drinks after spirited speeches or passionate debates. While this history still stands strong, The Orator restaurant and Bar now provides a perfect destination for city dwellers and visitors, as well as Union members.

Celebrate with us!

We’ll help you celebrate anything from birthdays and baby showers to retirements and christenings. The Orator is the perfect venue for your next event – either within our restaurant or private function room – we can accommodate all types of milestone events with flair!

Enquire now to find out how we can help you host your dream event.

Surrounded by
great minds

For business too

Whether you are looking for a few hours to break up the day, meet a client or colleague, The Orator provides the perfect location for all business occasions. Surrounded by great minds and all of our history and heritage, you will feel inspired to take on any task.

Need a little more space or hosting a more formal event, meeting or conference? You can choose from our wide range of corporate event facilities where you can be served fresh and delicious food from The Orator. 

Become a Member

Gain exclusive 20% discount at The Orator bar & restaurant when you become a member at The Cambridge Union. You don’t have to be a student and you can witness debates live whether you attend on the night or view on our live members stream.

Become a
member today.

Join Cambridge’s largest student society today for the opportunity to see world-class speakers and debaters as well as many other member benefits.

Booking Policy

  • Our Kitchen is open Monday to Friday 12.00pm-3.30pm then 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Saturdays 12.00pm – 9.30pm and Sundays 10.30 am – 4pm.
  • Last bookings are 9.00pm and our Kitchen closes at 9.30pm.
  • Registered Assistance Dogs are of course welcome, as well as well behaved dogs who must be kept on a lead at all times. 
  • No bookings in the bar or garden.
  • No bookings in the bar for drinks only.
  • Pre-orders must be provided with at least 7 days’ notice for bookings over 8 people.

Table Allocation

While we always do our best to fulfil our guests requests, all tables are allocated on arrival and can’t be guaranteed in advance.

Children

We welcome children of all ages in the restaurant. When you are booking your table, please make sure all children in your group (even the babies are included in your total number of guests. This is to ensure we allocate you to a table with additional space.

Let us know if you require a highchair or extra space for a pushchair when making your booking.

Children under the age of 16 will not be permitted in the bar or garden after 9.00pm.

Disabled access

There is wheelchair access available with lift access from street level on Round Church Street.

Cake Policy

If you wish to bring your own cake we offer a cake plate charge of £25 up to 9 guests, £50 for 10 guests and above. The cost includes cutting and serving the cake.

 
The Cambridge Union Crest Logo

Membership Portal
currently undergoing maintenance

Our Membership Portal is currently undergoing maintenance.

Existing Members – Please note the membership site is still under maintenance and having minor issues, to proceed log in here: Member’s Log In, alternatively check back soon.

Prospective Memberships – If you are looking to become a member, please try back again shortly, or alternatively email info@cus.org

*Memberships are also available to buy at reception.