The Orator
Step through the Yellow Door into The Orator,
nestled just behind the Round Church in the heart of Cambridge. Set within the historic Cambridge Union Society, our venue boasts a 200-year legacy of hosting world leaders and iconic intellectuals. Today, we offer contemporary British dishes and signature cocktails. Relax in our beautiful brasserie and beer garden or enjoy a sophisticated private dining experience where all profits support an educational charity.
Welcome to The Orator Brasserie & Bar
The Orator carries a legacy of hospitality in the heart of Cambridge. For over 210 years the Cambridge Union Society has provided hospitality to it’s members and distinguished guests, and now its doors are
open to everyone to dine, drink and join the debate.
Menus
Celebrate Graduation with a glass of Prosecco, on us.
Our two-course set menu is designed for celebration, with complimentary prosecco and freshly baked bread & butter on arrival. The Orator is the perfect venue to raise a glass and mark the moment with friends and family in a quintessentially Cambridge setting.
Pre-Theatre Menu
Bar Menu
Wine List
"Mother Nature is the true artist and our job as cooks is to allow her to shine."
Orator Guest
2019
Every day has a reason to visit.
No matter the time or day, there’s always the perfect excuse to try Cambridge’s Best
Cambridge’s Best
(And Biggest)Beer Garden
is tucked away just
behind the Round Church.
With beer and cocktails freely flowing during the day, and with fairy lights and fire stoves for when the sun sets, it’s not a question of if but when you’ll pop by to visit.
Partnered with Hot Numbers
Bringing you fresh and local ingredients from independent businesses is important to us as an independent. That’s why we’re proud to be partnered with Hot Numbers, and to serve their most popular coffee the Body & Soul blend as well as their Kandula tea. Enjoy a Hot Numbers Coffee at your table, in the garden, or to takeaway.
Casual Lunch by day, Intimate Dining in the evening
Our new Light Lunch menu is curated for those who want something quick without having to compromise on quality, because in our Kitchen, even the bread is made from scratch. Whether your stopping in for a relaxed midday bite or planning a more leisurely evening, The Orator transitions seamlessly into a warm, intimate setting perfect for dinner.
"Wine can be a better teacher than ink, and banter is often better than books."
Orator Guest
Our Historic Private Dining Room
has been the stunning backdrop to unforgettable dining experiences for over 100 years. Set in the heart of Cambridge with refined and cosy mahogany furniture complimented by its dark red finish, this room will provide class and comfort perfect for all occasions.
Diljá HelgadóttirTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place with lovely outdoor terrace! Good options of beer and wine. Food nothing special - but it is great place for a lovely afternoon and fab vibe! Jo CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to say a phenomenal thank you to the staff at the Orator last night. It was our friend’s 50th birthday party and she had booked the private function room and we were all dressed up for the 1920s Great Gatsby theme. The room was decorated and just as guests were arriving the lights switched off. But this was not a ‘flick a switch on the circuit board’ issue, this was ‘no electricity in the entire restaurant, kitchen, everywhere and no electricity for the rest of the night, never happened before’ thing. Rescheduling was not possible, we’d travelled from all over the country. To say the staff rose to the occasion is the understatement. Starter and pud were still able to be served as they were cold, (and were gorgeous, thank you chef!) main was sourced from a nearby restaurant and served beautifully (for burgers!), wine flowed and candles came out as the sun faded. They could not do enough for us despite the total stress they were facing with no electricity. We had an amazing evening and thank you to all those Orator staff who despite significant adversity made it a wonderful evening. 🙏 Mami YuguchiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jack was amazing helping 10 hungry but exhausted people get the exact food and drinks needed at the perfect timing! The Plaits were real good. 金曜日夜に突然予約してた店の10人席がキャンセルになり、レストラン難民でしたがここはすぐに電話で対応してくださり、Jackさんが最高の接客をしてくださいました! 日本人ならこのメニューの方がお好きかも〜とか丁寧で、タイミングも完璧でした。 料理もとてもおいしかったです! 何より空調がそこまで悪くなかったです!! Jacopo FilipponeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I discovered a truly wonderful outdoor spot! ☀️ Even though it was a bit tricky to locate, absolutely worth it. This place offers a beautiful outdoor area, perfect for soaking up the sun. 🌞 I highly recommend seeking it out! ✨😊 ConnorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were served by Jack who was excellent and a pleasure to talk to! Daisy SymonsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Food was fantastic, Jodie was even better; such a lovely waitress, definitely recommend visiting! Rizwan RiziTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Mike DavisonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a post graduation celebration there today. From the warmth of the hospitality through to food quality and delicious cocktails … the place was fab
Named one of the best places to eat and drink in Cambridge.
National Geographic Traveller, January/February 2026
Read the Full Article here.
Proud Partners of Hot Numbers Coffee to bring you their most popular Coffee and Tea. At your table, in the garden, or to takeaway.
“Refined and welcoming”
Cambridge Foodies, December 2025
Partners of the
Cambridge Rowing Experience.
We are delighted to offer the exciting opportunity to experience Cambridge’s most iconic sport. Learn More.
Members of the
Meetings Industry Association
and holders of their accreditation for Excellence, Quality, and Safety.
100% of profits from The Orator and our Conferences & Events business go to a registered charity.
Read more about our History.
Proud to be a dog-friendly venue.





