The Orator
Shaped by the icons who have raised a glass here, The Orator is as unique as the history that inspires it
The word orator (/o-rah-tor/) derives from the Latin orare, meaning to speak or to pray. It celebrates the legacy of The Orator’s home and the historic bastion of free speech, The Cambridge Union, where distinguished guests, from Winston Churchill and the Dalai Lama to Stephen Hawking, have famously taken the stage to practice the art of oratory.
Welcome to The Orator; the home of spirited dining, drinking and debate.
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
"Mother Nature is the true artist and our job as cooks is to allow her to shine."
Marco Pierre White
Union Speaker
2019
What's On
- Burger & Drink; Pint, Wine or Soft for £15.
- Any classic cocktail, only £10
- A bottle of House Wine on us with a combination of four Small Plates.
- Steak Night Two 10oz Ribeyes, a side, and a bottle of House Wine for £85
- Fizz Fridays £10 off Prosecco and 20% off Sparkling wines & Champagne
- Traditional Sunday Roast
"Wine can be a better teacher than ink, and banter is often better than books."
Stephen Fry
Union Member
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.
Named one of the best places to eat and drink in Cambridge.
National Geographic Traveller, January/February 2026
Read the Full Article here.
“Refined and welcoming”
Cambridge Foodies, December 2025
Proud partners of the
Cambridge Rowing Experience.
We are delighted to offer the exciting opportunity to experience Cambridge’s most iconic sport. Learn More.
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.
