The Navigator

Business Details

Authentic Thai Food & Real Ales at The Navigator in Cambridge

The Navigator is a historic 16th-century coaching inn nestled in the picturesque village of Little Shelford, just 5 miles south of Cambridge. Our establishment combines traditional English charm with authentic Thai cuisine, offering a unique dining experience seven days a week. Guests can enjoy meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients by our expert Thai chefs, served in a warm atmosphere featuring a real log fire and low beamed ceilings. Strategically located near attractions like Duxford Imperial War Museum and Audley End House, we cater to both local residents and visitors exploring the region. Our spacious beer garden and rattan-furnished patios provide ideal settings for relaxed evenings or family gatherings. We pride ourselves on serving award-winning Cask Marque real ales alongside an extensive selection of lagers, Thai beers, and craft beverages, ensuring a comprehensive offering for all tastes.

With dedicated takeaway and delivery services available, we strive to make our culinary excellence accessible beyond our dining room. Our commitment to quality extends to every aspect of our operation, from daily ingredient deliveries to meticulous preparation methods. Whether seeking a cultural dining experience, a refreshing drink, or a venue for casual socialising, visitors find a welcoming environment that balances heritage with contemporary culinary innovation. We remain dedicated to maintaining our reputation as a community-focused establishment while introducing new generations to the delights of traditional Thai cuisine in an authentically English setting.

Services

Thai food Real ales Takeaway service Beer garden Thai beers

Highlights and features

We offer authentic Thai cuisine prepared by experienced Thai chefs
Our 16th-century coaching inn provides unique historical ambiance
We serve Cask Marque accredited real ales with rotating weekly selections
Located near major tourist attractions in scenic Cambridgeshire countryside
We provide secure outdoor seating in our large beer garden

Associations and certifications

Cask Marque

Website

Update Listing

Services

Thai food

Authentic Thai cuisine prepared daily by experienced Thai chefs using fresh ingredients delivered daily. Our menu features traditional dishes made to order with lunch served 12:00-14:30 and evening meals available 18:00-21:30. The unique combination of traditional English setting with Thai culinary expertise creates a distinctive dining experience.

Real ales

Award-winning real ales served through four hand pumps featuring rotating Cask Marque accredited selections. Regular offerings include Adnams, Timothy Taylor, London Pride, and Doom Bar ales complemented by lagers, craft beers, and Thai favourites like Chang and Singha. Our beverage menu caters to diverse tastes with extensive options beyond standard pub offerings.

Takeaway service

Convenient takeaway service available for our authentic Thai dishes with collection options during regular operating hours. This service extends our culinary excellence beyond dine-in guests, maintaining food quality and freshness through careful preparation and packaging processes designed for off-site consumption.

Beer garden

Secure large beer garden with rattan-furnished patios providing comfortable outdoor dining and drinking spaces. The landscaped area accommodates both casual drinks and full meals, featuring protective coverings for variable weather conditions while maintaining scenic views of the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside.

Thai beers

Authentic Thai beer selection featuring popular brands like Chang and Singha alongside traditional lagers and craft brews. Our beverage menu thoughtfully combines international favourites with local specialties, creating a comprehensive offering that complements our Thai cuisine while appealing to diverse customer preferences.

Questions

What type of cuisine do you serve?

We specialise in authentic Thai cuisine prepared daily by experienced Thai chefs using fresh ingredients.

Do you offer takeaway or delivery services?

Yes, we provide takeaway collection and local delivery services for our Thai dishes.

What beer options are available?

We serve four rotating Cask Marque real ales, lagers, Thai beers, and an extensive craft beverage selection.

Is the pub accessible for visitors?

We're located 5 miles south of Cambridge near major attractions with scenic countryside surroundings.

What outdoor seating options exist?

Our premises feature a secure large beer garden and rattan-furnished patios for guest enjoyment.

How can I book a table?

Table reservations can be made through our online booking system specifying date, time, and party size.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Lifeng Forster

Jan 10, 2022 Report

Its was very disappointing. We had our Thai lunch last Saturday, I had beef Padthai. It was very greasy, beef was chewy, bland and partly still cold like it wasnt warmed up in the microwave thoroughly. My husband had special on board, massaman lamb shank, the sauce tasted nothing like Thai. My boy had beef stir fry but it was very okay.
4 for a glass of coke plus 10 percent service charge for bringing it. Wobbly table and the whole place was very cold so we kept our coats on though lunch. Over all its very poor and was an expensive experience, never again.

Ryan Pavey

Dec 14, 2021 Report

Such a great Thai from The Navigator! I was introduced to them back in lockdown 2020 and have been having their takeaways at least once per month!
P.S - Go for the duck, its always so tasty!

Aidan Marley

Sep 07, 2021 Report

Lovely food and beer, still manages to be a real pub as well as a Thai restaurant. Too many pubs turn into restaurants and lose their charm.

Adam Baldwin

Aug 19, 2021 Report

This is quite simply a really great pub, serving one of the best menus in the area. Great atmosphere even during the week. It is exactly what you would want from a local pub in a nice country village. I dont really know them but management seem really friendly too (I always remember hearing how during lockdown when they couldnt open they used to pub as a base to provide food drop services to local vulnerable residents).

Pj Magpie

Aug 17, 2021 Report

Village pub serving Thai food with great community outlook. The manager has been amazing and gone over and above throughout the lockdown periods to offer help and support to people. We are lucky to live nearby and have this great community resource that brings people together.