Set beneath the cobbles of Rose Crescent, La Raza is a long-standing basement bar and tapas restaurant that has been part of Cambridge's social scene since 2003. It combines cocktails, small plates and live music in a space that’s primed for sociable, informal gatherings.
Its central location - just off the market square - makes it an easy choice for group events, whether that’s a birthday, hen party or work get-together. The setting leans into its underground character with low lighting and a darker colour scheme, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed and slightly removed from the busier streets above. It’s well suited to evening events in particular, where the focus moves naturally towards drinks, music and shared food.
Private hire is available with flexible options depending on the size and style of the event. For smaller groups, La Raza’s price-per-head menu is a straightforward way to organise a gathering, offering a selection of tapas designed to be shared. The menu is intentionally varied, allowing groups to mix and match across different flavours and preferences.
Dishes include croquettes filled with wild mushroom or spinach and goat’s cheese, alongside meat options such as Catalan sausage wrapped in smoked bacon with a maple drizzle, and chicken thighs with lemon and thyme. Seafood appears in the form of marinated white anchovies on toast with fresh salsa, while lighter options like a Mexican-style sweetcorn salad add balance. To finish, a burnt Basque cheesecake with compote keeps things simple and crowd-pleasing.
The drinks list also shouldn't be missed - the expert mixologists here have everything you might want. There's classic cocktails such as Negronis, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis and better yet, you can even add a cocktail making class onto your private dining booking.
For groups looking to build an activity into their event, cocktail masterclasses are available for between four and ten guests, combining practical instruction with tasting different drinks - an important part of the learning process, we're sure you'll agree. It's a fun way to bring people together, be it family, friends or colleagues.