Traditional Cambridge pub closes after ‘loved’ landlord dies

A tribute to Lawrence Dixon said: “To many he was more than a landlord, he was a friend, a storyteller, a familiar face behind the bar, and the person who made The Champ feel like home”

A popular Cambridge pub has closed after its landlord died on Thursday night (April 2). The Champion of the Thames has closed andlord Lawrence Dixon – who was the pub’s ‘heart and soul’ – died.

The pub has announced that it will not be reopening ‘as we know it’ in a statement on Friday (April 3). The statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Lawrence Dixon passed away peacefully last night. For over 25 years, Lawrence was the heart and soul of The Champion of the Thames.

“To many he was more than a landlord, he was a friend, a storyteller, a familiar face behind the bar, and the person who made The Champ feel like home. The pub was never just a business to him; it was a community built on conversation, laughter, real ale, and genuine connection.”

The statement continued: “We know how much The Champ meant to so many people, and how many friendships, memories, and traditions were created within its walls under Lawrence’s care. He was immensely proud of the staff, the regulars, and everyone who walked through the door over the years.

“As a family, we kindly ask for privacy at this time as we come to terms with our loss. Sadly, this also means that The Champion of the Thames will not reopen under the Dixon family name, and The Champ as we know it will close its doors as of today.

“This is not a decision taken lightly, but one that reflects the end of an era that was so closely tied to Lawrence himself. We would like to thank every member of staff, every loyal regular, every visitor, and every friend who helped make The Champ what it became over the past quarter century.

“You were all part of Lawrence’s extended family, and your support meant the world to him. Lawrence is now at peace, and we take comfort in knowing how loved and respected he was by this community.”

In more recent years, the pub has been known by locals as a “traditional, no-nonsense watering hole”. It’s loved for its city location and weekly pub quizzes.

The pub has won many awards over the years. It is consistently listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It was also the winner of the CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024 Cambridge City and District and Cambridgeshire.