As I head down into Clare Cellars to meet Jamie Binns, former Bar President from Easter 2024 to Lent 2025, I’m struck by how silent the place is in the daytime. The usual loud music and laughter are noticeably absent, and only the soft glow of the neon red “Clare Cellars” sign on the wall behind hints at its famously vibrant nightlife.

Despite catching Jamie outside of the typical mayhem and hubbub, I still manage to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into managing one of the most iconic student bars in Cambridge.

Name, college, year, subject?

Jamie Binns, Clare College, 2nd year, Geography.

“The workers that we choose to hire very much define the space and I believe that the bartenders create the night’s culture”

What inspired you to become the President of Clare Cellars?

I started working in the bar as a fresher and it was a great way to meet people across different year groups. I was always working with 30 other students, which definitely helped with meeting people as well. I quickly got attached to Cellars as a place- it is definitely the social hub of my time at Cambridge.

Running for President came from a love for the space. I wanted to bring a new energy into it, as well as continue being part of the vibrant social scene that I love.

What is the best part of being Cellars’ President?

Getting to hire a new batch of workers, who are equally invested in the new committee, which manages the events and the bar. The workers that we choose to hire very much define the space and I believe that the bartenders create the night’s culture so it’s super important. Our new President, Erin Connelly, was hired by me last year. Being able to cultivate Cellars as a space, by choosing and bringing in new workers, is what I enjoy the most.

What are the main responsibilities of managing such a space?

“I wanted to bring a new energy into it”

The President manages the Clare Cellars Committee and works with the College to keep them happy. We might run Clare Cellars, but they own it! I also had to keep the student body happy and represent students’ interests with the range of events that we put on. On a daily shift though, the President is no different to any other worker.

Tell me about a regular night working at Cellars?

Honestly, I am just another bar worker. Maybe I know a bit more about where the stock is or how to change a keg than other workers.

Regarding the dwindling nightlife crisis around the country, were there any challenges that Cellars faced?

Yes! The college really pushed us to increase drink prices. Though inflation is obviously understandable at the moment, drink affordability is really important. It’s what brings students to the space rather than going to the other pubs in Cambridge, where a pint is five or six pounds. I tried to offer different suggestions instead of increasing our prices and we focused on getting our money from the events that we put on.

Looking back, if you could change anything about your time, what would it be?

Having more financial freedom to redesign the space would be great. I was very financially sensitive and didn’t end up buying any new things for the bar. I would love to eventually have a jukebox, some lower lighting lamps, and put up loads of art or doodle boards. Cellars is a great space for events, but on a quiet night it can be quite harsh with just the bricks, so it would be nice to add those touches to make Cellars a place students would like to spend time, regardless of whether there are events going on.