An insiders' small essential list of food and drink venues in Cambridge 2010
Excellent
- The Punter
- The Chop House
- Zara, Shelford
- Browns Restaurant
- The Free Press
- Savino's
- The Hole in the Wall
- Le Gros Franck
- Cristine Patisserie
- Teri-Aki
- Cote Bistro
Could Do Better
Links to Other Blogs/Sites
RSS Feed| February 7, 2010 |
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On the face of it this pub is easy to miss. Placed opposite the new Chop House, slightly out of the town center.
It has changed hands a few times, and now finally seems to have found its feet in Paul the chef, and partner in the business.
The bar offers a good selection of real ales (mostly Adnams at the time of writing), along with some quality draught lagers. The menu of mostly English and French style food is small and on freshly printer paper, which reflects the fact that it changes daily, and presents fewer dishes prepared extremely well. I suppose you could call it a 'gastro' pub, but it still cleverly retains the sense of a plain old pub.
The interior is cosy and well worn, and the feel of the place is not overly professional (in a good way). There is a large courtyard outside, next to a surprising addition, a converted barn, offering an alternative light
and airy place to sit. This impressive vaulted space is
popular for hiring out for private functions. I went to a wedding reception there recently which went down very well. The canapes provided by Paul were some of the best I have tasted at a wedding.
I eat here about once every couple of months and am always excited by the menu.
Verdict
It may be literally in the shadow of the 'St John's Chop House', but unlike the relatively static Chop House menu this one feels alive.
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| January 30, 2010 |
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On the corner of Kings Parade and Bene't Street, this prime location overlooking King's College has changed hands more times than I care to remember. It would seem that the current owners 'Cambscuisine' have the right idea in a good locally sourced British menu, and amongst the liquid offerings, a generous array of English beers from the barrel. The upstairs is light and airy with its glass sides, containing a small bar. Great sitting here in the day having a quick lunch and watching the world go by framed by views of historic Kings Parade. Below street level is a cleverly presented cellar seating area with a splattering of contemporary pictures to set the tone. I have eaten here numerous times, mostly upstairs for lunch (if I can get a table), and the cellar for dinner. The service is really good. Way above 'the norm'. You will not be kept waiting no matter how busy they are (I have rarely been here when it is just 'ticking over', always a buzz). I have tried various offerings on the menu but still think their sausages and mash, or bacon egg and chips are the best, over a pint of draught bitter. Back to the owners Cambscuisine. They have several places, including the Cock at Hemingford Grey and the Boathouse in Ely. The have also very recently opened another Chop House in Cambridge which I am interested to try. Verdict Slick, adding a layer of sophistication to wholesome. Not particularly cheap, but not overly expensive either. A great choice in Cambridge for an honest British menu. Comment on this |
| January 27, 2010 |
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When this Mexican takeaway arrived in Cambridge I was excited at the prospect. I simply love Mexican food. I am spoilt on that front with family living in California, where Mexican to them is as common place as our Indian food. My best experience was in Santa Barbara. A place called La Super-Rica. People travel miles to eat there, a cheap simple unassuming place with quite a following. The food is amazing, even the corn tortillas are freshly made in front of you. The guacamole has depth I have never tasted before. So my expectations were high for Nanna Mexico, run by Mexicans and established in 2005. My 'Big Ass Burrito' was covered up in foil to take out. I had most of the recommended ingredients wrapped up in a large flour tortilla. Tasteless comes to mind. The guacamole had no flavour. The tortilla leaked out so much watery fluid it was like wet cardboard. The beef was as far as I could tell one dimensional cheap mince. The chillis had no punch. Need I go on. Nanna Mexico seems to fill a gap. In other words if you are really hungry and want a speedy lump of inexpensive slightly unusual food then this is the place. It is not in my opinion a gastronomic Mexican experience. Verdict A perfect example of how simple food is very difficult to do well. I am disappointed with this place. I will go back to try another dish, but I do not have much confidence in an improvement in quality. On the other hand I would rather have some sort of Mexican takeaway in town than none at all. Comment on this |
| January 22, 2010 |
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If you are looking for a pub that is historically fascinating, beautiful, conveniently placed and large, then this is the one for you. Just do not expect good beer or good food. Quite the opposite in my experience and I am not the only one, read this linked article. The Eagle is owned by Corpus Christi College, with Green King managing it. Due to its landmark history (Watson and Crick first announcing their discovery of the structure of DNA over a pint, for example) and stature it is always packed out, much to the detriment of the customers, as it gives the impression of being an 'easy buck'. In my eyes the minimum effort is required to pull in the maximum capacity of paying public. Whilst it is most pleasant sitting down with a 'soft drink and crisps', soaking up the atmosphere in this extraordinary former coaching inn dating back to the Tudors, it is a real shame that such a gem of a place does not fully deliver. Verdict I often pop in as it is close to my work. But I can assure you that convenience is the only draw.
Jennie said...
I agree! I've thought so many times what a complete waste it is that this place doesn't do anything decent with its menu. Truly shocking, out-of-a-packet fayre. Great location, always busy, but an absolute zero for wine and food. Shame on you Eagle - why have you let it come to this?! Comment on this |
| January 20, 2010 |
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I have eaten in pretty much every single curry house in Cambridge over the years. There are loads of them, a very mixed bag. Only one place I visit is consistently good. By that I mean fresh, interesting, well prepared food, on the button every time. You have to travel a short distance out of Cambridge (5 mins drive), but don't let that put you off. Zara is literally on Shelford train station, in a converted station house. Long and cosy, adorned with funky modern art and immaculately dressed tables. It is always busy, so booking is a good idea at weekends. Like the interior, the Indian cuisine has a modern twist. Verdict This place raises the bar and makes it hard to return to other Indian restaurants in Cambridge. Comment on this |
| January 14, 2010 |
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There are times when a place is almost more interesting than the food served inside. Browns Restaurant was fashioned out of part of the Old Addenbrooke's hospital back in the late 80's. A spectacular dining experience with a grand entrance , high ceilings, and about 200 seats. Very colonial in style. It is nearly always busy, but you will mostly find a table quickly due to its size. If not there is always the impressive bar to wait at which offers really good cocktails. It may be a chain, but is has a special ingredient that generates a feeling of fun and enjoyment when you are eating there. The constant hubbub of conversation and cutlery echoing around the place provides its pulse. The efficient staff make you feel at home, and offer a very personable service considering the amount of covers they have to deal with. The food is good for the price. It is a solid menu, nothing spectacular and reasonably consistent, but who really cares about that when you have so much more. Verdict Browns is always a winner, whether you go for tea, a cocktail at the bar or a three course meal. I have never been disappointed. Comment on this |