An insiders' small essential list of food and drink venues in Cambridge 2011

I had heard good reports about this place. It used to be 'Lawyers Wine and Oyster Bar' a quirky establishment that had bags of character.

I walked by today and was put off having lunch there as all I could immediately see outside was a moderately expensive a la carte menu. But is was busy, and I am a sucker for white tablecloths, a touch of proper dining class in a world of trendy undressed wood effects.

This new incarnation in The Oak Bistro has changed the look and feel considerably.

Inside I discovered a lunch menu which offered two courses for £12.00. Sold. Looking around, the old bar in the front part of the restaurant had been cleverly cut in half to create a sense of space. The noise from the busy junction that this building resides on did not seem to permeate into the restaurant at all. I think the buzz of contented suited business diners probably helped.

The walls are adorned with very interesting art work by Nicholas Juett, who has a permanent exhibition here. The interior is relaxed, intimate and classy at the same time. There is also an option to eat in a charming walled garden.

The lunch menu looked good, and the wine list was well thought out, in other words wine choices by the glass were considered.

I ordered the squid and chorizo salad followed by prawn linguini.

The meal started badly as the oily dip for my bread tasted of nothing. The squid starter was utterly unexciting. All I could taste was chorizo. The main pasta dish literally had no flavour, apart from the heat of chilli. My bland prawns were not topped and tailed properly, leaving unwanted crunchy bits mixed in. The tomato sauce was like a warmed up tin of chopped tomatoes with no depth of seasoning.

Ok, so maybe I went on a bad day...and anyway what can you expect for £12...well do I expect to be wowed so I am drawn back to eat from the a la carte menu.

Verdict

Ignoring the food there are plenty of plus sides, including lightning service. I have a 'gut' feeling/hope that the Oak Bistro has more to offer, so I will go back at some point.

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