Eating & Drinking
As you would expect, Cambridge has a wide range of places to eat. Here is a selection of places that we like to visit - but of course this is only our opinion and there's an eclectic mix of places listed below so do check out their web sites before you book to make sure they're what you are looking for.
5-10 minutes' walk from Sayle House
The Old Spring
Our nearest pub (just a 5 minute walk) with a great atmosphere The Old Spring is buzzing with locals pretty much every night of the week. Good pub food, great beers & wine, and you'll need to book especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Thirsty
A quirky mix of wine merchant and wine bar, Thirsty has daily food vans outside and is buzzing with locals pretty much every night of the week.
The Waterman & No 30 Café
Another great local pub and café with a good choice of beers, The Waterman and the No. 30 cafe next door, are a good alternative to The Old Spring.
Restaurant 22
Under new ownership Restaurant 22 has been restored to its former glory, offering modern British cuisine based on fresh local produce. Booking ahead is now essential with generally a 4-6 week advance booking required for a specific evening reservation (although lunch time bookings appear to be more flexible.
Midsummer House
For an unforgettable night out, try Midsummer House. Head chef Daniel Clifford has won two Michelin stars since he took over this restaurant more than a decade ago. Delivering cuisine with a modern focus underpinned by classical French technique, Midsummer House is the only Michelin two star restaurant in East Anglia, yet is only a 10 minute walk from Sayle House. Booking in advance is essential.
Other Great Choices
The Old Bicycle Shop
At the southern end of the city centre, The Old Bicycle Shop is a favourite of ours. It has a relaxed atmosphere, with good food and some great beers. As the name hints this was the site of the oldest bicycle shop in Cambridge and there are plenty of nods to its old existence in the decor and design.
The Oak Bistro
This is a relaxed but elegant bistro serving great English food. It's a few doors down from the Old Bicycle Shop, just opposite the Catholic Church on the corner of Lensfield Road and Regents Street.
Tabanco
A traditional Andalucian style tapas bar with a great atmosphere and excellent food. The service is friendly and as it's tapas you can take your time and pick and choose dishes as you go. Excellent pork cheek and the chicken bon bons are really good.
Pint Shop
Cotto
Just a few minutes from the historical city centre, Cotto is run by Hans Schweitzer who was responsible for opening Midsummer House Restaurant back in the eighties. His international career in fine cuisine has now brought him back to Cambridge. The restaurant has recently moved from its own site and is now relocated to the Gonville Hotel opposite Parkers Piece.
Cambridge Chop House
Opposite Kings College chapel located on Kings Parade
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
A little further along the river is The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill. Overlooking Magdalene College it is situated by the bustling Quayside area at the northern tip of the historical city centre. The River Bar serves a range of cocktails, and as you would expect the core menu is based around 28 day aged steaks. For non meat lovers there are also fish and vegetarian options. The restaurant is located in a 19th century bonded warehouse which provides an atmospheric ambiance, overlooking the river Cam.
Cote Restaurant
French style
Loch Fyne
Fish restaurant
Stolen
For a relaxed meal or drink Stolen offers a casual "eating & drinking experience". Stolen, on King Street, is the new name for d'Arry's, and is run by the son of the original owner of d'Arry's.
The Punter
Another great pub to try is The Punter on the west side of Cambridge and just a 15-20 minute walk from Sayle House.
Bill's
Bill's is a lively, Bohemian style cafe/restaurant - also good for evening meals and brunch at the weekend.
Sala Thong
Sala Thong offers a taste of the Far East with wonderful Thai cuisine. Just a few minutes walk from the city centre and a short taxi ride from Sayle House.
Further afield
Fordham, near Newmarket - The White Pheasant
Country bar and restaurant