Last Sunday, we decided to embark upon our first, slightly premature, autumnal roast dinner. I am one of these people who generally only likes to eat a roast dinner in the cooler months. There is something cosy about it. We took off on an unplanned, long walk in the Grantchester direction and fancied lunch. At 12pm, both Grantchester pubs were fully booked and unable to accommodate 4 of us so we looked slightly further afield at the Sole and Duck in Trumpington.

On arrival, our table was prepared (including the high chair we requested over the phone) and we were warmly welcomed by more than one member of staff. Our initial feeling was this was going to be a slightly more expensive meal than we had planned for; you have to order a 2 or 3 course set menu rather than just being able to go for the main as we normally do for a casual lunch. Two courses were costed at £32 and, by the end of the meal, each of us agreed that the food was worth every penny.

Between us, we ordered two lamb roast dinners, one pork and a vegetable pithivier. Now remember I like a cosy roast dinner. Mine was the pork; the gently steamed and roasted, tender vegetables were brightly coloured fairy lights adorning the plate. Generous slices of meat wore crisp crackling trench coats while the fluffy potatoes were surrounded in an outer shell as crunchy as fallen Autumnal leaves. The homemade apple sauce was like the fancy candle you buy around Halloween; adding the right level of sweetness to the plate. Everything presented was steaming hot including the generous serving of tasty gravy. I found that my well-sized Yorkshire pudding would have been improved without quite so much love from the oven.

For dessert, the dark chocolate panna cotta with hazelnut crumb rounded things off nicely for me whilst my friends enjoyed the sticky toffee pudding. The pride taken in every plate served was evident through to the end. My fellow diners agreed that their meals were also top standard.

Whilst the restaurant was not jam-packed and buzzing there was a vibrant atmosphere; more so in the front room (perhaps, wisely, our unruly high chair user wasn’t invited into this area). Some readers will know the location as the previous Wok and Grill- I can tell you that the interior is unrecognisable. Tastefully decorated in modern colouring whilst celebrating the heritage of the 17^th century inn it once was. The service was faultless. We were designated one waitress who checked in on us at appropriate times, was polite and cheerful throughout.

For those that choose to dine with their little ones in tow, there was a two course children’s menu costed at £13 and a number of very good high chairs available. We dined quite early, but I could see that other reserved tables had high chairs ready for their guests. Our waitress paid attention to our daughter and even made sure she got a sizeable scoop of ice cream before her afternoon nap. She spent a little time roaming around our table whilst waiting for food; this seemed acceptable during the early lunch service but may not have been if it were busier.

My feeling is that the Sole and Duck is a special occasion location; a birthday, anniversary, best-mate-finally-broke-up-with-that-d*** kind of place. You want to do your hair and show off your new shoes here. I am now scanning my calendar (and my friends relationship statuses) to find my next excuse to visit.