“AD” – Why is this here?

Nestled on the tranquil banks of the River Great Ouse, the Pike and Eel is more than just a pub but a quintessential slice of Cambridgeshire life. For generations, this charming riverside hotspot has been drawing in locals and visitors alike with its idyllic setting and a rich history.

I was mesmerised by their autumn menu during my last visit. It was a faultless evening of culinary artistry, with indulgent comfort food that perfectly captured the harvest season’s colours and warmth. Discovering Chef Aveek Burman was developing a new menu, I jumped at the opportunity to revisit and experience his magic again.

The Landscape

In my opinion, there isn’t a better place on a hot summer’s day than the Pike & Eel. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with large sprawling gardens leading onto the river. Outdoor seating is plentiful with an abundance of space for children to play.

The river is teeming with boats, with couples and families rocking up for a couple of hours of R&R. I could see youngsters on the other side of the Ouse swinging themselves into the river on a rope from a tree. This is what life is about!

There is a spacious al fresco dining area alongside the restaurant, offering riverside views.

The Restaurant

The pub itself is absolutely huge and boasts a long, rich history with the original structure dating back to the 1700s (with some even suggesting a past that goes back even further!).

The Pike & Eel strikes a fantastic balance between heritage and contemporary style. You will still find the original old oak-paneled bar and its impressive fireplace in the pub area but the extension has been turned into a tasteful restaurant dining area, adding a more formal dining experience.

Skylights and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows are plentiful and fill the restaurant with an abundance of light and stunning scenic views of the beautiful countryside. It is truly a bright, spacious, and comfortable haven that can hold almost any number of guests. The room has its own bar which has been built using the original wood from the old marina, lending it to the possibility of events and private functions.

The beer

I was delighted to find one of my favourite beers on draught – Sapporo. This Japanese lager is a rare and welcome find in Cambridgeshire. Its light, crisp taste is perfect for sitting by the river on a hot summer’s day.

It would have been easy for The Pike & Eel to opt for a cheaper, more common lager, as a riverside pub, so I appreciated them going the extra mile to offer such a quality beer.

Starters

Smoked Haddock Croquette

The Haddock Croquette arrived on a light blue ceramic plate with a circular drizzle of lobster head aioli. It was then topped with a vibrant caper and olive salad, creating an all together visually striking dish.

Dynamite Chicken Wings

The Dynamite Chicken Wings were beautifully presented, a theme I was quickly starting to notice with all the dishes. It came with a plate of approximately 8 wings that were slathered with creamy buffalo sauce and fancy ranch. Needless to say, there was not a single hint of dryness. The chicken wings were a decent size and a lot larger than those measly ones you sometimes get with a starter. The chicken was soft but not overly “fall off the bone” tender but had a fiery kick that was quickly quenched by the creamy buffalo sauce and fancy ranch. There was so much going on that it felt like there was a party in my mouth! 🥳

Royal Kebab Tasting Platter

The Pike & Eel presents a separate weekly menu alongside its traditional menu. This rotates each month with a curry and tomahawk steaks appearing during previous weeks.

Tonight, we enjoyed the “Rollin’ with Kebabs” menu. This showcases a selection of four distinct dishes, each priced at £13. For those who want to try a bit of everything, a fifth option is available, a mixed platter that combines all the kebab varieties into one big plate!

The platter features delicious Chicken Tenders grilled with luxe saffron, with smokey flame-grilled Seekh Kebabs made from spiced lamb. Chargrilled Beef Roti cubes were marinated in spices bulldozed in with a punchy smokey flavour that worked oh-so well with the yoghurt dip. Finally, the Dahi Ke Kebabs, which are made from soft yoghurt kebabs, surprised me with a delightful sweet mango chutney in the center.

I couldn’t fault a single one, each was soft, tender, full of flavour but also had their own distinctive character and personality. It was a platter of excitement and a vibrant feast that was brimming with color and variety. I particularly enjoyed the bed of pita bread beneath, which soaked up the juices and flavours, creating a robust, meaty taste.

Mains

Red Honey BBQ Chicken

The Red Honey Chicken arrived with a side of brown-butter mash potato, crispy cabbage, and a charred lime, all generously coated in a rich demi-glace sauce. The chicken was served sliced, allowing the sauce to thoroughly permeate and prevent any dryness. I particularly enjoyed the sweetness from the honey, which added another delightful dimension to the overall flavour.

Spaghetti Riviera with Shrimps

The Shrimp Spaghetti Riviera was a revelation! It was generously coated with n’duja (my favourite) that invigorated the dish with a spicy pork flavour. This was beautifully complemented by mascarpone, which provided a very welcome creamy texture, while seaweed crumbs added a crispy pop to finish. The shrimps, though small, were abundant, ensuring that every single bite had one waiting for you.

Hummus Salad

The hummus and vegetable salad featured cucumber, lettuce, feta, and tomato. After a feast of meat, this was a very welcome and refreshing dish, though the pairing of hummus and salad didn’t quite work for me, especially without pitta bread.

Dessert

Caramel Crunch Cornflakes Brownie

The Caramel Crunch Cornflakes were a fun idea that truly delivered. The brownie, made from an incredibly dark chocolate, offered a rich flavor, while the caramelised cornflakes provided a crispy topping and a punchy sweetness that perfectly brought everything together. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and nuts, this was a truly memorable dessert.

New York Cheesecake

The New York Cheesecake was a well-executed and generously sized slice. It was enhanced by a mixed berry jam, which contributed an extra layer of fruity sweetness. The presentation was further elevated by a garnish of petals. Overall, it was highly enjoyable and looked visually pleasing by eye.

Something for everyone!

The Pike & Eel is a pub/restaurant that simply has it all. This beautiful historic pub serves one of my favorite beers on draught, which is surprisingly hard to find. You have the choice of soaking in the local history by sitting in the pub’s charming old section or dining in the modern restaurant extension that overlooks the scenic river.
If their traditional menu doesn’t quite hit the spot, you can always pick something from their Turkish Grill or one of their other rotating weekly menus. Any rational person would struggle to leave without finding something they love. And even if you somehow managed to, nobody could argue with the incredible value. Most main courses hover around the £15 mark, making it feel like you’re almost getting away with something at those prices (especially in this day and age). I have also caught wind of a new brunch menu coming soon… No doubt, I will be back for that

Thanks for reading!