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Ely’s vibrant food scene just keeps getting better! Today, I headed down to the Griddle Bar & Meathouse on High Street Passage to check out their exciting new tapas menu.

While I am a big fan of the Griddle Bar’s usual steaks, burgers, and bacon baps, this hot summer weather had me craving something a bit more refreshing and fun. Their new tapas menu seem like just the right vibe to get into the spirit of the season.

The Griddle Bar might appear tiny from the outside but step inside and head towards the back, and it surprisingly opens up to a beautiful courtyard area, complete with ample seating and an overhead roof. We decided to make the most of this lovely space, settling in to enjoy a couple of their craft beers while we delved into the new menu.

Snigglers Hat (IPA) – 5.5%

Eel Catcher (Pilsner) – 5.1%

Pale Eel (Pale Ale) – 4.2%

I started with the ‘Snigglers Hat’ IPA. This fitting tribute to the historic Ely snigglers who used to catch eels by hand is very similar to the popular local IPA ‘Juice Rocket’ by the ‘Three Blind Mice’ brewery. It is a hazy and very fruity beer making it versatile enough to go along with any dish.

I also managed to get my hands on a pint of ‘Pale Eel’. It was my personal favourite of the three because of its smooth and bold characteristics that were accompanied by a surprising amount of depth and flavour.

The Menu

The menu had some great options available, from seafood, vegetarian, cheese & breads, and sharer boards. Prices averaged between £6.50-8.50 for tapas. I was disappointed not to see a tapas deal to encourage multiple plates like “3 for £15” or something. The grill menu serves significantly bigger dishes that are designed to share between friends so were firmly in the £18-25 mark.

Hummus

Hummus is always the perfect start to a meal, and this fine example was no exception. Garnished with paprika and served with warm flatbread, I was genuinely taken by the depth of flavour of the hummus; it truly stood toe to toe with anything I have tasted from Middle Eastern restaurants in Cambridge. The flatbread was the ideal companion – wonderfully soft, yet robust enough to act as a solid canvas for scooping up every last bit without any mess or trouble. Lovely indeed!

Jewelled Gazpacho

On a humid evening, nothing could have been more welcome than a bowl of chilled heirloom tomato soup. Finely diced cucumber and red pepper added not only a refreshing flavour but also delightful crunchy pops with every spoonful. These textures worked beautifully with the soup’s thick, creamy base and truly hit the spot.

Sausage time!

How many times have you been sat at a bar and just fancied a sausage? Perhaps it’s just me… though I know I’m not entirely alone! Thankfully, at the Griddle Bar & Meathouse, this very specific craving is met with two excellent options: a wild boar sausage served with apple sauce and honey-drizzled roasted fennel, and a distinct type of chorizo.

Our table actually got into a lively debate over which was our favourite, as they fundamentally offered entirely different experiences. The wild boar sausage provided a softer, juicier texture, with the apple sauce invigorating it with a delicious sweetness. In contrast, the chorizo was denser and delivered a genuinely spicy kick that really packed a punch!

Hispi Cabbage

The hispi cabbage is a fantastic vegetarian choice. Drizzled with a vibrant chilli butter, it offered an exciting kick that truly elevated the dish. While its substantial and dense texture meant it wasn’t as crispy as I might typically prefer, it proved to be a wonderfully hearty and satisfying plate nonetheless.

The Grill Menu

Moving on from tapas, you are given the option to order from their electric or charcoal grill. These are included on the same tapas menu with the idea to share between guests.

Chargrilled Octopus

The chargrilled octopus was nothing short of sublime! This stunningly presented dish arrived with black garlic mash, ‘Nduja, olive tapenade, and salsa verde. I was dining with an ex-fishmonger, who declared it the best example of octopus he’d had in some time. While many octopus dishes I have encountered over the years have been light and crispy, this one was wonderfully thick and meaty. The ‘Nduja invigorated it with a spicy flavour and the vibrant salad brought so much colour it practically jumped off the table, as if still alive. Marvellous!

Grilled Plaice

Next up, we enjoyed a whole roasted plaice that was beautifully presented in noisette butter and parsley. I particularly appreciated that it was left on the bone, which undoubtedly helped maintain its superb flavour. The zesty hit of lemon truly shone through the light, delicate, and wonderfully juicy fish, adding a vitality and energy that made it the perfect summer dish and that genuinely showcased the grill’s capabilities.

Pork Ribs

Without a doubt, the Pork Ribs stood out as one of the evening’s absolute highlights. This was a dish so universally adored by our table that we ordered a second plate! These are thick-cut ribs, coated in a delightful quince glaze and nestled in a rich romesco sauce, all finished with a fragrant sprig of rosemary. Truly, they were absolutely delicious!

Tagliata & Fritas

The tagliata is a truly impressive creation, featuring chargrilled bavette steak that is served in boneless strips and cooked rare/medium-rare. It arrives atop a generous bed of chips, then crowned with a fried egg and truffle oil. The result is a hearty, beautifully presented, and utterly delicious dish, perfect for sharing. The steak itself was mouth-watering and incredibly tender, vanishing from our table in mere seconds – a sure sign of a truly great dish!

Ely’s Food Scene Gets A Little Richer

The Griddle Bar & Meathouse has truly evolved beyond just a meat house. They have innovated brilliantly, adapting to the warm season with an exciting variety of tapas dishes that perfectly match their new summer garden. With new seafood, inventive vegetarian options, and those standout sausages, their appeal is now far wider. As one of the only place in Ely offering tapas, complemented by their unique brand of craft beer, it’s a must-visit. Make sure you check it out and let us know your thoughts on the Cambridge Foodies group.

For more info on the Griddle Bar & Meathouse in Ely, read our in-depth review here.

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