If you are reading this, you are experiencing the quintessential Sunday struggle: finding the perfect roast dinner.
It is easily the most-asked question in the Cambridge Foodies community, so I have gathered every single roast dinner review I have written across Cambridgeshire to create this definitive, living list. Whether you are looking for a show-stopping feast, a comforting classic, or something completely unexpected, we have got you covered.
Enjoy the guide, and remember to check back soon, as this list will be continuously updated!
The ‘Thor’s Hammer’ at The King Street Brew House
Not for the faint-hearted! This beast of a roast is officially made to be shared between six people, but if you fancy a proper challenge then give it a go solo (I won’t tell! 🤣). The star of the show is the staggering 88oz of slow-cooked beef. It is so unbelievably tender that the steak knives they give you are purely for show – the meat simply falls off the bone. They don’t skimp on the sides either, with unlimited Yorkshire puddings and rich gravy, which is uniquely brewed using their very own dark beer from the on-site brewery. Superb!
Taj Tandoori, Cherry Hinton Road
If you’re stuck in a roast dinner rut and think you’ve seen it all, this is the one for you. The ‘Boys From The Taj’ take their signature Pan-Asian magic and apply a brilliant Bangladeshi twist to the iconic Sunday roast. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a masterclass in fusion that works perfectly, delivering complex new flavours to a familiar classic. It’s a genuinely exciting option for food lovers looking for something completely different and totally delicious.
Lot 25, Willingham
If you’re searching for a roast dinner that delivers pure nostalgia and gives you that proper warm and fuzzy feeling, Lot 25 is the place to be. They tick all the roast dinner boxes; Huge portions, swimming in gravy, and quality ingredients. It is comfort food at its very best, served up in a recently refurbished, incredibly spacious, and welcoming restaurant, making it ideal for a big Sunday gathering.
The Crown, Fordham
The Crown in Fordham is doing something really special and sets the gold standard for a roast dinners in Cambridgeshire. The fire-roasted beef is the absolute star, being so soft your knife just glides through it, that is then followed by a mild smokiness and a perfect caramelised skin. You can tell they don’t take shortcuts here; the roasties are proper beef fat roast potatoes with that light, fluffy centre you only get from an oven, and the smoked cauliflower cheese is a punchy, gooey mess of joy. Even the kids’ roast is treated with total respect, serving up succulent chicken that puts the usual nuggets and chips to shame. With a massive, genuine gluten-free menu and portions that are frankly monstrous, it’s a masterclass in how a Sunday roast should be done.
Burleigh Arms, Newmarket Road
If you’re after a more elevated, ‘fine dining’ style roast dinner without the pretentious atmosphere, The Burleigh Arms is your place. It is served in a beautiful, historic pub right in central Cambridge, providing a perfect setting. Chef Kareen Roberts is the star here, delivering a brilliant, contemporary take on the classic Sunday lunch. Even better, he seems to defy the laws of economics, offering this high-quality, gourmet experience for an almost absurdly good price. High-end flavour without the high-end bill – thank me later!
Little Piggy Cafe, Fenstanton
When you think of a roast dinner, you often picture a huge, generous banquet, and that’s exactly what Little Piggy Cafe delivers. Applying all the skill from their award-winning catering service, they plate up a Sunday lunch that’s nothing short of spectacular. This is a roast dinner built for indulgence – a spread so lavish and perfectly executed, you’ll feel like royalty. Honestly, Henry the Eighth would be proud to have this one laid out on his table.
Why not burn off your meal with a quick visit to the zoo after?
Mucca @ Northstowe Tap & Social
Forget your typical Sunday roast, check out Mucca’s award-winning Beef Wellington which can be found at their pop-up events across Cambridgeshire. I managed to catch them at Tap & Social in Northstowe, and it was truly unforgettable. Chef William Hart brings his Michelin-star experience to the kitchen, and the result is a precisely executed masterclass in this iconic British dish. It is so unbelievably good it had me eating in silence with my eyes closed soaking in the flavour and texture.
Provenance Kitchen, Whittlesford
If you appreciate quality ingredients and meticulous cooking, Provenance Kitchen is an absolute must. Served in their purpose-built restaurant, it offers a beautifully sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. The food is simply stunning: think impossibly tender Hereford sirloin beef, impossibly crispy pork crackling, and a cauliflower cheese dish so good you’ll be talking about it for days. This one is not to be missed!
Hartford Mill, Wyton
Ok, ok, we know a carvery isn’t exactly a traditional Sunday roast, but it is close enough. The Hartford Mill delivers a roast experience that is genuinely hard to beat (and find) in Cambridgeshire. Often described as Cambridge’s answer to Toby Carvery, this cheap and cheerful spot consistently hits all the right notes. The beef is plentiful, the veg is fresh, and the atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious. Crucially, it even managed to impress my Northern family members who came down to visit, so you know it’s good!
The Dog & Castle, Woodwalton
Located in the beautiful fenland village of Woodwalton lies the Dog & Castle, the idealistic picturesque country pub that also serves the best example of a humble home cooked Sunday roast. The pub cat comes to greet you at the door while you sit in a historic pub full of quirky character and charm. All vegetables are included in the price and they also do a mean pizza too.
Carvery @ Johnson’s of Old Hurst
If you value locally sourced produce and meat reared and prepared from their very own on-site butchery, then look no further than Johnson’s of Old Hurst. This epic carvery gives you the choice between three different meat choices and unlimited visits back up to the vegetables.
Margaret’s, Chesterton Road
From the team behind the Michelin-rated Restaurant 22 comes Margaret’s – their innovative new sister restaurant. Forget everything you know about a traditional Sunday roast. Here, that classic is reimagined alongside a curated menu of experimental small plates and locally sourced ingredients. Experience a culinary journey built on innovation and local flavour.
The Plough, Coton
If you are looking for a straightforward Sunday roast that is beautifully executed, look no further than The Plough in Coton. This historic, family-run pub honours the traditions of a classic roast dinner without unnecessary overcomplication, and the results are exceptional.
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