“AD” – Why is this here?

The closure of Sea Tree left a noticeable void in what is arguably Cambridge’s most diverse and vibrant restaurant street. But with the opening of Jay’s Fish & Chips over the summer, our iconic street finally feels a little more complete.

The Interior

The takeaway is small but functional. It is currently dressed up with festive lights for the Christmas season, with a bike mounted on the wall as a fitting tribute to Cambridge’s cycling heritage.

Fish and chips has been one of the worst-affected cuisines when it comes to recent food inflation. However, with cod priced at £8.50 and the standout fish burger at £6.50, I found the pricing to be fair, especially considering the central location on Mill Road.

Fish Burger

The fish burger was a thing of absolute beauty. It offered excellent colour, undeniable freshness, and a generous size, with the thick cod patty delightfully protruding in every direction.

Taking a bite delivered a satisfying crunch which was beautifully complemented by the freshness of the crispy lettuce and a peppery hit of rocket.

A generous dollop of tartar sauce

was used to prevent any dryness, and crucially, the bun held together without a struggle – This is what a fish burger should be, I couldn’t fault it.

Fish & Chips

Respect for the classic British dish was shown by wisely choosing not to get too clever or edgy with it (an easy mistake to make when surrounded by restaurants in a street known for food innovation). Instead, they execute it with careful love and care, with a result being a large, exceptionally crispy fish served on a generous portion of soft, fluffy, chunky chips. When something is already perfect, why try to change it?

Superb!

Jay’s is a great fish & chips joint and a much-needed addition to the Mill Road scene. I have spoken to several locals who are all genuinely delighted to have this option available to them again.

With so many diverse dishes from all over the world on this iconic street, sometimes there truly is no substitute for the humble British classic. I know I’ll certainly be back for more!

Thanks for reading!