“AD” – Why is this here?

Located on Round Church Street, The Orator takes its name from the Cambridge Union debating society next door. The bar boasts a 200-year legacy of hosting intellectuals, celebrities, and students for post-debate refreshments. Several years back, it transformed into a full-scale restaurant open to the public that celebrates this rich heritage while offering a sophisticated dining experience.

The restaurant’s centerpiece is the bar, which radiates a warm, atmospheric glow. Celebrity portraits line the walls while tasteful, yet subtle, Christmas decorations provide a festive touch that gives off an ambiance that is both refined and welcoming at the same time.

A good place for beer

Having visited several years ago, I discovered one of my now favourite beers, “Beasticus”, from the local Harston brewery, Brewboard. I was eager to see what they now had on offer on my return and I was delighted to find a crisp Brewboard pale ale. My guest enjoyed a Birra Moretti Unfiltered, a beer I was not even aware existed. 

The menu

Click here to read the menu.

The menu is reassuringly streamlined, featuring six mains, a dozen starters, and a separate festive menu. Our waitress was exceptionally knowledgeable about both the beer pairings and the kitchen’s specialties; on her recommendation, we picked our meals and by the end of the meal we were so glad we put our trust in her.

Spiced parsnip soup

The spiced parsnip soup was a personal highlight this evening. Unlike many other restaurants that often mask a vegetable soup with excessive cream, this balanced approach led to a robust and complex flavour that allowed the natural flavour of the parsnip to shine through. This resulted in a delicious yet velvety soup that really left a mark on me. 

Pork belly

My guest opted for the pork belly, which arrived colourfully garnished with red chilies. The portions were big and chunky, and while they leaned toward a firmer bite rather than being melt-in-the-mouth tender, I had forgotten how incredibly satisfying it is to sink my teeth into. The coriander added a mild spice with the sesame seeds giving a crunchy pop. Yum!

Christmas turkey

I generally avoid ordering Christmas turkey in restaurants, due to a long history of dry, lifeless servings that left me disillusioned with the meat. However, The Orator has restored my faith, as the stuffed turkey breast tonight was thick, succulent, and served with a generous coating of rich gravy. This is how turkey should be done.

Dare I love again?.🤣

The real star of the show, however, came from the curry butter brussel sprouts. They were an absolute triumph, being soft with a slight crunch and a mild spice that made them genuinely addictive. I found myself finishing the entire portion before even touching the rest of the plate!

While the roast potatoes were perfectly adequate, they were overshadowed by everything else on the plate, especially the exceptional pigs in blankets, which were wrapped in a thick, crispy bacon that really made them stand out above everything else. The cranberry sauce also deserved a mention. It was served as a generous portion that glowed with a thick ruby red colour and brought an otherwise savoury dish to life with a fruity sweetness that complimented everything it touched.

Duck Breast

The pan-seared duck breast was equally impressive. My guest described it as one of “the best examples of duck I have ever had”. Upon tasting a slice, I had to agree. The meat was plump, pink, and finished with a thick, crispy skin that had a caramel-like sweetness. Paired with a silky Madeira sauce and buttery Pomme Purée, it struck the perfect balance between fine dining elegance and wholesome comfort food. This is what you truly need in those cold unforgiving winter months.

Cheese board

We shared a cheese board to transition toward the end of the meal. Accompanied by large grapes, crackers, and membrillo, it was a fairly predictable but classic selection, tried and true that hit all the right savory notes at the end of the meal. Credit to the team for sourcing those grapes, as they were absolutely delicious.

Chilli Chocolate

For a final sweet kick, I chose the chilli chocolate. Served in a jar and topped with a zesty candied citrus peel, it provided a unique, vibrant end to the evening – a refreshing departure from standard chocolate desserts with a mild feisty heat that added an exciting dimension.

A wonderful evening

The Orator genuinely impressed us tonight with its interesting historic roots and modern British gastronomy that all combined together into a cosy evening of quality food. It is rare to find a venue that manages to feel both like a relaxed local restaurant and a sophisticated dining experience in one but they have somehow managed it. Whether you are there for a pint of local beer or a full festive spread, the attentive service and thoughtful menu makes it a great choice in Cambridge. I left not only impressed by the cuisine but convinced that turkey can actually be the star of the show again.

Thanks for reading