Ok, I’ll admit it: I initially visited The Chubby Frog purely because of the name. With a title like that, how could I not?

As part of my ongoing Sunday roast journey across Cambridgeshire, I decided to visit this pub after seeing it mentioned frequently within the Cambridge Foodies community. I made a point of avoiding any prior research, wanting to embrace the surprise of the experience fully and I am glad I did.

From the outside, the building looks rather ordinary, but that is where the deception lies. Upon entering, you are transported into a space that feels like a traditional pub but reimagined with bright, bold colours and fairy lights that create a wonderful atmosphere. The centrepiece is a lovely fireplace surrounded by a rather fetching armchair. I could easily imagine sitting there with a friend, putting the world to rights over a whisky. It is a truly unique space with a level of character that is hard to find, even in a city like Cambridge.

The menu is ambitious, featuring everything from roasts and burgers to waffles, steaks, and pizzas – with a brunch menu also available on bank holiday Mondays. Prices sit firmly in the central Cambridge bracket, with pizzas at £15 and burgers with chips for £17. With those price points, I was expecting big things all the way out on Caxton.

The Roast

While the mixed meat roast was priced at £30, I opted for the leg of lamb at £24. This arrived with a Yorkshire pudding, a selection of seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, and a jug of gravy.

Because the meal was split across two plates, the initial presentation felt a little bare. However, this did allow me to appreciate the three cuts of lamb, which were a lovely pink colour. The skin was well-rendered, offering a caramelised flavour that gave way to a soft, tender centre.

Once I added the vegetables, the plate looked far more impressive and vibrant. The mix included carrots, greens, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and runner beans. Everything tasted fresh and of decent quality, though much of it appeared to be steamed, which was a slight disappointment for a premium roast.

​The gravy was served in a fair-sized jug, yet it did not quite feel like enough for the portion size. The flavour was perfectly fine, though it was nothing to write home about and perhaps a little thin for my personal preference. I also asked for a side of mint sauce and was given a minuscule portion that was barely worth adding to the plate.

The roast potatoes, however, were fantastic. They featured a thick, crispy skin with a light, almost powdery innards. They were incredibly consistent – almost as if prepared in a specialised machine – and they worked brilliantly.

The Burger

My son opted for the brisket burger, lured in by the promise of nacho cheese (he is only 15, after all). This was loaded with pickled gherkins, bacon, onion, lettuce, and tomato chutney.

​While it looked fairly ordinary at first glance in its brioche bun, opening it up revealed a chaotic, delicious mess that screamed flavour. I did not get to try it myself, but the verdict from across the table was that it was absolutely delicious.

The Drink

I noticed a Chubby Frog lager on tap and tried it for research purposes (😉). Although the bar staff could not tell me much about who produced it, it was certainly superior to your standard mainstream lagers. It was light, crisp and I actually think it would pair beautifully with something delicate like sushi; shame that wasn’t on the menu!

The Verdict

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to The Chubby Frog. It is a venue brimming with personality and supported by a lovely staff team. My main critique is that the menu feels a little too large and spread thin; it tries to be everything to everyone rather than specialising in one or two show-stopping centrepieces and it clearly shows.

While the roast was perfectly pleasant and would not offend anyone, it sadly won’t be making it onto my top Sunday roast list. It is a shame, as the character of the pub made me really want to fall in love with the food.

Thanks for reading