Review: The Granta pub, Cambridge

Popular riverside pub The Granta recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment.

Outside is a revamped external bar and outdoor kitchen, combined with an improved snug seating area, while the interior of the establishment has been painted. The bar has also been totally transformed, and the kitchen has been extended making it possible to create more dishes from scratch.

In addition to the refreshed décor, the pub has also launched a new and improved menu full of seasonal delights, as well as traditional British pub staples like fish and chips and Charter pie. Indeed, when it came to deciding what to have, we were rather spoilt for choice.

As a starter, I went for the gin-cured salmon with a creamy dill sauce - which also came with pickled cucumber and rye bread. It was absolutely delicious, and a pleasing combination of tastes that I may well try to recreate one day.

My wife had the crispy duck, which came with lettuce, plums and hazelnuts - one of the Christmas-themed options - and commented that what she particularly enjoyed was the fact that the duck was genuinely crispy (it isn’t always the case!).

As a main course, I had the short rib and flank burger, which came with smoked Applewood cheddar, burnt onions, bone marrow crumb, gherkins, and skin-on fries. The meat was good and the burger was thick, but what really made it stand out was the gorgeous Applewood cheddar cheese.

Again, there is something for everyone among the main courses - chicken, fish, a vegetarian option, etc - and my wife went for the venison, which was served with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and blackcurrant and rosemary jus. I tried the venison and very much enjoyed it, although I didn’t regret my choice.

As side orders, we chose broccoli served with chilli and lemon, and the ‘truffle mac & cheese’ - which for me, along with the Applewood cheddar, was a particular highlight. We were pretty full so shared a lovely sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Drinks-wise, the mulled wine is a must, especially during this time of year.

As mentioned, a number of the options on the menu are seasonal so will change come January - so if you’re a fan of Christmas fare mixed with traditional pub food, head down to The Granta before then. The riverside views may not be as good during the winter nights but the food certainly is!

For more information, go to grantacambridge.com.

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