Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location"><strong>THE LOCATION</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1194" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel.jpg" alt="the graduate hotel " class="wp-image-30010" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel-800x637.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel-1000x796.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel-400x318.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/graduate-hotel-660x525.jpg 660w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/garden-house-restaurant-cambridge/">Garden House</a> restaurant is tucked inside The Graduate Hotel on Mill Lane. It&#8217;s arguably the best placed hotel in the whole city, with a prime riverside position right by Scudamore&#8217;s punting jetty and with the stunning colleges and buildings of Cambridge to the right and open countryside and a nature reserve to the left. You can easily walk to the main shopping area from here, and top Cambridge attractions such as King&#8217;s College, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Mathematical Bridge (and Fitzbillies!) are mere minutes away. Garden House occupies a brilliant spot within this lovingly renovated hotel, right on the river, so you can enjoy your roast in the warmth watching Cambridge University rowers and brave winter punters glide by. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1330" height="880" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default.jpg" alt="graduate hotel cambridge reception " class="wp-image-30012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default.jpg 1330w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default-1000x662.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/home-1330x880-c-default-793x525.jpg 793w" sizes="(max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px" /></figure>



<p>The restaurant is named after the hotel that originally occupied this spot &#8211; Garden House Hotel &#8211; that was rebuilt after a fire in the 1970s in truly ugly style. Thank god then for Graduate Hotels who came along and did a brilliant job of taking a 70s eyesore and giving it a beautiful facelift in 2021. The interiors are spot on &#8211; quirky, cosy, inviting and fitting for a university town with books everywhere and clever nods to Cambridge&#8217;s history. The interiors and river will draw your eyes at all times meaning you completely forget the exterior, which will always be the ugly sister to its stunning historic college neighbours. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="661" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-lbb.jpg" alt="garden house restaurant " class="wp-image-29508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-lbb.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-lbb-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-lbb-400x264.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-lbb-794x525.jpg 794w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The restaurant is the lightest and most elegant part of the hotel, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river and pretty interiors inspired by the name. Think floral prints and sumptuous green velvets, spot on lighting and an open kitchen at the end. The ambience and atmosphere is just right &#8211; it&#8217;s neither too noisy nor too quiet &#8211; the vibe is elegant, but not stuffy and the staff are really friendly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-roast.jpg" alt="roast dinner " class="wp-image-29504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-roast.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-roast-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-roast-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/garden-house-roast-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Garden House is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, but we were here to try out the Sunday roast, which is already well-known for being up there with the best in Cambridgeshire. We were excited to give it a try as Garden House, with chef Adam Wood (from London’s award-winning Perilla) at the helm, is all about grill-focussed cooking that celebrates local and seasonal produce, and the Sunday roast is a modern take on the traditional. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1848" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast.jpg" alt="chicken roast dinner" class="wp-image-30019" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast-649x800.jpg 649w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast-812x1000.jpg 812w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast-325x400.jpg 325w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast-1247x1536.jpg 1247w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/chicken-roast-426x525.jpg 426w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I took my husband and two kids (ages 5 and 1) along for lunch, and although I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s probably more of an adult, refined vibe in the restaurant, we couldn&#8217;t have been more welcome. In fact, the staff genuinely seemed to love the kids (not something I&#8217;m used to in the UK!) and went out of their way to ensure they were just as well catered for as us. We didn&#8217;t want to push our luck though and make the kids endure three courses, so passed on starters (opting for the sourdough bread and butter instead) and went straight to the main event &#8211; the Sunday roast. If you&#8217;ve got a luxury of time, starters include things like salt cod fritters with roasted garlic aioli and pork terrine and brandy prunes. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1326" height="1484" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast.jpg" alt="beef roast dinner" class="wp-image-30021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast.jpg 1326w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast-715x800.jpg 715w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast-894x1000.jpg 894w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast-357x400.jpg 357w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/beef-roast-469x525.jpg 469w" sizes="(max-width: 1326px) 100vw, 1326px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a choice of four roasts for every taste &#8211; beef, chicken, sea bream and cauliflower steak. I opted for the roast free range chicken, while my husband had the roast rump of beef. My son had a mini chicken roast while my 1-year-old daughter stuck to her usual pre-packed diet of yoghurt and baby snacks! </p>



<p>We both agreed the chicken and beef had been cooked to perfection, and my husband made his usual sounds of delight at having a delicious cut of red meat to devour. I think you can tell a really good roast from the roast potatoes though, and these were sublime. You know those super crispy bits that everyone usually fights over at home? Well, every single potato at Garden House was a golden ball of crispy goodness and the portion was nice and generous. Turns out they triple cook the potatoes here &#8211; so any calorie counting needs to be left at the door! </p>



<p>The other sides were just as brilliant &#8211; honey glazed carrots, braised cabbage and huge Yorkshires. The sticky and salty gravy finished it off beautfifully, and I loved that they provided an extra jug before I had to ask! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1592" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart.jpg" alt="cambridge tart" class="wp-image-30033" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart-754x800.jpg 754w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart-942x1000.jpg 942w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart-377x400.jpg 377w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart-1447x1536.jpg 1447w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/cambridge-tart-495x525.jpg 495w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Last time we dined at Garden House we had one dessert we adored and one we weren&#8217;t so sure about, and the same happened this visit. My chocolate caramel and almond slice was decadent, delicious and looked gorgeous, while my husband ordered the Cambridge burnt cream tart. It came with a coulis that had a strong smokey taste that overpowered the dish and was nowhere near sweet enough for me. Might be a matter of taste though as my husband still hoofed it up! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1330" height="880" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default.jpg" alt="bedroom the Graduate Cambridge " class="wp-image-30029" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default.jpg 1330w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default-1000x662.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Riverview_King_Balcony-1330x880-c-default-793x525.jpg 793w" sizes="(max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px" /></figure>



<p>I haven’t rested my head at The Graduate Hotel since its rebrand, but if you are planning a stay, you’ll have 148 beautiful rooms, including 4 suites to choose from, with prices starting around £225 for the night. The hotel style is cool, quirky and really cosy with fun references to the amazing city, such as a double helix light above reception, college crest-shaped mirrors and 100-year-old punts hanging from the walls. Make sure to ask for a river view.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1.jpg" alt="cambridge river cam" class="wp-image-30027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/garden-house-1-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Everything that&#8217;s great about Cambridge is at your finger tips here, all within easy walking distance. Why walk to see the sights though when you can hop onto a punt right outside the hotel and enjoy a guided tour through acres of Coe Fen countryside all the way to Grantchester, a village so perfect they filmed an entire TV series here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1603" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children.jpg" alt="children walking by river" class="wp-image-30030" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children-749x800.jpg 749w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children-936x1000.jpg 936w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children-374x400.jpg 374w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children-1437x1536.jpg 1437w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/river-cam-children-491x525.jpg 491w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>A lovely post-Sunday lunch stroll by the River Cam</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>A Sunday lunch that feels a bit more special than your average trip to the village pub. The Garden House roast is traditional enough to suit anyone who likes their meat and two veg, but refined and modern enough for foodies looking for something exciting. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;Fussy kids wouldn&#8217;t fair particularly well here. My son enjoyed his main course, but his chocolate ice cream pudding was super rich and definitely more suited to adults. That said, the staff welcomed them with open arms, so it&#8217;s certainly child-friendly. </p>



<p><strong>The damage? </strong>Not bad at all considering the setting and calibre of the cuisine &#8211; £29pp for two course, £35pp for three. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.gardenhousecambridge.co.uk">Garden House</a>, The Graduate Hotel, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RT. Tel:&nbsp;01223 259970</em></p>


Review: Sunday roast at Garden House restaurant, Cambridge

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