Lying just outside Cambridge in the scenic village of Grantchester (yep, the one from the TV detective show), The Rupert Brooke’s unique city-meets-village scene is a vibe. 

Named after the English war poet who once lived there, it’s an eye-catching eatery with splashes of colour – vivid blue light shades, yellow banquets, tapestries and striped chairs – combining to create a brilliant backdrop which wouldn’t look out of place in a top London restaurant. Step outside, however, and you’ll find yourself on a terrace with sweeping views of the tranquil Cambridgeshire countryside. 

The food’s as exciting as the decor, think local pheasant breast with black cabbage, cherry and chestnuts, or caramelised fig tart with creme fraiche, pickled walnut and beetroot. Muddy’s a big fan of the dessert menu here too – the only problem being which to choose when Cambridge burnt cream and shortbread, spiced apple and pear crumble and a local cheeseboard with quince and crackers are on the menu. 

This is a great spot for a date night – the cocktail list is on point with mixes made by Edmunds Cocktails in nearby Bury St Edmunds, plus we’re also partial to the gin menu which includes tipples from Grantchester-based The Cambridge Gin Distillery. However it’s also family-friendly with a kids’ menu, plenty of outside space to roam and a cracking Sunday ‘sharing roast’ we regularly dream about, which includes chateaubriand, thyme-roasted chicken, sausage meat stuffing, garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, buttery veg, giant Yorkshire puds and lots of gravy. And don’t forget Fido, because there’s a dog menu for pooches too. 

Want to combine a trip to Cambridge with lunch at The Rupert Brooke? You can always hire a punt (Muddy rates Scudamores) along the River Cam to Grantchester, then work off the calories with a 45-minute stroll through the meadows back to the city.