Hotel du Vin Cambridge

The Cambridge branch of the Hotel du Vin chain, bang in the city centre, follows the well-trusted concept of wooden floors, banquettes, unclothed tables, restored fireplaces, plenty of prints and much evidence of viniculture. The kitchen is open to view and the team here put their focus on sourcing top-quality ingredients, with the knowhow to treat them comme il faut. Familiar bistro classics come in the shape of escargots bourguignon, or smoked haddock and leek gougère with gruyère sauce, then cassoulet, or sole Véronique. Dishes are accurately timed and combinations judiciously considered, from seared scallops with Serrano ham and smooth pea purée, through grilled steaks, perhaps with béarnaise, to crisp-skinned, tender roast cod with salsa verde and buttered leeks. To finish? What else but crème brûlée or tarte Tatin?