brasserie at John Lewis
British
0.5 miles
Grand Arcade, 10 Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DS
The huge plate glass windows of John Lewis' stylish brasserie provide a stunning view of the Cambridge skyscape and the birds that wheel and soar over its ancient roofs. We arrived too late for breakfast (staff joked that many fathers enjoy a full English while mum shops); instead, we were tempted by the tantalising smell of the Sunday roast.
To start, we opted for the generous bowl of mushroom soup and a butternut squash tart topped with a fun arrangement of carrot crisps and celery cress - both are a light lunch in themselves. Next, the confit Gressingham duck leg was moist and succulent, while the Sunday roast itself, a large portion of tender lamb, more than lived up to expectations. The service throughout was well-judged: pleasant and prompt. Chef Marcus Hall even took a moment to chat with us. He explained that, although the menus are national, the kitchen team do have a chance to influence dish choices while working within the well-known and respected John Lewis brand.
The meal reached its crescendo, and, as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The trio of chocolate desserts we shared were gorgeous and elegant - a luscious mousse, a fudge cake and a dark chocolate tartlet with a clever sprinkling of salt crystals.
As we left people began trickling in for afternoon tea; outside, the birds were still wheeling
To start, we opted for the generous bowl of mushroom soup and a butternut squash tart topped with a fun arrangement of carrot crisps and celery cress - both are a light lunch in themselves. Next, the confit Gressingham duck leg was moist and succulent, while the Sunday roast itself, a large portion of tender lamb, more than lived up to expectations. The service throughout was well-judged: pleasant and prompt. Chef Marcus Hall even took a moment to chat with us. He explained that, although the menus are national, the kitchen team do have a chance to influence dish choices while working within the well-known and respected John Lewis brand.
The meal reached its crescendo, and, as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The trio of chocolate desserts we shared were gorgeous and elegant - a luscious mousse, a fudge cake and a dark chocolate tartlet with a clever sprinkling of salt crystals.
As we left people began trickling in for afternoon tea; outside, the birds were still wheeling
Open: brasserie Open: Mon & Tues 9am-5.15pm; Weds 9am-7.15pm; Thurs-Sat 9am-5.15pm; Sun 9am-4.15pm espresso bar Open: Mon & Tues 9am-5.30pm; Weds 9am-7.30pm; Thurs-Sat 9am-5.30pm; Sun 9am-4.30pm
