Roast dinner at a Hidden Gem in the city centre
Exciting news from the Orator! Not sure, which restaurant I am talking about? You might not be the only one in Cambridge. It is still quite a hidden gem. I am not surprised as it is tucked away behind one of the most famous buildings in Cambridge, the iconic Round Church on Bridge Street. Although it is part of Cambridge University, unlike many other colleges locals have free access, and over the years, it has become one of their favourite places to hang out, especially during the summer months.
The Orator are good neighbours of the Cambridge Union Society, but completely independent. One of their main features is their stunning secluded garden in front of the Orator. Intimate and due to the set-up, it is never overcrowded, and at certain times of the week, you can sip a glass of wine, mocktail, or cocktail while listening to the fine tunes of live music. During the winter months, you can do the same inside the Orator.
Promoting free speech
The Cambridge Union Society, the world’s oldest debate society, has promoted free speech since 1815. It’s hard not to be impressed by the history of the venue. It is not only a debating society, but it has had many famous speakers who have caused long queues in Cambridge. Rober the Neiro was one of them. Whilst you have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, check out the photos on the wall of the celebrities who have spoken at the Cambridge Union.
What is new at the Orator
What is new at the Orator? Last Sunday, they launched their Sunday Roast, and I was delighted to be invited. Head Chef Nathan joined the team a while ago and is at the helm of the latest addition to their menu, Sunday Roast.
To be honest, I am not a big fan of Sunday Roasts. I don’t like soggy vegetables and food swimming in gravy. Sorry, it is not my kind of thing. Blame it on my upbringing. I am Dutch, and we don’t have Sunday Roasts in the Netherlands. That doesn’t mean I can be persuaded to have a tasty roast with a pile of crunchy, colourful veg and a slowly cooked roast with lots of flavour.
Our dining experience
January is always a quiet month for the hospitality industry, but the Orator was busy, and the Sunday Roast went down very well. I have to admit that Nathan has persuaded me to opt for a Roast Dinner in future instead of my usual choice, fish. My Porchetta was succulent, and the crackling was not just crunchy but very tasty. It was served on a huge pile of delicious buttery Savoy Cabbage, crunchy carrots, tenderstem broccoli and fluffy Yorkshire puddings on the side. The potatoes were fluffy and sweet with a crunchy bite. Spot on! And yes, the food was covered with gravy but rich and tasty. Just what a comforting Sunday Roast needs. My husband had the Roast Topside Beef with creamed Horseradish, a generous portion that was lovely and tender. We didn’t want to order too many sides as we expected the portions to be quite big, but a cheesy cauliflower is always hard to resist.
So what about dessert? We were tempted for a brief moment but couldn’t eat more, so I cannot report back on this. The only way to find out is to book a table and check out the desserts yourself. Keep an eye out for their social media, as they will launch a new menu soon!
Sunday Roast every Sunday
The Orator will serve their Sunday Roast every Sunday throughout the year. They also offer a Nut Roast as a vegetarian option. Extra Sides available: Cauliflower Cheese, Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding.
Booking a table is needed to avoid disappointment as the Orator is a popular venue.
Gerla
Invite – without obligation to share my experience
Gerla