Cambridge Chop House, The

With a name like Cambridge Chop House, one can assume that meat is not in short supply there. It's not just meat but the local ales served straight from the cask, attentive service, and classic British food that draw locals and tourists alike. Located in the corner of Kings Parade and Benet Street, with an entrance on the main street, this vast underground space has been meticulously transformed into a spacious restaurant.

Split over two levels, you could pick a table outside and sip a beer as you watch the world go by, or just head to the basement where the cavernous feel is accentuated by the white washed brick walls and ample lighting, brilliantly contrasted by the polished wooden tables. The cosy little nooks with leather banquettes could just be the place for a group of friends to meet for a good gossip, away from eavesdropping neighbours, and indulge in some delicious food.

The kitchen's philosophy is evident in their dishes, all British fare focusing on seasonality and loyalty to local suppliers. Starters range from cold sliced beef with green sauce, crayfish, prawn and crab cocktail and pressed ham hock terrine, to salads such as tripe and horseradish; herring, cucumber, new potato and dill, or seared wood pigeon, mushroom and tomato. Robust main courses of Grasmere Farm thick cut bacon comes with duck egg and chips, and a 16oz beef chop with roast vegetables and wild mushroom sauce, while a whole sea bass is accompanied by new potatoes and wholegrain mustard sauce.

Those keen on Sunday roasts will be happy to know that here they do them every day at lunchtime. The blackboard lists the available sausages with different varieties of mash and sauce, in addition to meat pudding of the day.

To finish there is Trinity burnt cream, fruit crumble with custard, and chocolate tart with ice cream. The wine list, which includes a Suffolk sparkler, is well thought out and achieves a primary Chop House aim - to provide quality at sensible prices.

If you thought Cambridge was only a favourite with scholars and academics think again, because this chop champion aspires to give everyone a reason to visit Cambridge. A quick click on their Website will tell you why.