Merry Monk, The

The Merry Monk, tucked away in the Cambridgeshire fens and formerly a 17th century pub, is today a welcoming inn, renowned locally for satisfying their customers with generous portions of reasonably priced, traditional English and French dishes.

The ambience, complete with low ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams, is positively inviting, tempting you sample the wares from their kitchen, which are attractively displayed on their well laid out, linen covered tables. Unusual features like stainless steel charger plates make a meal at The Merry Monk especially memorable. You could choose to dine either al fresco in the garden or in the warmth of their cosy interiors.

Coquilles St Jacques - queen scallops seared in a white wine cream sauce - is a popular starter. For mains, slow roasted half a duckling glazed with honey and orange vies for attention with pan-fried line caught sea bass on dauphinoise potatoes with tomato chive and crayfish tails. These are served with a choice of vegetables and potatoes or rocket with parmesan salad and hand cut chips. Game and fish are firm favourites on the seasonally updated menu.

Round off with treacle and Thai ginger tart with vanilla custard or clotted cream from the venue's dessert list followed by an impressive cheese board, including Ilchester mature Cheddar and Exmoor Blue. The wines play their part well in supporting the food, and are especially strong in the New World department. Adnams ale is on tap to satisfy visiting real ale enthusiasts and this also maintains a link with the restaurant?s previous role as a village pub.

With separate lunch, dining and Sunday menus they offer plenty of choice and draw in the crowds, particularly at weekends, so it would be a good idea to book in advance.